The Detroit Lions have created two open roster spots after cutting a pair of defenders.
On Monday, the Detroit Lions made two roster moves that may cause fans to raise an eyebrow or two. Detroit waived both linebacker Abraham Beauplan and defensive lineman Chris Smith from their 53-man roster. That, obviously, creates two open roster spots.
One of those spots will undoubtedly be used to activate wide receiver Jameson Williams, who is eligible for reinstatement now that he has served his two-game suspension for violating the league’s Performance Enhancing Substances policy.
It’s less clear what the Lions plan on doing with that second roster spot. With the Lions actively searching for a trade before Tuesday’s deadline, that is certainly one theory, but it’s not the only one. Detroit could also activate Brodric Martin from injured reserve, although they just started his 21-day evaluation window last Wednesday and coach Dan Campbell seemed to suggest last week that he’s not quite ready to be rostered.
“It’s just a matter of, man, do we feel like after this three weeks he can help us?” Campbell said. “Do we feel like he can really help us? Is he healthy enough to help? How is he relative to the rest of the guys on the roster, even practice squad?”
Another possible use of that roster spot is for tight end Shane Zylstra. Over the past three weeks, the Lions have exhausted all three of Zylstra’s practice squad elevations. That means if Detroit wants Zylstra to play in another game for them, he’ll have to be on the 53-man roster.
As for Beauplan and Smith, they are now subject to the waiver wire. If no team puts in a claim for either, don’t be surprised to see them back on the practice squad. Both players were signed to the 53-man roster just this past Saturday for the Packers game. The Lions likely chose those two player intentionally, thinking they had the biggest chance to pass through waivers. There are currently three vacancies on the Lions’ practice squad.
The next 24 hours should be very telling for the Detroit Lions.