Detroit Lions place rookie safety on IR, add new cornerback

The Detroit Lions announced that rookie Dan Jackson has been placed on injured reserve, and they have signed a former Michigan Panthers cornerback.

The Detroit Lions announced on Monday evening that they have placed rookie safety Dan Jackson on injured reserve.

Jackson suffered a leg injury during Sunday’s practice and did not return.

Jackson was in contention for one of the Lions’ reserve safety spots behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. A seventh-round pick this year, Jackson came from the Georgia Bulldogs with a ton of special teams experience and a great story. He was a walk-on at Georgia, and despite opportunities to transfer, he stuck with the program for five years, eventually earning a starting job on defense his senior year.

If the Lions opt to keep Jackson on injured reserve, his season is over. However, the Lions could opt to cut him with an injury settlement, and he could theoretically re-sign with the team whenever he is healthy again (plus an additional three weeks). That said, there is a risk that another team could sign him if they go that route.

Jackson’s injury drastically shifts the Lions’ secondary outlook. Players like Morice Norris, Loren Strickland, and Ian Kennelly now have a greater shot at making the final roster.

The Lions also announced that they’ve signed cornerback D.J. Miller. The former Kent State defensive back initially signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024. After failing to make the team, Miller signed with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. In this past season, he played 10 games, made 29 total tackles, and picked off two passes.

Additionally, the Lions waived running back Kye Robichaux with an injury designation. Robichaux has missed the past week of training camp with an undisclosed injury.