In Week 17, the Detroit Lions (11-4) face the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) in a game that will help determine the playoff seeding in the NFC.
It appears that Detroit is starting to refine their roster in preparation for the postseason as they made several changes this week. Heading into this game, the Lions have not only made some position adjustments, but are also only using 52 of the 53 available spots on their active roster. This is likely in preparation for a last-minute move before this game, or they are keeping a spot open for a returning player – as they have three defensemen who could potentially return from injured reserve next week.
In this updated look at the Lions' depth chart, we have all of the Lions' current roster moves in one place, separating players by position and listing them in order of perceived importance to the team. To improve your viewing experience, we have listed each player's number next to their name. The planned starters are printed in boldInjured players are written in italics and an asterisk* is added after the names of the newcomers.
quarterback (3)
- Jared Goff (16)
- Teddy Bridgewater (10)
- Hendon Hooker* (12)
Running back/fullback (3)
- David Montgomery (5)
- Jahmyr Gibbs* (26)
- Craig Reynolds (13)
Wide receiver (6)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (14)
- Jameson Williams (9)
- Josh Reynolds (8)
- Caliph Raymond (11)
- Donovan Peoples Jones (19)
- Antoine Green* (80)
Tight End (2 + 1 injured)
- Sam LaPorta* (87)
- James Mitchell (82)
- Brock Wright (89) – hip, excluded
Offensive line (8 + 2)
Planned starters
OL reserves
Inner defensive line (4 + 1)
EDGE Rushers (6+1)
- EDGE – Aidan Hutchinson (97)
- DE/IDL – John Cominsky (79)
- DE/IDL – Josh Paschal (93)
- EDGE – Romeo Okwara (95)
- DE/SAM – Julian Okwara (99)
- DE/SAM – Charles Harris (53)
- SAM – James Houston (41) – Fibula, IR, evaluation clock started
Off-the-ball linebacker (6)
- WILL – Alex Anzalone (34)
- MIKE/WILL – Derrick Barnes (55) — Shoulder, injury name not listed
- MIKE – Jack Campbell* (46)
- WILL/FB – Malcolm Rodriguez (44)
- WILL – Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42)
- MIKE/SAM – Anthony Pittman (57)
Cornerback (5)
Star/nickel back (2)
- NB/S – Brian Branch* (32)
- CB/NB Will Harris (25)
Security (3 + 1)
Kicker team (3)
Kick/punt returner
- Punt Return – Caliph Raymond (11); Reserves – Donovan Peoples-Jones (19)
- Kick return – Khalil Dorsey (30); Reserves – Craig Reynolds (13)
Kick coverage specialists
- Kickoffs – Jack Fox (3)
- Owner – Jack Fox (3)
- Gunner – Khalil Dorsey (30) and Jerry Jacobs (23) or Kindle Vildor (29)
- Personal Protector (PP) – Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42)
At-a-glance projected depth map
If you are more of a visual learner, here is an overview of what was discussed above:
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