The Detroit Lions announced another wave of moves as they attempt to finalize their roster ahead of their Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints. Most notably, the Lions placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve. To fill his roster spot, the Lions have re-signed tight end Tyler Conklin (as previously reported). Detroit also signed Dominic Lovett to fill their final spot on the practice squad.
Pacheco suffered a knee injury during training camp, but during the final week of practices,
coach Dan Campbell revealed that the knee injury was no longer a concern. Rather, the veteran running back was dealing with a back injury.
“It’s been a little touch and go right now,” Campbell said on Thursday. “He’s had a little bit of a back (injury) and we’re hoping he’s coming out of this as of yesterday a little bit.”
Pacheco is now ineligible to play or practice for the team’s first four games of the season. Detroit has four other running backs on their roster to help them weather that storm: Jahmyr Gibbs, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors, and Jabari Small.
Lovett, the Lions’ seventh-round pick in 2025, fills Detroit’s final spot in their 16-man practice squad. He is the third receiver on the Lions’ practice squad, joining Lucky Jackson and Tom Kennedy. Detroit made the surprise decision to roster just four receivers on their 53-man roster: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Tay Martin. Former Lions receiver Greg Dortch was released and signed to the Bills’ practice squad.
You can see the latest Lions 53-man roster and practice squads here.
