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2024 Detroit Lions 1-0: Lions lock horns with Rams and come out on top. Waiting for comments from Kelly Stafford. (23 Viewers)

Tracy Walker signed to the 49ers practice squad, with the intention he’ll be called up Week 1.



Linebacker Trevor Nowaske is back to fill the 53rd spot on Detroit's roster after he was claimed off waivers.

7 LBs 4 WRs?

OK
 
BREAKING: No Detroit Lions players that were cut have been claimed off waivers, per @ttwentyman

Now we wait to see who the Detroit Lions will bring back on the practice squad
 
Tim Patrick signed with their PS.

Might wind up being helpful before it's all over.
They need somebody. I don't care what anyone thinks about the playoff loss, this team is going to miss Josh Reynolds a lot.
When Reynolds came aboard mid season and St. Brown became acclimated the Lions passing game was no longer abysmal.

That said I remember how stunned Campbell was after the San Francisco playoff loss. He Mentioned how guys who had made plays all year didn’t make them. Don’t know if Lions or Reynolds wanted to move on.

But with Reynolds not there it left a hole that needed to be filled. How that hole was fixed seems somewhat like happenstance.

Patrick if healthy looks like an adequate replacement. Lions still seem thin at WR and dependent on Jamo being a consistent WR2
 

Practice Squad signings

Detroit Lions 2024 practice squad members (16 players max)​

  1. QB Jake Fromm (source)
  2. RB Jermar Jefferson
  3. WR Tim Patrick (story)
  4. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (source)
  5. WR Allen Robinson
  6. WR Tom Kennedy
  7. iOL Kingsley Eguakun (source)
  8. OT Jamarco Jones
  9. TE Shane Zylstra
  10. TE James Mitchell
  11. EDGE Isaac Ukwu
  12. EDGE Mitchell Agude (source)
  13. DT Chris Smith
  14. DT Kyle Peko
  15. DT Pat O’Connor
  16. S C.J. Moore
 
[Detroit Football Network]

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions went light at receiver on its initial 53-man roster, carrying just four, but are compensating through the construction of the team’s 16-man practice squad.

The Lions announced the signing of three receivers to the unit, including veterans Allen Robison and Tim Patrick. They’ll join practice squad regular Tom Kennedy. Additionally, there are multiple reports Donovan Peoples-Jones is expected to fill the unannounced 16th spot with the group.

Robinson, the Detroit native, has had a highly productive 10-year career that includes a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. His best season came in 2020, while with the Chicago Bears, when he caught 102 passes for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns.

In recent years, Robinson’s production has plummeted. He struggled to mesh with the Los Angeles Rams after signing there as a free agent in 2022. And last year, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he finished with a paltry 280 receiving yards despite starting all 17 games and logging more than 700 snaps.

Robinson spent this offseason with the New York Giants.

Patrick, who was reported to be joining the Lions Tuesday night, is two years removed from playing in a regular season game after tearing his ACL and Achilles in back-to-back years. Before suffering those devastating lower-body injuries, he averaged 52 catches for 738 yards and 5.5 touchdowns the previous two campaigns.

In addition to the four wideouts -- once Peoples-Jones joins the mix -- the Lions brough back 12 familiar faces who camped with the team this offseason. That group consists of linebacker Mitchell Agude, center Kingsley Eguakun, quarterback Jake Fromm, running back Jermar Jefferson, offensive tackle Jamarco Jones, tight end James Mitchell, safety C.J. Moore, defensive lineman Pat O'Connor, defensive tackles Kyle Peko and Chris Smith, defensive end Isaac Ukwu and tight end Shane Zylstra.

Fromm is the most remarkable name on that list. The young, veteran quarterback was signed during the late stages of training camp as an insurance option after Hendon Hooker suffered a concussion.

Hooker ended up getting cleared quickly, preventing Fromm from taking a single practice rep prior to entering the preseason finale in the fourth quarter.

Regardless, he impressed in that outing, earning a job over veteran Nate Sudfeld, who spent most of training camp as the No. 2 QB behind starter Jared Goff.
 
