Get ready, 12th Man! The Lions have just taken their first bold steps towards the 2023-2024 season, trimming down their roster to the crucial 53 players. Some of these moves have been whispered in the corridors of the NFL, but now, it’s official.
Released Players
In a move as impactful as a hail-mary touchdown, Detroit released a handful of experienced players:
- Cornerback Essang Bassey
- Receiver Daurice Fountain
- Cornerback Javelin Guidry – Let’s hope he continues to run like he’s late for a date!
- Linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe – a name we struggled to pronounce, but a player filled with potential.
- Offensive Tackle Jamarco Jones
- Receiver Tom Kennedy
- Tight End Sean McKeon
- Safety C.J. Moore
- Defensive Lineman Pat O’Connor
- Defensive Lineman Kyle Peko
- Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones – A name known as smooth as his routes.
- Quarterback Nate Sudfeld – The man who flashed moments of brilliance, now gets a fresh start elsewhere.
- Linebacker Ty Summers
Waived Players
Adding to the drama like a fumble at the goal line, the Lions also waived these players:
- Linebacker Mitchell Agude
- Receiver Maurice Alexander
- Linebacker Abraham Beauplan
- Defensive Lineman Mathieu Betts
- Guard Jake Burton
- Receiver Jalon Calhoun
- Offensive Lineman Duke Clemens, an anchor in the trenches.
- Long Snapper Scott Daly
- Receiver Kaden Davis
- Center Kingsley Eguakun
- Quarterback Jake Fromm
- Running Back Jake Funk
- Safety Chelen Garnes
- Cornerback Steven Gilmore, sibling legacy wasn’t quite enough this time.
- Center Bryan Hudson
- Running Back Jermar Jefferson
- Running Back Zonovan Knight
- Tight End James Mitchell
- Defensive Lineman Chris Smith – A beast on the field but now looking for a new pride.
- Defensive Lineman Isaac Ukwu
- Cornerback Rachad Wildgoose, whose name was as memorable as his game.
- Tight End Shane Zylstra
Adding a twist to this story, defensive lineman David Bada was waived with an injury designation. Sometimes, even the toughest players can’t escape the grasp of the injury bug.
Injuries and Reserves
Offensive lineman Christian Mahogany has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, sidelining him for at least four weeks. He’ll be eligible to make his comeback post Week 4, and we’re all counting down the days till this oak of a man returns!
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Brodric Martin and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley have been placed on injured reserve but are designated to return. Like a phoenix, they’ll rise again from the ashes, eligible to hit practice fields in four weeks. The Lions’ den eagerly awaits their return!
And so, as the roar of the Lions echoes through the NFL, this roster trim down marks only the beginning. The battle for gridiron glory continues with these fearless gladiators poised for the season ahead!
