Detroit Lions practice squad prediction after first preseason game: Several intriguing players may not be going anywhere
The Detroit Lions are going to cut some intriguing players — but that doesn’t mean they’re all leaving Detroit. There are 16 players who could miss the 53-man roster and still have a future here. My Lions practice squad prediction after the preseason opener:
The Detroit Lions are about four weeks into training camp, and with the 53-man roster prediction and Week 1 depth chart already laid out, it’s time to look at the next layer. These are the players on the current roster who probably won’t crack the final 53 but have a real shot to land on Detroit’s practice squad for the 2026 season. There are 16 names here, and each one tells a story about where the Lions see their depth developing.
| Luke Altmyer |
| Erick Hunter |
| Anthony Lucas |
| Jabari Small |
| Tom Kennedy |
| Cedrick Wilson |
| Eric O’Neill |
| Thomas Gordon |
| Mason Miller |
| Colby Sorsdal |
| Myles Adams |
| Tyre West |
| Chris Smith |
| Aamaris Brown |
| Trevor Nowaske |
| Dan Jackson |
QB Luke Altmyer
I just don’t see Altmyer making the roster at this point, but I do think the Lions like him enough to see what else he can do. They’ll hang on to him as that emergency quarterback option, and maybe 2027 is when we see more from him. Until then, he’s the extra arm they keep around in case they need him. Hopefully they never will.
LB Erick Hunter
Hunter has shown a lot of good things at training camp. He’s definitely impressed. But the linebacker room is so deep right now that it’s hard to find a spot for him. Like Altmyer, he’s more of a 2027 product where you’re going to see a lot more of him next year.
Edge Anthony Lucas
Lucas is a guy I really thought could make the 53-man roster, but he hasn’t stood out as much as I expected. I still think he’s a good pick and a good guy to keep around, but he needs more development. That’s pretty clear.
RB Jabari Small
I’ve really liked what Small has brought to the table. It’s been pretty good stuff. He just hasn’t overtaken Jacob Saylors, and I have the Lions cutting Sione Vaki on my 53-man roster. If Detroit can get Vaki back on the practice squad, that would be good, but I think somebody will go out and claim him or he’ll clear waivers and sign somewhere he can get a better shot.
WR Tom Kennedy
The Lions are legally required to have Tom Kennedy on this roster in some way, shape, or form. You just can’t go without this guy. He’s great. You’ve got to keep him around.
WR Cedric Wilson
Wilson is a veteran presence who has showed up here and there at camp and had some decent looks in the preseason opener. I just don’t see him making that fifth or sixth wide receiver spot if they decide to keep those, but he’s still worth having around.
Edge Eric O’Neill
I definitely liked what I saw from O’Neill on Thursday night, and one of my takeaways was that I need to start paying more attention to this guy. Starting next week, I’m going to look for him and see if he does more of the same. Was Thursday night a flash in the pan, or has he always been doing good stuff? I want to find out.
TE Thomas Gordon
Gordon has quietly had a nice little training camp. Not enough to overtake any of the other tight ends, but enough to where you can see why the Lions would want to keep him around. He’s a good, solid helping hand when somebody gets hurt in the preseason. Just a good guy to have.
OL Mason Miller
Miller is someone I think the Lions just want to see more from. They maybe see something in him. I don’t know if he could ever be a starter, but I think he could be a good depth piece, and Detroit wants to continue seeing where that goes.
OT Colby Sorsdal
Sorsdal isn’t going to be a starter, and I don’t think he’s a swing tackle, but I definitely see him as a guy the Lions would like to keep around. He’s just a Lions guy. I think maybe he could be Dan Skipper. That could be his ceiling, and that’s not a bad ceiling, but I don’t know when he’s going to get there. We’ll see.
DT Myles Adams
Adams is a player the Lions want to keep around because they think he can develop into something they’ve been hoping for. I’ve been waiting for that too, and I’m not ready to give up on it. I don’t think the Lions are either.
DL Tyre West
West, their seventh-round pick, just has too many defensive linemen ahead of him on this team. But the Lions spent a draft pick on him, and they probably want to see where it goes.
DT Chris Smith
Smith is the defensive version of Tom Kennedy. The coaching staff just really likes this guy. Does whatever he’s told. He’s just a good hand to have around.
CB Aamaris Brown
Brown is a guy the Lions want to develop and keep around. Like Altmyer or Hunter, maybe you see more of him in 2027. The cornerback room is too deep for him right now.
LB Trevor Nowaske
Nowaske is someone I think the Lions like at Sam linebacker, but the linebacker room is a little too deep. He’s a guy I’d worry about getting claimed or signed by another team. He might have some opportunities out there.
S Dan Jackson
Jackson, last year’s seventh-round pick, has had a decent camp so far and had a really nice interception the other day. I just don’t remember him playing much in the preseason game. It was quiet. But I still think the Lions want to hold on to him.
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