The Detroit Lions are desperately looking for answers on their secondary as they head into their Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Severely short-handed after Brian Branch's suspension, Dan Campbell has been discussing all week about his plans for the defensive backfield. One of the names he mentioned as a potential option in Branch's absence was Loren Strickland before the Lions decided to waive him on Tuesday.
With the open roster spot they created, they signed defensive back Jammie Robinson from the Chiefs' practice squad. But upon clearing waivers, Strickland is returning to the Lions' practice squad.
To make room for this transaction, the Lions had to waive defensive lineman Keith Cooper. While Detroit could still elevate Strickland before Monday, this is clearly a demotion for the 25-year-old, who was signed to the active roster two weeks ago after starting the season on the practice squad.
Loren Strickland Joins the Lions 2 Days After Getting Waived
Strickland signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL Draft. He made the 53-man roster against all odds last season, but didn't see any defensive snaps, playing exclusively on special teams in his seven appearances. He was eventually waived towards the end of the season and was brought back to the practice squad. Since then, he has spent most of his time in Detroit on the practice squad.
Like any practice squad players, Strickland can be elevated up to three times this season. With how many injuries the Lions currently have on the roster, there may not be a better time than Week 7 to elevate the safety. It's safe to assume that the Lions will use two practice squad elevations on the defensive backfield before Monday. Newly signed veteran Kendall Fuller, Tre Flowers, and Arthur Maulet are all possibilities in addition to Strickland.
On the active roster, Rock Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, and Kerby Joseph are the obvious starters. There is a possibility that Ya-Sin could move to safety, where he was given an opportunity in the preseason. New addition Jammie Robinson, along with Thomas Harper, Erick Hallett, and Nick Whiteside, are the depth pieces Dan Campbell can rely on. Whether Strickland can earn his first defensive snaps as a Lion among this group remains to be seen. If he does, it would be a fascinating twist in his career in the same week he got waived.