Today is the day every general manager and head coach around the NFL hates. It's roster cut-down day, and Detroit has pared their roster down to an initial 53.
"Today will be a tough day," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. "Appreciate those guys and all the hard work they've put into it.
"It's something that has to be done and you want to do it as respectfully as you can and you don't want to lie to the player. You just tell them straight up and it's hard. But it's the right way to do it."
It's important to note this is an initial roster because more moves could be on the horizon throughout the week as players become available around the league.
Detroit can begin building their 16-man practice squad starting Wednesday.
As a reminder, players who started camp on the non-football injury or physically unable to perform list may remain there without counting against the 53-man total.
The league also allows two injured players to be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. Those two players would miss at least the first four regular-season games, but they won't count against the 53.
Following is my breakdown of the initial roster:
(Note: The Lions still have three spots remaining)
QUARTERBACK (2)
On the roster: Jared Goff, Kyle Allen
Missing cut: Hendon Hooker
Twentyman: It was clear after the third preseason game Allen had the edge in the backup quarterback battle over Hooker. Goff had a really nice training camp and looks to pick up where he left off last season when he was second in passing yards (4,629), second in completion percentage (72.4), second in passer rating (111.8) and fourth in touchdown passes (37) among NFL quarterbacks. Allen provides veteran experience behind Goff with 19 career starts.
RUNNING BACK (4)
On the roster: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Missing cut: Jacob Saylors, Deon Jackson
Twentyman: Pretty straight forward here, though Saylors could be a good candidate to bring back on the practice squad. He runs hard and the Lions like his skillset. Gibbs and Montgomery form arguably the best running back duo in the league, and the Lions wouldn't hesitate if they had to put Reynolds in the game to carry the load. How much more might we see Vaki on offense this season? That's really the only question mark with this group.
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
On the roster: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Tim Patrick, Isaac TeSlaa, Dominic Lovett
Missing cut: Jackson Meeks, Ronnie Bell, Tom Kennedy, Jakobie Keeney-James, Malik Taylor
Twentyman: TeSlaa has a chance to play a role on offense and special teams early on. He's more advanced than most rookie mid-round picks entering the league. Lovett was a seventh-round selection by the Lions this year. He had a nice camp and could help this team initially on special teams. Meeks (6-2, 218) was an undrafted free agent who had a great preseason with 11 receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns. It just came down to a numbers game on the roster. If he clears waivers he could be a candidate for the practice squad.
TIGHT END (3)
On the roster: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra
Missing cut: Zach Horton, Gunnar Oaks, Steven Stilianos
Reserve/Injured: Kenny Yeboah
Twentyman: It's a versatile group with LaPorta, Wright, and Zylstra that should allow new offensive coordinator John Morton the ability to deploy them in any package he sees fit. Zylstra had a nice camp and showed improvement as a blocker which is likely why he won the No. 3 job. LaPorta missed some time in camp with an undisclosed injury but is healthy and ready to go for the start of the season. When he was on the field, he was one of Detroit's top skill players in camp.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
On the roster: Taylor Decker, Christian Mahogany, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Penei Sewell, Kayode Awosika, Giovanni Manu, Jamarco Jones, Kingsley Eguakun
Missing cut: Dan Skipper, Trystan Colon, Netane Muti, Gunner Britton, Mason Miller, Michael Niese, Zack Johnson
Reserve/Injured: Colby Sorsdal, Justin Herron
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: Miles Frazier
Twentyman: There were likely some difficult discussions here. Jones has played in 38 career NFL games with seven starts and beat Skipper out for a reserve tackle role. Eguakun earns a roster spot with his ability to back up all three interior spots. Manu is still a developmental prospect that the team wants to continue working with. Detroit's had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL over Campbell's tenure in Detroit, but they are featuring three new starters inside in Ratledge, Glasgow and Mahogany. Can this 2025 version of the offensive line be as dominant as we're used to seeing?
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
On the roster: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, Pat O'Connor, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Mekhi Wingo, Chris Smith
Missing cut: Nate Lynn, Myles Adams, Brodric Martin, Keith Cooper Jr., Mitchell Agude, Issac Ukwu
Waived with injury settlement: Ahmed Hassanein
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike
Reserve/Non-Football Injury: Josh Paschal
Twentyman: Cooper was a great story in camp starting out as a tryout player and working his way to first-team reps. He could be a candidate to return on the practice squad. Lynn was probably a tough cut too given the camp he had. He could also be a practice squad candidate. Hutchinson and Davenport looked terrific in camp as Detroit's top edge duo. Williams has fit the bill as a first-round pick and will be counted on while McNeill continues to work his way back from an ACL injury.
LINEBACKERS (6)
On the roster: Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard, Zach Cunningham, Trevor Nowaske
Missing cut: Anthony Pittman, DaRon Gilbert
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: Malcolm Rodriguez
Reserve/Injured: Ezekiel Turner
Twentyman: Pittman and Gilbert could be practice squad candidates for what they offer on special teams. Cunningham and Nowaske give the team a little more run on defense. Nowaske gives the Lions a true backup at the SAM spot behind Barnes. The Lions feel really good about the talent, versatility and experience in this room. Campbell could be a breakout performer for the Lions' defense in 2025.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Houston Texans Preseason Week 3 game at Ford Field on Saturday, August 23 in Detroit.
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Steven Stilianos (43) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Ian Kennelly (27) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
The Detroit Lions huddle before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) returns a kick during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) returns a kick during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (41) and Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) hurdles over a defender during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks an extra point during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Isaac Ukwu (45) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Nate Lynn (57) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Graham Mertz (18) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (24) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Tyson Russell (35) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Deon Jackson (36) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker DaRon Gilbert (43) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Gunner Britton (78) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Zack Johnson (77), Detroit Lions guard Netane Muti (52), Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2), and Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (48) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
DEFENSIVE BACK (8)
On the roster: D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Rock Ya-Sin, Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey
Missing cut: Erick Hallett, Ian Kennelly, Loren Strickland, Morice Norris, Nick Whiteside, Tyson Russell, Luq Barcoo, Allan George, D.J. Miller
Reserve/Injured: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Dan Jackson
Twentyman: Ya-Sin and Maddox being able to play both safety and cornerback is huge for the depth in the secondary. Dorsey is one of the top gunners in the league and provides experienced depth on defense too. Hallett, Kennelly, and Norris did some nice things in camp and the preseason and could be good practice squad candidates. Reed, Arnold, and Robertson looked terrific in camp and could be a formidable trio at corner. Joseph and Branch are the best safety duo in the NFL. This has a chance to be the best secondary the Lions have had in years.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
On the roster: Jake Bates, Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten
Missing cut: None
Twentyman: The Lions never brought in competition at either of the three spots this offseason. All three are premier players at their positions heading into the season.