Glad to get Ukwu back. Allan Robinson is pretty much trash at this point, but smart to let a few veterans fight it out on the practice squad and see who emerges.

The one that makes me happy is Fromm over Sudfeld. Regardless of his supposed strengths of familiarity with the system & his game plan prep work, he always looked completely lost on the field.

Jake Fromm comes in without a single practice rep & blew him away. That was impressive & deserved to be rewarded.
 
Brad played the cuts perfectly. Tim Patrick was a perfect addition under the circumstances. Jamo is going to produce so much more than Reynolds, he will not be missed. Got Fromm and Ukwu to clear waivers was a win. I am shocked no one picked up Peko, he could come in handy if any injuries on the DL interior.
 

Practice Squad signings

Detroit Lions 2024 practice squad members (16 players max)​

  1. RB Jermar Jefferson
  2. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
  3. TE Shane Zylstra
  4. TE James Mitchell
If I'm not mistaken these 4 were on the active 53 last year and now they are not. That's a good thing when it comes to depth, right?
 

Practice Squad signings

Detroit Lions 2024 practice squad members (16 players max)​

  1. RB Jermar Jefferson
  2. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
  3. TE Shane Zylstra
  4. TE James Mitchell
If I'm not mistaken these 4 were on the active 53 last year and now they are not. That's a good thing when it comes to depth, right?

I am comfortable with most of the guys on our practice squad stepping in if need be. The WR PS group is nothing but a bunch of big question marks, but I like the 5 WR on the 53-man roster. The depth on this team is very solid.
 
DPJ officially added to the practice squad, CJ Moore released off the unit and John Cominsky moved to IR.

Lions have one open spot on both the main roster and their practice squad, temporarily.
 
Great quote from Sheila Hamp that was posted on Jamo’s IG a couple days ago

“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose … until you lose!



Brad Holmes and Ray Agnew spoke for 36 minutes this morning.
  • Holmes said calls with agents has changed. Had to do a lot of convincing to get players to come in Detroit when he first got here. Now agents want to send their players here.
  • Building on this, said agents of every wide receiver and kicker were beating down Detroit's door to get there guy here this offseason.
  • Brad Holmes said he's lived in a lot of places and he's never experienced anything like Detroit. Said he was a little naive and didn't believe his uncle, former Lion Luther Bradley, when he said this fan base was different. Holmes said he'd put Lions fans against any in the NFL.
  • Holmes does admit that they are looking to add a veteran kicker to the practice squad.
  • On Jakes Bates, Holmes said we naturally want certainty, but there's excitement in the unknown with the young kicker's upside. The organization feels good about the way is Bates is wired, which adds to the team's confidence. "If he does miss one, it doesn't bother him."
  • Assistant GM Ray Agnew said the organization has seen tremendous growth from Jameson Williams this offseason, both as a player and as a person. Notes the young receiver has better learned how to approach the game as a professional.
  • Holmes compares Hooker's development through first two offseasons to his growth through his college career. Holmes said the player is "wired right" which is where organization's confidence comes in making him QB2.
  • Holmes says he was always a fan of Jake Fromm, even dating back to his winning ways in high school.
 
DPJ officially added to the practice squad, CJ Moore released off the unit and John Cominsky moved to IR.

Lions have one open spot on both the main roster and their practice squad, temporarily.

It should either be a DT or WR moved up depending on the health of Reader. If Reader can't go week one, Pecko will get moved up. If Reader is ready, it will either be Patrick or DPJ depending on how well Patrick is picking up the offense.
 

Full recap of Brad Holmes' press conference: Backup QB decisions, WR depth, McNeill contract status and more

AUG 29

Allen Park — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes typically meets with local media fewer than 10 times each year, most of which is concentrated around the NFL draft.

Here’s his annual calendar: A season postmortem in January (or February), the combine, the league meetings in March, a pre-draft press conference and three short sessions after each night of the draft.

From the draft until the end of the following season, Holmes typically meets with the group once — between roster cuts and before Week 1.

But it's also usually one of his longest Q&A’s. On Thursday, Holmes and general manager Ray Agnew fielded questions for nearly 36 minutes, mostly discussing the team’s recent roster decisions, from quarterbacks to receivers to the recent addition of a seventh off-ball linebacker.

