As the Detroit Lions prepare for a big game against the Dallas Cowboys this week, they have made a couple of transactional moves to help supplement the roster. The team announced that they’ve signed tight end Giovanni Ricci and running back Jabari Small to the practice squad. In order to make room, they’ve also released Tre Flowers from the practice squad.
Ricci joins the team after they’ve gone through a couple of big injuries. Starter Sam LaPorta is likely out for the year with a back injury. Backup Brock Wright is dealing with a neck/trachea injury that coach Dan Campbell said could be “long-term” as they continue to seek out second opinions. That has left the team with Ross Dwelley, Anthony Firkser, and Zach Horton as their top three options.
Ricci has been around the NFL since 2020, when he was first signed by the Carolina Panthers following a college career at Western Michigan. Ricci hung around with the Panthers for four seasons, but only made 36 game appearances and four starts. He most recently spent time with the Minnesota Vikings in training camp, but was part of the team’s final cuts. He has not been with a team since.
Small spent part of training camp with the Lions earlier this year, but didn’t make the team. Last week, the Lions waived running back Craig Reynolds as part of some roster maneuvering, and Reynolds ended up signing with the New England Patriots’ practice squad. Small essentially serves as the fifth-string running back now, behind Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, and Jacob Saylors.
Small is in just his second season after going undrafted in 2024. At 5-foot-9, 198 pounds, Small has good burst, but only moderate long-term speed (4.59 40-yard dash). He has yet to make his NFL debut.
See More:
