Story by
Detroit Lions Sign 5 Players to Practice Squad
- Story by
- Detroit Lions Sign 5 Players to Practice Squad
The Detroit Lions' 2026 practice squad is beginning to take shape, with five players reportedly headed back to Allen Parkafter clearing waivers.
The first wave includes wide receiver Lucky Jackson , tight end Thomas Gordon, offensive tackle Devin Cochran , defensive lineman Chris Smithand safety Aamaris Brown.
Advertisement
According to the individual reports, Dave Birkettreported Jackson's return, Aaron Wilsonreported Gordon, Mike Paytonreported Cochran, and Nolan Bianchireported both Smith and Brown. Birkett also confirmed Monday that none of the 24 players Detroit waived Sunday were claimed by another NFL team, opening the door for the Lions to bring back whichever players they wanted for the practice squad.
Isiah Pacheco back injury Detroit Lions joint practices Detroit Lions waiver wire center Detroit Lions Roster Cuts Kerby Joseph PUP Detroit Lions 53-man roster Detroit Lions practice squad Isiah Pacheco injured reserve Detroit Lions waive Seth McLaughlin Jabari Small Joey Porter Jr Lions trade Detroit Lions Week 1 injury news Levi Onwuzurike Lions release Avonte Maddox season-ending injury Troy Reeder New York Jets Troy Reeder New York Jets Lions cornerback trade targets
Five Lions Reportedly Returning
Detroit's first five reported practice-squad additions are:
-
WR Lucky Jackson — reported by Dave Birkett
-
TE Thomas Gordon — reported by Aaron Wilson
-
OT Devin Cochran — reported by Mike Payton
-
DL Chris Smith — reported by Nolan Bianchi
-
S Aamaris Brown — reported by Nolan Bianchi
All five were waived Sunday when Detroit reduced its roster to 53 players. Gordon lost out in a tight end room that ultimately included Sam LaPorta , Brock Wright and Jackson Meeks , while Cochran was part of a crowded offensive-line competition. Smith was one of the tougher defensive-line cuts after spending the summer fighting for a spot in arguably Detroit's deepest position group.
Advertisement
Jackson also made a late push during Detroit's 25-16 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts , while Brown gives the Lions another developmental defensive back as Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph begin the season on PUP.
Detroit's depth created several difficult decisions during the final roster battles . Getting all of its waived players through the waiver process gives Brad Holmes a chance to retain much of that depth without using spots on the active roster.
Eleven Practice-Squad Spots Still Available
NFL teams can carry 16 players on the practice squad, so Detroit still has plenty of work ahead.
Advertisement
The fact that none of the Lions' waived players were claimed should make that process considerably easier. Players such as Luke Altmyer, Nick Whiteside , Tyre West, Mason Miller and Zach Hortonremain among the familiar names Detroit could consider bringing back.
For now, though, the first five are reportedly in place.
And the Lions' practice squad is starting to come together.
