In a pair of roster moves from Monday afternoon following their preseason win over the Washington Commanders, the Detroit Lions have placed two players on the Reserve/Injured list: running back Raheem Blackshear, and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson. In response to those moves and to fill out their 90-man roster for the rest of training camp, they made two corresponding moves with the additions of defensive back Jason Taylor, and running back Roydell Williams.
With no addition at wide receiver, it feels
like the team is comfortable with their current makeup of that room moving forward. At defensive back and running back, both Taylor and Williams will be entering highly competitive battles where they will have little time to make their presence felt.
Taylor was a seventh-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft after playing at Oklahoma State through college. He has some versatility to his game, having spent time as a professional both in the slot as well as at safety.
On the other side of the ball, Williams went undrafted this year after finishing his college career at Florida State University. Prior to landing in Detroit, Williams signed with the Indianapolis Colts before recently being waived.
In the grand scheme of things, both of these players are likely considered to be longshots to make the final 53-man roster. However, the Lions want to ensure that they have enough players to get through the rest of training camp and one more preseason game without having to rush players back from injury. Or overload players that will be fighting for jobs with too many reps. And from a player’s perspective, both will have a chance to put some things on film for the Lions and the 31 other teams that will be looking to fill out their active rosters and practice squads.
