The Detroit Lions prepared for their Thanksgiving Day game with a series of roster moves, including the release of a longtime veteran running back who has played a key role with the team.
The Lions are starting to get healthier on defense and adding reinforcements for injuries on offense, which meant some roster additions and some subtractions this week. The team announced a series of moves in preparation of Thursday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
End of the Line for Craig Reynolds
The Lions announced that they cut ties with running back Craig Reynolds, who had been with the team for the last five seasons. He has 153 carries for 654 yards and one touchdown during his time in Detroit, though his biggest impact came on special teams — and even that role was shrinking.
After appearing in 17 games for each of the last two seasons, Reynolds appeared in just seven games this year and saw his share of offensive snaps dwindling. The Lions lean heavily on the running back tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, leaving little left for Reynolds.
The Lions appeared ready to move on from Reynolds last offseason, when they chose not to make him an offer as a restricted free agent. But Reynolds ultimately returned on a one-year contract.
Bleacher Reportâs Ryan Fowler suggested in the offseason that the Lions could look to trade Reynolds, who saw his role being usurped by rookie running back Sione Vaki.
âWith David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs fully entrenched as the starters, and rookie fourth-rounder Sione Vaki now in the mix for carries, Reynoldsâ role looks to be minimal this fall,â Fowler wrote.
âMoving Reynolds could open up roster spots for younger players at other positions. He also could return a sneaky amount of value with teams consistently looking for versatile depth pieces at the running back position.â
Lions Making Other Moves
The Lions made some other key moves ahead of their Thanksgiving game, including the return of center Frank Ragnow after he had announced his retirement in the offseason. The Lions also activated defensive end Marcus Davenport and offensive lineman Miles Frazier from the injured list.
They also added some reinforcements for the offense, elevating lineman Kingsley Eguakun and tight end Zach Horton from the practice squad and signing tight end Anthony Firkser and wide receiver Tom Kennedy to the active roster.
The help could be much-needed, especially on the offensive line. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he is wary of facing edge rusher Micah Parsons, who joined the Packers in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
âWe know heâs a dynamic player, heâs a dynamic rusher,â Campbell said. âThis guy plays hard, heâs got a quick first step, heâs powerful, heâs quick.â
The Lions are looking to avenge their season-opening loss to the Packers and add to their lead in the division. After dropping out of the playoff bracket last week, the Lions surged back with a come-from-behind win over the New York Giants on Sunday. They regained the lead in the NFC North, and a win on Thanksgiving would add to their cushion atop the division.
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