The Detroit Lions reversed course on one of their more controversial roster-making decisions. A day after keeping running back Jermar Jefferson on the initial 53-man roster, the Lions waived the second-year RB to make room for new DT Benito Jones.
The Lions claimed Jones off waivers from the Miami Dolphins after that team waived him on Tuesday. To make room on the 53-man roster, the Lions waived Jefferson. The move leaves the Lions with just three running backs on the active roster: D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds.
Jefferson is subject to waiver claims, which will be processed at 12 p.m. on Thursday. If he goes unclaimed, the Lions can bring him back to the practice squad.
No players went from the active roster to injured reserve on Wednesday, which means players who missed the end of the preseason, most notably S Ifeatu Melifonwu and DT Levi Onwuzurike, remain on the 53-man roster and eligible to practice. The only addition to the IR came when WR Trinity Benson accepted an injury settlement after being waived with injured status.
The Lions also signed 13 players to the practice squad who all spent time with the club in training camp and preseason.
WR Maurice Alexander
LB Jarrad Davis
TE Derrick Deese
OT Obinna Eze
TE Garrett Griffin
DT Bruce Hector
DE James Houston
RB Justin Jackson
WR Tom Kennedy
CB AJ Parker
LB Anthony Pittman
OT Dan Skipper
CB Saivion Smith
