Detroit Lions Announce 2 Roster Moves Following Thursday’s Practice

The Detroit Lions announced two roster moves following Thursday's practice. First, they signed Tom Kennedy from the practice squad to the active roster, filling the last spot on the team's 53-man roster just three days before their season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Kennedy was expected to handle punt-return duties. The move addresses the Lions' need for a fifth active receiver while resolving their primary special-teams vacancy.

Kennedy was always the logical choice when Detroit opened two roster spots by waiving Seth McLaughlin and Jabari Small, as he had shown promise in returns during the training camp preview. Additionally, the Lions added defensive back Natrone Brooks to the practice squad. This move provides more secondary insurance for Detroit's already thin secondary.

Brooks spent the previous three seasons with Atlanta and had 15 tackles and three passes defensed in 26 regular-season games. With Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and other defensive players currently unavailable, Brooks offers experienced NFL game experience to Kelvin Sheppard. The Lions' active roster is now complete, with Week 1 just three days away.