The Detroit Lions signed 14 players to their 2026 practice squad on Monday evening in Allen Park, retaining undrafted rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer and local standout defensive back Nick Whiteside after both cleared league waivers following final roster cuts.
Initial Practice Squad Takes Shape After Waivers Clear
The Detroit Lions announced their initial practice squad signings on Monday evening, securing 14 players after trimming down their roster to 53 players on Sunday following a competitive training camp. Head Coach Dan Campbell has long treated the developmental group as an extension of the active roster rather than just an injury stash, noting that elevation to gameday squads depends entirely on proven performance.
“You’re not just out here; you’re not just a token body,” Campbell said during training camp. “We need to see you compete and win because those are important for us. Guys have made the roster, guys that we’ve brought up from practice squad or that were on the roster, they’re 52, 53, and now all of a sudden they get elevated to go to the game because they’ve proven it. So, that’s important to us.”
Campbell, Detroit Lions
That philosophy directly impacted how the front office built the initial group. Dave Birkett confirmed Monday that none of the 24 players Detroit waived Sunday were claimed by another NFL team, opening the door for the Lions to bring back whichever players they wanted for the practice squad. According to the individual reports, Dave Birkett reported Jackson’s return, Aaron Wilson reported Gordon, Mike Payton reported Cochran, and Nolan Bianchi reported both Smith and Brown. Getting all of its waived players through the waiver process gives Brad Holmes a chance to retain much of that depth without using spots on the active roster.
Securing Altmyer and Whiteside Among 14 Additions
The initial 14-man group features several notable returnees who drew heavy attention during preseason action. Securing both undrafted rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer and defensive back Nick Whiteside has to be viewed as a win after neither player was claimed on waivers.
Altmyer lost the QB2 battle to Josh Dobbs, with the Lions opting not to keep three quarterbacks for the fifth straight season out of the gate. Now, he gets to continue working with the offensive staff and teammates he has since landing with the team in April. Whiteside was a standout performer to open camp. Things got tricky down the stretch, though, with the former Saginaw Valley State standout and Auburn Hills native practicing and seeing preseason snaps at safety. He previously said he’s comfortable playing anywhere the Lions need him, so maybe they’ll continue kicking the tires on his versatility. Whiteside has shown an ability to play outside cornerback, and it’s not like the Lions are loaded in depth there.
- QB Luke Altmyer
- DB Nick Whiteside
- LB Joe Bachie
- DL Chris Smith
- DL Ben Stille
- DB Aamaris Brown
- OT Devin Cochran
- TE Thomas Gordon
- WR Lucky Jackson
- WR Tom Kennedy
- EDGE Anthony Lucasi
- OL Mason Miller
- LB Amen Ogbongbemiga
- DL Tyre West
Depth Retention Across Trenches and Skill Positions
The first wave of reported returns included wide receiver Lucky Jackson, tight end Thomas Gordon, offensive tackle Devin Cochran, defensive lineman Chris Smith, and safety Aamaris Brown after clearing waivers in Allen Park. Gordon lost out in a tight end room that ultimately included Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Jackson Meeks, while Cochran was part of a crowded offensive-line competition. Smith was one of the tougher defensive-line cuts after spending the summer fighting for a spot in arguably Detroit’s deepest position group. Jackson also made a late push during Detroit’s 25-16 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts, while Brown gives the Lions another developmental defensive back as Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph begin the season on PUP.
Linebacker Joe Bachie felt like he played himself right onto the bubble in the final weeks of camp. If rookie Jimmy Rolder needs a minute to return to practice fully, then the former Michigan State linebacker is an elevation candidate early in the season, no doubt. Rolder didn’t open on an injured list, and was instead included on the 53-man roster — a good sign. Ben Stille and Chris Smith are nice veteran defensive linemen to keep around after both had solid stretches in camp. And while it was quiet for Tyre West throughout the last month, Holmes found a way to give his most recent seventh-round pick another shot.
Interior offensive lineman Mason Miller earned his spot with this group, shifting to center for the preseason finale. He got some serious praise for how he handled the challenge. With more work at center in the coming weeks, he could be another emergency center option. Last but not least is wide receiver Tom Kennedy. He’s been down this road before more than a couple of times, with the 30-year-old sticking with the franchise in some capacity since 2019. Kennedy is an instant name to watch in terms of early-season elevations or promotions. The Lions kept only four wideouts on their 53-man roster, and with no Greg Dortch or Dominic Lovett on this list, Kennedy is very likely still the top candidate to return punts.
Open Practice Squad Slots and Notable Departures
While NFL teams can carry 16 players on the practice squad, Detroit still has two remaining spots on its practice squad. Teams are permitted to carry 16 players, with that figure going to 17 if one of those spots comes from someone via the international pathway program. Players such as Tyre West, Mason Miller and Zach Horton remain among the familiar names Detroit could consider bringing back, though Altmyer and Whiteside are already among the initial 14.
Notable players who were not signed to the practice squad is WR Greg Dortch (who will reportedly sign to Buffalo’s practice squad), TE Tyler Conklin, and LB Erick Hunter. Dortch has reportedly signed with the Buffalo Bills, joining their practice squad after getting released in the biggest surprise out of Allen Park. The Lions will face the Bills in Week 2 action from Buffalo.
Worth a look
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