The Detroit Lions announced their inactive players before Week 1’s game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
After trimming their roster down to 52 players during cutdowns, the Lions had an open spot on the roster and used that opportunity to add defensive tackle Chris Smith to the active roster. In addition, they also promoted veteran nose tackle Kyle Peko and slot receiver Tom Kennedy, bringing Detroit’s game-day roster to a total of 55 players.
Since the Lions have eight offensive linemen in action for Sunday’s game, they can expand their roster for the game day from 47 to 48 players. Therefore, with 55 Players on the matchday squad and 48 eligible players must be declared by the Lions seven players inactive for today’s game.
Non-active Lions:
When Reader was activated from the PUP list, coach Dan Campbell said the nose tackle’s projected return to game action would likely be Week 2. Despite showing positive trends in practice all week, he was given a questionable rating for Friday’s game.
On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Reader would likely miss this game as the Lions felt he was “not quite ready” to fully compete this week, reiterating that it was more likely he would return to action in Week 2. That report was confirmed when the inactivity was declared, and Reader will focus on the game against the Buccaneers to make his Lions debut.
Inactive Rams players:
- RB Cody Schrader
- OT Rob Havenstein
- EDGE Desjuan Johnson
- LB Brennan Jackson
- LB Elias Neal
