The Detroit Lions now have a full 53-man roster, plus two more players who were elevated from the practice squad on Saturday.
The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday afternoon the elevation of two players from the practice squad who are now eligible to play against the Los Angeles Rams: defensive tackle Kyle Peko and wide receiver Tom Kennedy.
Detroit also announced that defensive lineman Chris Smith has been signed to the 53-man roster, filling Detroit’s final roster spot. Smith was an undrafted player last year and spent 2023 on and off the Lions’ practice squad. At 6-foot-1, 316 pounds, Smith has the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive line, including the nose tackle position.
Peko also gives the Lions needed depth at the same position. With Brodric Martin on injured reserve and DJ Reader questionable for the season opener, expect Peko—an eight-year veteran—to get some playing time against the Rams. With Reader sidelined for all of training camp, Peko took the majority of first-team reps with the defense all offseason. Over his career, Peko has 56 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery in 42 total game appearances (13 starts). With Peko and Smith now eligible to play Sunday, one has to wonder if Reader may get one more week before making his Lions debut.
Kennedy’s elevation is an interesting one. Most (myself included) predicted the Lions to elevate one of Detroit’s big-bodied receivers for Sunday, be it Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tim Patrick, or Allen Robinson. Kennedy is only 5-foot-10, 195 pounds. His elevation could mean that rookie receiver Isaiah Williams may be a game day inactive this week.
As a reminder of the NFL’s elevation rules, each team is allowed to elevate two players per week from the practice squad to create a temporary 55-man roster. After the game, those two players will revert back to the practice squad without having to go through waivers. Individual practice squad players can only be elevated three times per season. After that, in order to play, that player must be signed to the 53-man roster.
