The Detroit Lions have been busy on roster cutdown day as they have to finalize the 53 players who will be on the team in Week 1. They've let go of some fan favorites while preparing for the future, and now the focus turns to ensuring that the franchise is ready to win the NFC North for the third consecutive season.
Unfortunately, the nature of the day requires some difficult decisions that could have long-lasting impacts.
One such decision was waiving a beloved rookie due to an injury, and that could give the locker room and fan base a sour taste going into Week 1.
Whoa. That is an interesting route.
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) August 26, 2025
I'm guessing there's a handshake agreement for him to return, but he'll be free to sign with ANY team after the length of his injury settlement. https://t.co/dIDt5aDQOg
Lions Cut Beloved Rookie on Roster Cutdown Day
As reported by Lions insider Ben Raven, Detroit waived rookie edge rusher Ahmen Hassanein. A sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft by the organization, Hassanein quickly won fans over before being put on injured reserve.
He's a lovable personality and starred at Boise State, looking like the type of player who could one day partner with Aidan Hutchinson to give the Lions a formidable defensive line duo. Hassanein had 9.5 sacks in 2024, just one year after notching 12.5, so he's clearly got pass-rushing chops that Detroit could use.
That's what makes this release all the more surprising. Hassanein was waived with an injury settlement, suggesting it had little to do with his play, but it's telling that the franchise got rid of him instead of simply putting him on the injured reserve list to save a roster spot. Something seemed to happen that caused the coaching staff to sour on him, and it could have long-lasting impacts on the defensive line as a whole.
Hutchinson, Alim McNeil, DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport, and rookie Tyleik Williams figure to lead the position group, but it's a surprise nonetheless that the organization elected to go in a different direction from Hassanein. This is a team that has done a tremendous job of building the fan base and listening to what they say, so it's stunning that one of the summer's most popular players is now on the streets.
Perhaps the Lions believe that Hassanein won't be signed by another team, and that'd allow them to bring him back on the practice squad. If that doesn't happen, though, Detroit may rue the choice for years to come.