Detroit parts ways with former Michigan WR Ronnie Bell while bringing back linebacker Ty Summers to bolster depth for the upcoming clash.
The Detroit Lions shook up their practice squad this week with a pair of notable moves. On Tuesday, the team officially parted ways with wide receiver Ronnie Bell while welcoming back a familiar face in linebacker Ty Summers.
Bell, a former Michigan Wolverine standout, had been viewed as one of the most intriguing undrafted stories of the offseason. After a strong summer performance, he nearly forced his way onto the Lions’ 53-man roster. However, competition in Detroit’s wide receiver room was steep. Rookie Dominic Lovett’s rise and eventual spot on the active roster pushed Bell further down the depth chart. Ultimately, Bell’s opportunities dwindled, and he never appeared in a regular-season game for the Lions this year. His release now opens the door for him to explore new opportunities elsewhere, as he still carries potential as a developmental wideout with reliable hands and collegiate production.
In Bell’s place, the Lions opted to re-sign linebacker Ty Summers, a player who is no stranger to the organization. Summers spent time with Detroit during training camp last season and impressed the coaching staff with his physical play and high motor during the preseason. Despite his effort, the Lions moved on at the time, and Summers eventually landed with the New York Giants. His stint in New York included two starts in 2023 before a groin injury cut short his season.
Detroit’s decision to bring him back now underscores the team’s desire to bolster its linebacker depth. Summers provides versatility on defense and is also considered a strong contributor on special teams, a factor that often proves valuable as the season wears on. With the physical toll of the NFL schedule mounting, reliable depth at linebacker could play a crucial role for Detroit as they aim to maintain their momentum in the NFC.
The move also reflects the Lions’ continued effort to balance their roster strategically. While parting with a young receiver like Bell may sting for Michigan fans who followed his college career, adding an experienced linebacker like Summers addresses a more immediate need. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have consistently emphasized the importance of roster flexibility, and this latest transaction is another example of their forward-thinking approach.
For now, Summers gets another chance to prove himself in Detroit, while Bell will look for a new landing spot in the league. Both players’ stories serve as reminders of the constant churn and competition that defines life on the NFL’s fringes.