● Let’s start with Detroit’s quarterback decisions, because it’s the questions I used to lead off the morning press conference.

First, I wanted to know at what point did Holmes feel comfortable with Hendon Hooker as the team’s primary, and sole, backup to starter Jared Goff. More than anything, curiosity was piqued by the contrast of how Nate Sudfeld had been talked up as the leader in the clubhouse to serve as the No. 2 up to the day before he was released by the organization.

“I would say there wasn't one moment,” Holmes said. “The more reps he got, the more confident he got. And the more he played, the more confidence that we had in him as it went on. When I look back at Hendon, going back to his college career, really what he's doing right now is not a whole lot different than what his college path was. When he came out of Dudley High School, back at Virginia Tech, he didn't just become the guy; he had to work and grind. He had to work and battle and wait for his time. Eventually, it came. Then when he hit the portal and went to (Tennessee), it was the same thing. He was competing, he was battling, he had to be behind somebody, and he just kept putting the work in.

“We have confidence in him because he's wired right to go through that,” Holmes continued. “He's already proved he can go through that. So I think he's really taken the same kinds of steps that he's always taken, but, obviously, you see the talent and ability that he has. He gave a lot of life and spark to the offense when he had his opportunities. And he's still learning and he's still growing. But that's what when into it."

Hooker capped his preseason audition by leading a come-from-behind victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Appearing in portions of all three exhibition contests, the second-year QB completed 29-of-44 throws for 300 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also impressed with his dual-threat ability, rushing for 138 yards and a score on 19 carries, which were mostly scrambles.

● Maybe more surprising than the Lions parting with Sudfeld is the team went with Jake Fromm as a third option on its practice squad.

Fromm arrived late to camp — insurance while Hooker was briefly sidelined by a concussion — and never took a practice snap before entering the preseason finale in the fourth quarter.

Still, he was able to do enough in that brief appearance to strengthen an already favorable opinion Holmes had of the QB prior to his arrival, dating back not just to the University of Georgia, but Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Georgia.

“I guess the best thing I can say is — and I tell young kids all the time, the kids at the combine, speaking to the quarterbacks, some guys, they don't want to throw,” Holmes said. “They don't want to work out because they're not working with their guys. They want to wait until their orchestrated pro day and all that. And same with all-star games, to an extent, too. But when a quarterback can go out there and operate and be accurate for guys that he has not been working with, that's impressive. And it wasn't just that. Obviously, there's a lot of other stuff he's shown that was not seen on film. But he was impressive in a short time.”

“…I give the kid credit,” Holmes said. “His mindset wasn’t, ‘I’m coming in as insurance.’ His mindset was coming in as ‘I’m coming in to compete and do something with this opportunity.’ He did some things even before that game during practice, but in the game, when he got his opportunity, he just took full advantage of it.”

Fromm completed six-of-eight throws in that fourth quarter for 89 yards. The sample size is minuscule, but his 110.9 passer rating was the best of Detroit’s three quarterbacks this preseason.

● Moving on to wide receiver, Holmes reiterated the team pushed to bring back Josh Reynolds this offseason, but the two sides weren’t able to come together on terms.

“You can’t get everybody that you want back,” Holmes said.

The Lions reportedly offered Reynolds two years, $5.5 million, but he ended up getting a two-year, $9 million offer from Denver, with more than $4 million guaranteed. That’s a pretty easy decision for the player.

Clearly, the replacement plan hasn’t gone according to plan. The Lions are carrying just four receivers on their initial 53-man roster with a noticeable lack of size in the group. But they’ve compensated for the deficiency with the construction of their practice squad, which includes Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson and the return of Donovan Peoples-Jones. All three are at least 6-foot-2.

With newcomers Patrick and Robinson, Holmes said the team is prepared to be patient during an acclimation period.

“Look, we know those guys can play,” Holmes said. “I thought it was really cool to see Tim Patrick, after everything that he's done (torn ACL in 2022 and torn Achilles in 2023), move around the preseason: Run routes, show that he can still drop his weight, snap down, get out of breaks and still catch the football. So we were excited to add him.

