The Detroit Lions have officially updated their roster, announcing a series of moves on Thursday afternoon. The team has signed defensive back Jammie Robinson off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, brought back safety Loren Strickland to their own practice squad, and in a corresponding transaction, released defensive lineman Keith Cooper.
Head coach Dan Campbell shared that the Lions’ front office has kept tabs on Robinson since his college days, and the opportunity to bring him in was one they’d been watching closely.
“We liked him coming out of the draft,” Campbell said. “Brad (Holmes) and I spoke to him back then, and Brad’s been monitoring him ever since. So, when we got the chance to bring him in, we jumped on it. He’s a tough, aggressive kid who can help on special teams and offers flexibility at both nickel and safety. We’re excited to get a closer look at him.”
Robinson, a standout at Florida State, played a hybrid role between nickel and safety—similar to how Brian Branch is used in Detroit’s defense. The Lions had extensive exposure to him during the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl, where linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton worked with him directly. However, after drafting Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Detroit’s immediate need at that position was filled.
Since Robinson was signed off another team’s practice squad, the Lions are required to keep him on their active roster for a minimum of three weeks. This stretch will give the coaching staff time to evaluate how he fits into their secondary, particularly as the unit deals with injuries and suspension-related absences.
Meanwhile, Loren Strickland returns to the Lions’ practice squad after spending most of the year there. He was temporarily promoted to the active roster for depth but was released earlier in the week. After clearing waivers, the Lions opted to re-sign him. With Brian Branch suspended for this Monday’s matchup, Strickland could be a candidate for game-day elevation.
On the other side of the roster shuffle, Keith Cooper was released to make room for these moves. Cooper had been a developmental piece along the defensive line, but the position group is regaining strength as Alim McNeill prepares to come off the PUP list. With Pat O’Connor, Tyler Lacy, Mekhi Wingo, and Quinton Jefferson all contributing effectively, Detroit felt comfortable moving on.
In short, Thursday’s roster activity highlights Detroit’s ongoing effort to reinforce its defensive depth, especially in the secondary, while balancing a now-healthy defensive front.
