The Detroit Lions have announced a number of roster changes in preparation for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in 2024.
For Week 1, the Lions have promoted defensive lineman Kyle Peko and wide receiver Tom Kennedy from the practice squad to the active roster. According to NFL regulations, teams can only upgrade players from the practice squad three times before signing them to the main roster.
Additionally, they added defensive lineman Chris Smith (Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood) from the practice squad to the main roster. Smith fills the last available spot on the 53-man roster.
The Lions’ defense will have several new players under Aaron Glenn’s guidance. With multiple starters set to make their Lions’ debut, there is a sense of excitement amongst Dan Campbell and the coaching staff for what they will bring. “I’m very eager, I’m very eager,” Campbell remarked.
“There’s a lot of excitement among me and the defensive staff. I know the entire team, the entire squad, and those guys in the locker room who are on the defensive side, they’re eager to show the work that’s been done, the pieces that have been added, and how everything works together.”
Detroit’s linebacking corps remained intact while adding to the defensive line and secondary. Marcus Davenport joins the pass rush, while newcomers to the secondary include Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw.
After struggling against the pass last season, Detroit is hopeful that these additions will help boost performance in that area. “I think this D-line can be the engine that we’ve desperately needed and I think they will be,” Campbell told me.
“With our backers, we have them all back, and they are all damn terrific players. We’ve made back-end changes that I believe will benefit us. “I’m pretty excited to see where this game goes.”