“Then Allen Robinson, he was a guy that we wanted to add in free agency a couple years ago,” Holmes continued. “Obviously, a Detroit kid, from here, but that's not the reason why he's here. He's another guy who can step in and we know he can play. Right now, it's all about getting them acclimated. However fast that happens, we will see. If it's one week, two weeks, three weeks, we will see.”

Beyond being encouraged by the experience and character of those additions, Holmes said he has comfort with the current receiving setup because of the quality of talent at the top of the depth chart and across the offense.

“I’d have less confidence if we did not have an elite player (Amon-Ra St. Brown) leading that one position, if we did not have Jameson Williams, if we did not have Kalif Raymond,” Holmes said. “After those three guys I name in that one position, I’d have less confidence in the remaining people in the receiver room if we did not have a quarterback with two tackles, two guards, the center, the tight end, the two running backs. I would have less confidence, but because it’s completely team effort, I still have confidence.”

Interestingly, Holmes said he believed 2023 seventh-round draft pick Antoine Green was on the verge of breaking out and claiming a fifth roster spot in the receiving room, prior to suffering a season-ending head/neck injury in the preseason opener.

LONG article, have to split it up.

(to be continued…)
 

recap of Brad Holmes' press conference


(continued)

● After knocking out extensions for St. Brown, Jared Goff and Penei Sewell this offseason, Holmes was asked if he ever smiles when he sees some of the contract disputes going on around the league.

While breaking out in a big smile, he said: "We just have to worry about what we have to do."

Of course, the Lions still have lingering extension negotiations with defensive tackle Alim McNeill. I asked about the status of those talks and whether they would carry into the season.

As it turns out, those conversations aren’t as far along as we might have believed.

“We haven't had anything intense going on, from a dialogue standpoint, but his camp knows that we wanna get something done,” Holmes said. “But it's in the infancy stages right now.”

The longer McNeill waits, the more expensive he’s likely to become, especially if his training camp performance ports to the 2024 season. That said, the Lions still have the franchise tag in their back pocket, assuming the sides don’t come together on terms in the next several months.

It's also worth noting, even if the talks are in their infancy now, these things often go from that stage to the finish line in a matter of days when both sides are motivated.

● For a team that pushes the concept of competition, the Lions never brought in a challenger to Jake Bates following Michael Badgley’s season-ending industry, despite multiple agents pushing their client on Holmes.

It remains one of the most interesting developments of the offseason as the former Michigan Panthers kicker wowed with his leg strength, but battled some predictable inconsistency given his lack of experience.

Holmes explained how the player’s upside and mental makeup override those concerns.

“We all crave certainty, we crave everything being coherent and all that, but there is excitement about the unknown,” Holmes said. “…I know that one thing about kickers is you have to be wired a certain way. We learned early on that he's wired right.

“I thought that's one of the smartest moves that we didn't make is that when we had Badgley go down, we did not bring another kicker in,” Holmes said. “There wasn't a whole lot available, because when Badge got his injury, I mean, every team in the league had two or three kickers on their roster. We brought a handful of guys in to work out but we said, 'Look, let's just let this kid get every rep possible.' And he did get better. And he's continued to get better.”

Even with that heaping of praise, Holmes did acknowledge he expects to add a veteran kicker to the practice squad.

● The Lions claimed linebacker Trevor Nowaske off waivers Wednesday, bringing back the former SVSU standout after he spent most of his rookie season with the team in 2023.

The move adds to an already crowded position group, so I asked what Holmes saw in Nowaske last year to justify pulling the trigger on the claim.

“You’re right, we were disappointed when we lost him last year,” Holmes said. “We were just in one of those spots where you’re trying to sneak a guy through (to the practice squad) and I don’t know if there’s any sneaking anymore in this league. …He does have a lot of upside with his size, he’s got straight-line speed, he’s tough, he’s physical, he has instincts for special teams

“I think that’s one of the things that you look at a special teams player,” Holmes continued “You look at size, speed, trying to get downfield, being able to break down in open field. But he has instincts, he’s got the spatial awareness to understand where the ball’s coming. So all those things, it makes him have a bright future at special teams, and he’s still going to be growing as a linebacker as well. I know that that’s a really deep room, but we want to continue to grow him as well.”

