The Detroit Lions are in the process of making their roster cuts for the upcoming season, and not everyone is going to be happy. Quarterback Hendon Hooker was sent packing even though the Lions believed there was still some development that could help him, and others are staring at their phone, wondering if someone with bad news is going to be on the other line.
That’s what happened for a fan favorite who became a hero in Detroit. While his leadership in the locker room was vital to the Lions' resurgence in the NFC, head coach Dan Campbell has opted to emphasize depth as they put together the team ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.
Lions have informed Dan Skipper he's been released.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) August 25, 2025
Lions Send Fan Favorite Dan Skipper Packing
According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, the Lions have released offensive tackle Dan Skipper. Skipper has been a reserve for the Lions dating back to the 2023 season, but was thrust into the spotlight during a play in Dallas late in his first year.
With the Lions trailing the Dallas Cowboys late in a December 2023 game, Skipper was the subject of an officiating error after a referee thought he and Taylor Decker both reported eligible on a two-point conversion. After Decker caught a pass from Jared Goff for what appeared to be the go-ahead conversion, the officials flagged Decker for illegal touching, claiming Skipper had reported eligible.
The play angered the Lions to the point where Skipper reported eligible on the team’s first offensive play and even ran a receiving route in Detroit’s 47-9 victory in a rematch with the Cowboys last October. Fans also embraced Skipper reporting eligible on future plays, often cheering when the announcement was made over the intercom.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to keep him on the roster. The Lions are looking to carry extra depth ahead of next season after watching 16 players finish last season on injured reserve. While Skipper’s fourth stint in Detroit came to an abrupt end, there’s a chance he could hang around as a member of the practice squad and be elevated when necessary.
Regardless, it’s the first release that may pull at the heartstrings of Lions fans, but could be necessary if they want to get where they want to go.