The Detroit Lions made some last-minute roster adjustments before a key game this weekend, including the release of a speedy linebacker who was already cut once this season.
The Lions announced a flurry of roster moves on Saturday in preparation of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. The team is starting to get healthier after suffering a host of injuries to their defense, with cornerbacks Khalil Dorsey and D.J. Reed both being activated from injured reserve.
The Lions also parted ways with linebacker Ty Summers, who gained a reputation for his athleticism and special teams versatility.
Lions Clear Room on Practice Squad
Summers has plenty of experience with roster cuts in Detroit, having been first waived in October and then re-signed to the practice squad again within one day. The linebacker has played primarily on special teams over his six-year NFL career, with 26 special teams snaps for the Lions in two appearances this season.
Summers was known as a speedy linebacker in college, running a 4.51 time in the 40-yard dash.
âHigh-motor player who makes all the calls for the defense. Play strength is a plus,â NFL.comâs Lance Zierlein wrote. âAsked to play on the edge at times, and showed ability to hold up. Low pad level and sturdy base to anchor in his gap against blockers.”
Lions Bring in Help for Sunday
The Lions made some other roster moves, elevating veteran tight end Anthony Firkser from the practice squad.
Firkser signed with the Lions earlier this month, bringing some added versatility to the roster. Christian Booher of SI.com noted that Firkser is the kind of player who has thrived under head coach Dan Campbell — a tight end who can also line up at fullback.
âThe veteran has experience playing both as a tight end and as a traditional fullback, which could be advantageous for the Lions if they ever need to utilize him as a game day elevation,â Booher wrote.
âThe Lions were clearly looking for tight end depth, as the team worked out both Firkser and rookie Thomas Gordon prior to signing Firkser. Gordon was an undrafted free agent in the 2025 Draft and spent training camp with the Chicago Bears.â
Firkser will provide some added depth after the Lions lost top tight end Sam LaPorta. Campbell announced this week that the tight end had to undergo back surgery and would be out for the rest of the season.
Lions offense coordinator John Morton said it is a big loss to the team.
“I mean he’s a hell of an all-around blocker, receiver, he can do it all. But he was really reliable on third down in the red zone, that’s the biggest thing,” Morton told reporters on Thursday, via ESPN. “But his blocking on first and second down. I mean the way he’s improved with his blocking, it’s just been awesome. So, our other guys — all the tight ends have got to step up.”
LaPorta was third on the team with 489 receiving yards, making 40 receptions with three touchdowns.
The Lions face a critical game after last week’s loss dropped them out of the playoff picture in the NFC. They have a chance to get back on track against a struggling opponent who just lost their starting quarterback, with rookie Jaxson Dart ruled out and veteran Jameis Winston starting in his place.
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