The comments echo something coach Dan Campbell said Monday about wanting positional upside within their group of players who primarily contribute on special teams. Nowaske fits that mold similar to undrafted rookie safety Loren Strickland.

Agnew called Strickland tough and gritty. He also praised the other two UDFAs to make Detroit’s roster: Long snapper Hogan Hatten and wide receiver Isaiah Williams.

“Hatten the long snapper, the guy’s just extremely athletic and the guy just made plays all camp,” Agnew said. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, who is productive? It’s a production business and he was productive. He made plays all day and he earned his spot.

“…Isaiah just made plays when he got the ball in his hand.”

Holmes added the team strongly considered drafting Williams, which isn’t surprising given the $240,000 they guaranteed him as an undrafted player.

● With wide receiver Jameson Williams, both Holmes and Agnew praised the maturation of the young receiver, on and off the field.

“When we drafted him, we said, ‘He’s going to need to grow up a little bit.’ And he did, so it’s been right on pace,” Holmes said. “You can clearly tell he’s put the work in and he’s been working even harder. It means something to him. This kid loves football. I mean he loves football, and I think it’s very evident in the results that you saw this training camp that the work that he’s put in, just like Ray was saying, the route running, everything, just him working with (wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle) El, working with Goff, just doing all those things in the offseason in preparation.

“And he’s got some good guys in that room,” Holmes said. “Obviously, you have an elite player like St. Brown. And forget the performance, but how his intangibles are (with) Kalif Raymond. He’s got really good guys to look upon and follow. He’s seen how they work, but you can see the results that’s shown in camp.”

● John Cominsky was officially moved to injured reserve shortly after the press conference. That open roster spot wasn’t immediately filled.

The team also has an open spot on the practice squad after releasing veteran C.J. Moore on Thursday.

● Not that it’s going to surprise anyone, but Holmes had a succinct answer on his expectations for the 2024 season: “Win the Super Bowl.”
 

[Rodrigue]​

Rams have gotten a long look at Jonah Jackson at center in his return to action. Sean McVay says they’re leaning toward Jackson at C and Steve Avila at LG to try to get the best combo on the field that they can for the opener.​

 
Less than one week away until the Lions reveal just how good they are. So does anyone see 20-0 or do you think we might lose 1 or 2 regular season games?
 
Dan Campbell said Ifeatu Melifonwu is his only injury concern for the week. That means Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch, Davis, etc., should be good to go vs. Rams.

Said earlier today he told his team it's time to stop talking about the Super Bowl and focus on each day.

Also mentioned @Da Guru needs to be a little more timely with his thread title updates. “We need to see more from him. Look man, he’s a veteran, he knows what to do, but we could all use a gentle nudge once in awhile, ya know? But he’ll be alright, once the season starts, man, it’s just set it and forget it with him. He’s one I’m NOT worried about. So…”
 
Won’t see an injury report until Wednesday, but from Campbell’s comments today it seems like DJ Reader won’t see the field until Week 2 vs TB.
 
As far as the 53rd man, I would think it has to be a WR who is brought up since we only have 4, but if Reader and/or Iffy are out then a DT or S could be a consideration. Or they could move up Fromm as the emergency QB.

I don't know if they even know which WR is ready to step up. DPJ has not stepped up yet, Kennedy is reliable but has limited abilities, and Allen Robinson and Tim Patrick have proven veteran credentials but probably are not well versed in the offense and have not worked with Goff.
 
The big question mark for this weeks game is what will the Rams OL look like. They will be missing at least their left tackle Alaric Jackson who is facing a two game suspension. Their other tackle has been doubtful about playing week one, the injury report will provide more insight.. The Rams are swapping their OL around and putting Jonah Jackson under center. It could be a great opportunity for our DL to have a big day. I am sure the Rams will adjust, but it is not ideal for them.
 
