Twentyman: Kellen Moore included on Lions initial 53-man roster

Posted Aug 31, 2012

There’s been plenty of debate over the last month regarding whether the Lions could afford to keep undrafted rookie free agent quarterback Kellen Moore on the 53-man roster with other difficult decisions looming at other positions.

The team ultimately decided Friday night that Moore was one of their top 53 players and the team will keep three quarterbacks on the roster heading into the regular season.

In lieu of releasing Moore, the Lions instead let go guard Dan Gerberry and rookie receiver Patrick Edwards.

Moore played the majority of Thursday night’s 38-32 victory over the Bills and finished 17-of-30 passing for 211 yards. He also had a 1-yard touchdown run.

“He had some good plays. He missed a couple things, had some plays I’m sure he’d like to have back, but he got us in the end zone,” Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said of Moore after the game. “Didn’t turn the ball over. Thought he did a good job there.”

Moore finished the preseason completing 41-of-78 passes for 434 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and one rushing touchdown.

“I think Kellen played great all preseason,” starting quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “He’s a smart kid; guy's just a winner. He knows how to play the game.

“He gets in there at practice; practice doesn’t slow down. He’s up there calling plays. He’s never up there fumbling stuff around and doing normal rookie stuff. I’ve been really impressed with him and I’m happy he played well and we’ll see what happens. He’s going to have a good career.”

That means running back Joique Bell has also made the initial roster.

I say initial because the Lions are still expected to add players cut from other teams this weekend and the roster will be somewhat fluid throughout the weekend. They will also have to make a cut when Mikel Leshoure comes off suspension Week 3.

Here's how the final 53-man roster stands at the Friday deadline:

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks (3) – Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill, Kellen Moore

Running backs (4) – Kevin Smith, Keiland Williams, Joique Bell, Stefan Logan

Receivers (5) – Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Titus Young, Ryan Broyles, Kassim Osgood

Tight ends (3) – Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler, Will Heller

Offensive line (9) – Jeff Backus, Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Stephen Peterman, Gosder Cherilus, Riley Reiff, Corey Hilliard, Jason Fox, Dylan Gandy