Training camp is here, and so are the roster moves. Detroit made headlines with key PUP placements, a veteran signing and several roster changes.
You know the NFL season is getting close when the Detroit Lions start becoming more active with roster transactions. As training camp gets underway, Detroit has already made several notable moves, including placing key players on reserve lists, adding veteran depth and making a few roster changes.
The biggest news came when the Lions placed safety Kerby Joseph, safety Brian Branch and tight end Tyler Conklin on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Branch’s placement was expected as he continues to recover from the torn Achilles he suffered in Week 15 last season. Conklin’s designation appears to stem from a knee issue that dates back to OTAs and spring practices.
Joseph’s placement, however, created the most speculation among fans. Many took to social media wondering if the All-Pro safety would be ready for the start of the regular season. Joseph even appeared surprised by the decision before later easing concerns by saying he was no longer dealing with pain.
The good news for Detroit is that all three players can be activated from the PUP list at any time during training camp. As long as they are removed before the roster is trimmed to 53 players, they will remain eligible to play in Week 1. If they remain on the reserve/PUP list after final cuts, they would be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
My gut says Joseph will be on the field in Week 1, but there’s still a possibility the Lions take a cautious approach. Regardless of the timeline, Detroit will undoubtedly want one of the league’s best safeties back as soon as he’s fully healthy.
Detroit also added veteran linebacker Troy Reeder on a one-year, $1.17 million contract. Reeder enters his eighth NFL season after spending time with the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. He is expected to compete for a backup linebacker role while also contributing on special teams behind Jack Campbell.
Reeder originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Rams in 2019 while Lions general manager Brad Holmes was serving as the team’s director of college scouting. That familiarity likely played a role in Detroit bringing him in just before training camp.
Over seven NFL seasons, Reeder has appeared in 106 games, including 38 starts, giving the Lions another experienced option at linebacker.
Detroit also released defensive lineman Jay Tufele. The move was somewhat surprising with training camp just beginning, but Tufele missed all of last season because of a foot injury and now becomes another veteran searching for a new opportunity.
The Lions also placed defensive back Christian Izien on the Active/Non-Football Illness list. Fortunately, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that Izien is expected to return by Friday, suggesting the issue is minor. That is encouraging news, as Izien could have an opportunity to see meaningful snaps early in the season with Joseph and Branch currently sidelined.
Finally, left guard Christian Mahogany was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list. Campbell said Mahogany is expected to miss only a few days, but the timing is still unfortunate. Mahogany is competing with Miles Frazier and Ben Bartch for the starting left guard job, making every practice rep valuable. Even a short absence could allow one of his competitors to gain an early edge as the battle continues throughout training camp.
