James Houston The Detroit Lions’ initial 53-man roster was technically a bit of a misnomer, as the team only had 52 players officially listed. However, with a few roster maneuvers leading up to the season opener, they managed to reach the full 53 players on the active roster for the week.
Head coach Dan Campbell views the practice squad as an essential extension of the active roster, emphasizing its role in the team’s success. The 53-man roster, while crucial, is a dynamic entity subject to frequent changes due to injuries and performance issues. In Detroit, this fluidity might be more pronounced than in other teams, given the depth and potential within their practice squad. Several players on that squad could potentially earn a spot on an active roster elsewhere during the season.
For players at the back end of the roster, the pressure to perform is relentless. Each game presents an opportunity for evaluation, and any misstep could lead to changes. The Lions are not expected to give any player a free pass, particularly if the initial roster moves don’t pan out as hoped.
Here are three players on the Lions’ initial 53-man roster who might not make it through the entire season:
1. DB Loren Strickland
Loren Strickland’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a spot on the 53-man roster was one of the summer’s feel-good stories. However, his situation has quickly become precarious. Strickland is set to miss the first game of the season due to a thumb injury, and the extent of his recovery remains uncertain. His injury could limit his playing time, making him a likely candidate to be inactive on game days. If his thumb issue proves severe, it could even lead to an injury settlement or a roster maneuver to adjust the active roster. Thus, Strickland’s stay on the roster might be shorter than initially hoped.
2. OL Michael Niese
Michael Niese’s ascent to the 53-man roster was somewhat surprising. After being cut by the Buccaneers last year, Niese joined the Lions’ practice squad and briefly appeared on the game day roster. Despite this progress, his spot is tenuous. The depth of the Lions’ offensive line suggests that if any experienced players become available, Niese could be at risk. Given his current standing on the roster—likely around 51st or 52nd—Niese’s position is vulnerable, even though this vulnerability is no fault of his own. Changes in roster dynamics or injuries elsewhere could see Niese losing his spot.
3. James Houston
James Houston’s inclusion on the 53-man roster came down to a single strong performance in the preseason finale, which helped him secure a spot over other edge rushers like Isaac Ukwu and Mitchell Agude. Houston’s preseason was marred by a knee injury that kept him out of the second game, raising questions about his durability and consistency. His spot on the roster might be more about default than merit, given that his previous ankle injury and overall performance did not set him apart from his competition. The Lions’ emphasis on versatile players adds to the scrutiny Houston faces. If he fails to impress or suffers another injury, it’s likely that Ukwu or Agude, both currently on the practice squad, could replace him.
As the season progresses, the performance and health of these players will be closely monitored. For now, the Lions will need to navigate these uncertainties and make the necessary adjustments to maintain their competitive edge.