The Detroit Lions roster saw the somewhat-unexpected return of two players from injury lists this week. Khalil Dorsey returned to practice on Monday, after spending all offseason recovering from a tibia and fibula fracture. The very next day, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo came off the Physically Unable to Perform list following a torn meniscus late last season.
While neither is guaranteed to land a spot on the 53-man roster, the general consensus is that both are likely on solid ground. Dorsey has
already taken first-team gunner reps on special teams, while Wingo is just entering his second season following a promising rookie year.
If both make it, that’s two more roster spots no longer available for players on the roster bubble. On this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast, we discuss the players and positions most impacted by their return.
The obvious place to start is at the returning players’ positions. Does Wingo’s return possibly mean UDFA standout Keith Cooper Jr. is now at risk of being cut? If so, will Cooper make it through waivers and back to Detroit’s 53-man roster? What if Josh Paschal comes back or Za’Darius Smith signs with the team? At cornerback, what does Dorsey’s return mean for the likes of Nick Whiteside, Erick Hallett, and other defensive backs on the roster bubble?
Or will the return of those players impact a different position? Does Dorsey and Wingo’s return mean they’re less likely to keep a third quarterback, a seventh receiver, a 10th offensive lineman, or even a third tight end?
We discuss all of the possibilities and likelihoods on this week’s show.
Other topics on the episode:
- How does Hendon Hooker’s age play into the Lions’ roster decision? Any chance they cut Kyle Allen, knowing he won’t hit waivers like Hooker would?
- Does Lions’ versatility in the secondary mean they’ll keep fewer defensive backs?
- Which veterans could be cut only to sign back later?
- How has Graham Glasgow looked in training camp?
- Will the Lions continue to use roster spots on projects?
- Chances Giovanni Manu pick “works out”?
- What position group could take a big jump this year?
- Could Tate Ratledge be the backup center?
- Tim Patrick: trade candidate?
Catch this week’s show in the Spotify embed below or by searching “Pride of Detroit” on your favorite podcasting platform. Don’t forget to rate and review!
You can also catch video replays of the show over on YouTube (Part 1, Part 2) or on Twitch (Part 1, Part 2).
