On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions finalized an initial 53-man, 50-man roster. The next day, they added a couple of players, and established their initial practice squad, which is comprised of 15 players of the 16 maximum that are allowed.
While many Lions fans were puzzled with the amount of young, promising players the Lions waived on Tuesday, every single one of them cleared through waivers and were eligible to re-sign to Detroit’s practice squad. However, at least two have opted to sign elsewhere.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker has joined the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, while defensive tackle Brodric Martin is with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.
Of the Lions’ 2025 practice squad players, every single one of them was with the team during training camp, indicating that Detroit had a strong feeling they’d bring them back to be part of the team. And don’t sleep on the importance of these players. Coach Dan Campbell constantly refers to the 69-man roster (53-man + 16-man practice squad), because Detroit often promotes and signs players from their own practice squad.
Without further ado, here’s the Lions’ 2025 practice squad, which is likely to change throughout the regular season:
- RB Jacob Saylors
- TE Zach Horton
- WR Jackson Meeks
- WR Tom Kennedy
- WR Ronnie Bell
- OL Dan Skipper
- OL Trystan Colon
- OL Mason Miller
- OL Michael Niese
- EDGE Isaac Ukwu
- DT Myles Adams
- DT Keith Cooper Jr.
- LB Anthony Pittman
- DB Erick Hallett
- S Loren Strickland
Other notable players who have not re-signed to the Lions’ practice squad include Nate Lynn and Ian Kennelly. But with one open spot, it’s possible one of them returns.
