The Detroit Lions made several important roster moves just one day before their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Green Bay Packers, including parting ways with a veteran running back who has been a notable figure in Detroit for years.
As the Lions continue to get healthier on defense and shuffle pieces on offense, the team announced a wave of transactions designed to strengthen the roster for Thursday’s NFC North clash.
Detroit Lions Cut RB Craig Reynolds After Five Seasons
The biggest move came with the Lions officially releasing running back Craig Reynolds, ending his five-year stint in Detroit. Reynolds logged 153 carries for 654 yards and one touchdown with the Lions, but his biggest value came on special teams — a role that had recently declined.
After playing 17 games in back-to-back seasons, Reynolds appeared in only seven games this year, with his offensive snaps shrinking due to Detroit’s heavy reliance on the explosive duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Reynolds nearly departed Detroit last offseason when the team chose not to tender him as a restricted free agent. He later returned on a one-year deal, but his future remained uncertain.
Earlier in the year, Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler projected that Reynolds’ job could be in jeopardy with the emergence of rookie Sione Vaki.
“With Montgomery and Gibbs fully entrenched as the starters, and rookie fourth-rounder Sione Vaki now in the mix, Reynolds’ role looks to be minimal this fall,” Fowler wrote.
He added that trading Reynolds could have opened a roster spot for younger talent while still offering value to teams seeking depth at running back.
Frank Ragnow Headlines Other Lions Roster Moves
Beyond Reynolds’ release, the Lions made several notable additions:
Key returns and activations
Frank Ragnow officially returned after announcing retirement earlier this offseason.
Marcus Davenport (DE) was activated from injured reserve.
Miles Frazier (OL) was also activated.
Practice-squad elevations and signings
Elevated Kingsley Eguakun (OL)
Elevated Zach Horton (TE)
Signed Anthony Firkser (TE) to the 53-man roster
Signed Tom Kennedy (WR) to the 53-man roster
These reinforcements arrive at a critical time, especially on the offensive line, as Detroit prepares to block elite edge rusher Micah Parsons, who joined Green Bay in a blockbuster offseason trade.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the challenge:
“We know he’s a dynamic player… this guy plays hard, he’s quick, he’s powerful.”
Lions Eye Division Cushion After Big Comeback Win
The Lions are seeking redemption after losing to the Packers in Week 1. Detroit regained first place in the NFC North with a dramatic comeback win over the New York Giants, and a Thanksgiving victory would strengthen their lead in the division.
