Lions transfer Wright to IR, re-add CB, elevate WR off practice squad, rule out starting guard
Detroit — The Detroit Lions were busy making some final roster tweaks hours before Thursday night’s kickoff with the Dallas Cowboys.
Most notably, the team transferred tight end Brock Wright to injured reserve and downgraded starting guard Kayode Awosika to out after he suffered a mid-week foot injury.
With Wright out, the Lions will lean on the collective of Ross Dwelley, Anthony Firsker and Hayden Rucci, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins earlier in the week. Offensive tackle Dan Skipper will also continue to have a role as a sixth blocker in jumbo packages.
With Awosika out, the Lions will be forced to turn to a third option at left guard. Christian Mahogany opened the season as the starter, but is currently on injured reserve with a broken leg.
The likely choice to replace Awosika would be veteran Trystan Colon, who started at center against Green Bay last week. Alternatively, the team could look to Michael Niese. The longshot option would be rookie Miles Frazier, who missed all of training camp and most of the regular season before getting activated a week ago.
To fill the roster spot created with Wright moving to IR, the Lions re-signed cornerback Nick Whiteside off the team’s practice squad. He’ll help supplement the depth on the outside after Terrion Arnold was lost to a season-ending shoulder injury earlier in the week.
Detroit’s final roster adjustment was temporarily elevating wide receiver Malik Cunningham off the practice squad. He’ll give the team insurance if Amon-Ra St. Brown can’t go after pre-game testing of his injured ankle.
A converted quarterback who went undrafted in 2023, Cunningham has logged just 10 offensive snaps in his career, and none since his rookie year.
If ever there was a time where the Lions need to be using two back sets the entire game, it’s tonight. Gibbs and Monty should be on the field together most of the game, you can spell either one occasionally with a third back, Vaki. Two back sets, help the OL, Jared Goff, and the potential for more downfield passing.
Nick Whiteside has done well thus far.