Overview
- The Lions waived center Seth McLaughlin and running back Jabari Small on Wednesday, Sept. 2, creating two open spots on the 53-man roster ahead of the Sept. 13 season opener.
- Detroit appears to have delayed the moves until both players were healthy to avoid injury settlements that would prevent an immediate return to the team.
- Because McLaughlin and Small have three or fewer accrued seasons they must pass through waivers; if unclaimed and not carrying an injury designation the Lions can re-sign them to the practice squad.
- Injuries have already thinned Detroit’s depth after Isiah Pacheco and Cade Mays were placed on injured reserve, leaving Juice Scruggs the expected starting center and Jahmyr Gibbs as the lead back.
- The front office has made a few internal additions since final cuts, including signing Tyler Conklin and Elijah Klein, but more short-term roster moves are likely as the team balances depth at center, running back, and receiver.