The big question mark for this weeks game is what will the Rams OL look like. They will be missing at least their left tackle Alaric Jackson who is facing a two game suspension. Their other tackle has been doubtful about playing week one, the injury report will provide more insight.. The Rams are swapping their OL around and putting Jonah Jackson under center. It could be a great opportunity for our DL to have a big day. I am sure the Rams will adjust, but it is not ideal for them.
Good point. We know Stafford isn't the most mobile QB they will face this year. AH & company will need to pressure him and take him off his game.
 
As far as the 53rd man, I would think it has to be a WR who is brought up since we only have 4, but if Reader and/or Iffy are out then a DT or S could be a consideration. Or they could move up Fromm as the emergency QB.

I don't know if they even know which WR is ready to step up. DPJ has not stepped up yet, Kennedy is reliable but has limited abilities, and Allen Robinson and Tim Patrick have proven veteran credentials but probably are not well versed in the offense and have not worked with Goff.
Peko, probably. Any veteran who is active for game 1 has their salary guaranteed, so I'd be surprised if DPJ was activated.
 
I believe the vested veteran rule is you have to be on the active roster (53-man) Week 1 to make the salary GTD

Call up from the practice squad is not the same as being signed to the 53-man

Teams can elevate two players from the practice squad to the active roster for a game without having to sign them to the 53-man roster

Players can be elevated up to three times; after the fourth one they must be signed to the 53-man active roster

(does not preclude them from signing any practice squad player to the 53-man whenever they chose; practice squad players who sign from other teams must be placed on the 53-man immediately and have to stay there for 3 games after the signing)

Lions are still at 52 "for flexibility" and don't appear to be in a rush to get to 53
 
All that said, Kyle Peko makes the most sense one way or another. They may still sign a K to the practice squad, and elevating the guy who took reps as the 1-tech with the first team all summer seems like a no brainer. Especially given that Reader likely doesn't dress until the Bucs game.

Or maybe a deal is in the works. I imagine we'll find out in the next 24-48 hours.
 
There is a lot of calculus that goes into this 53-man roster stuff. I am assuming the Lions ran into some issues last season with player movements where they thought it could be beneficial to have increased flexibility for this season.
 
Active Roster (52)
Offense (23)
QB 2
WR 4
RB 4
TE 3
OL 10
Defense (26)
DL 8
LB 7
CB 6
S 5
Special Teams (3)
K 1
LS 1
P 1

Practice Squad (16)
QB 1
RB 1
WR 4
TE 2
OL 1
C 1
DL 4
LB 1
CB 0
S 1
Offense 10, Defense 6

It’s definitely kind of an odd mix ATM. Consensus seemed to be 3 QB, 4 RB, 4 WR, 4 TE, 9 OL, 10 DL, 6 LB, 10 DB - 24 offense, 26 defense.

They absolutely need a NT for Week 1 (Kyle Peko) so effectively it will be 23-27-3.

At some point after Week 4 they may want to take 6th round pick G Christian Mahogany off NFI (illness, last report was he’s working on strength & conditioning.)
 
Dan Campbell said Ifeatu Melifonwu is his only injury concern for the week. That means Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch, Davis, etc., should be good to go vs. Rams.

Said earlier today he told his team it's time to stop talking about the Super Bowl and focus on each day.

Also mentioned @Da Guru needs to be a little more timely with his thread title updates. “We need to see more from him. Look man, he’s a veteran, he knows what to do, but we could all use a gentle nudge once in awhile, ya know? But he’ll be alright, once the season starts, man, it’s just set it and forget it with him. He’s one I’m NOT worried about. So…”
Just getting ready for the regular season.
 
Been going through the schedule and it is not easy.

I thought 12-5 with some breaks but might be 11-6. And we can play the dam Cowboys at home.
 
Placed a small jon_mx influenced JAMO to score (2) TDs this weekend at +1700. Trying to keep my Lions homer bets to a minimum this season but needed a few. I also bet the Lions D to score a TD with the Rams possible OL concerns and what I am hoping to be a statement from the defensive backfield.
 
NFC Champion odds
  1. SF +250
  2. DET +550
  3. PHI +600
  4. DAL +700
  5. GB +750
for entertainment purposes only

no matter how many times GM or Leroy explain it to me, I still have no idea what these numbers mean 🤣
 

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