After four preseason games, the final cuts are due at 4 p.m. on Saturday to reduce the Detroit Lions’ roster to 53 men.
This was the first year the NFL had eliminated earlier cuts, although the Lions had released a few guys earlier in the week including Tim Wright, Keshawn Martin and Cyrus Kouandijo. The early cuts gave the veterans a chance to sign with another team.
On Thursday they traded guard Laken Tomlinson. On Friday they released running back Matt Asiata and waived guard Connor Bozick and defensive end Giorgio Newberry.
Depth at a few positions will provide GM Bob Quinn with some tough decisions. Running back Tion Green had a good showing on Thursday night but can he crack the roster? If not, the rookie would be an ideal practice squad candidate.
At wide receiver Jared Abbrederis and Jace Billingsley have made their cases at wide receiver.
Remember after the cuts are made to 53, it’s likely more changes will be made before the season opener on Sept. 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. Expect that Quinn will be looking for more help on the defensive line.
Here is my projected 53-man roster:
QBs (2)
Matthew Stafford
Jake Rudock
WRs (5)
Golden Tate
Marvin Jones
Kenny Golladay
Jace Billingsley
TJ Jones
RBs (4)
Ameer Abdullah
Theo Riddicck
Zach Zenner
Dwayne Washingtom
TIGHT ENDS (4)
Eric Ebron
Darren Fells
Cole Wick
Michael Roberts (rookie)
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
G T.J. Lang
G Graham Glasgow
G Brandon Thomas
G/C Joe Dahl
C Travis Swanson
T Rick Wagner
T Greg Robinson
T Cornelius Lucas
T Corey Robinson
PUP: Taylor Decker
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
DE Ziggy Ansah
DE Anthony Zettel
DE Jeremiah Valoaga (rookie)
DE Cornelius Washington
DE Alex Barrett (rookie)
DT Haloti Ngata
DT A’Shawn Robinson
DT Akeem Spence
DT Jeremiah Ledbetter (rookie)
SUSPENDED: Armonty Bryant, Khyri Thornton
LINEBACKER (6)
Jarrad Davis (rookie)
Tahir Whitehead
Antwione Williams
Steve Longa
Paul Worrilow
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (rookie)
DEFENSIVE BACKS (11)
S Glover Quin
S Don Carey
S Miles Killebrew
S Tavon Wilson
S Alex Carter
CB Darius Slay
CB Johnson Bademosi
CB Quandre Diggs
CB Nevin Lawson
CB Teez Tabor (rookie)
CB Jamal Agnew (rookie)
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
K Matt Prater
P Kasey Redfern
LS Don Muhlbach
NFI: P Sam Martin
Lions Lowdown 