Detroit Lions injuries and offseason roster shuffles dominated the preseason storyline. Kenny Yeboah, Colby Sorsdal and Justin Herron were placed on injured reserve after the Falcons game, while Jabari Small was waived with an injury settlement. The Lions answered with veteran and prospect signings: Gunner Britton, Keaton Sutherland, Gunnar Oakes, and Deon Jackson joined the offensive line, tight end group, and backfield. Jackson is the second UFL back to land in Detroit this summer, following Jacob Saylors’ Lions-leaning performance against Atlanta. The club returns to practice Monday and has upcoming joint sessions with the Dolphins.

The dialogue around depth charts centers on Sorsdal filling a backup guard/tackle role, Ratledge stepping in after the injury, and the No. 3 tight end competition between Yeboah and Shane Zylstra, who logged limited targets in the Falcons tilt. Preseason production from Jabari Small offered marginal yardage, while Deon Jackson’s UFL resume adds intrigue for an RB rotation behind the top backs.

As the team navigates August plans, Detroit’s practice cadence and cross-team workouts with Miami will be pivotal for evaluating depth at RB and TE, while the IR designations set a clearer path for personnel evaluation as the regular season approaches.

DiCaprio Bootle, the former Nebraska standout, has been signed by the Detroit Lions as part of their latest roster enhancements ahead of training camp. Bootle, who went undrafted in 2021, brings valuable experience from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he appeared in seven games, as well as a stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. His versatility as a defensive back could be instrumental in strengthening the Lions' secondary as they look to build on their previous season.

The Lions also added defensive back Tyson Russell and running back Jabari Small, indicating a focused effort to bolster their roster through free agency. Bootle's journey has been characterized by persistence and adaptability, making him a player to watch as he vies for a spot on the Lions' final roster.

The Detroit Lions have fortified their running back lineup by signing Jabari Small, adding depth behind their star duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Last season, Gibbs and Montgomery collectively amassed an impressive 2,187 rushing yards, alongside 858 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns across 31 games. The addition of Small not only enhances competition in the backfield but also provides a strategic insurance policy as the Lions gear up for the upcoming training camp.

The Detroit Lions have bolstered their running back depth by signing Jabari Small, a standout from the University of Tennessee. Small, who spent his rookie year with the Tennessee Titans last season, is expected to add versatility and skill to the Lions' backfield. This move comes as the Lions aim to enhance their roster ahead of the upcoming season, showcasing a commitment to building a competitive team.

With the addition of Small, the Lions are looking to solidify their offensive strategy, as he brings a unique blend of speed and agility that could potentially elevate their running game. The decision reflects the team's proactive approach to roster development, ensuring they have reliable options at the running back position as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.

The Detroit Lions have fortified their running back position by agreeing to terms with Jabari Small, a promising addition to their backfield depth. Small showed potential during his senior season at Tennessee, where he rushed for 475 yards in 11 games. However, following a stint with the Tennessee Titans, he was waived without appearing in a regular-season game, leaving questions about his current readiness for the NFL.

In 2024, the Lions ranked among the elite teams in the NFL with third in rushing touchdowns (32) and sixth in rushing yards (2,488). Jahmyr Gibbs led the team, sharing the lead in rushing touchdowns and contributing significantly to the ground game. Meanwhile, David Montgomery also had a solid season. As for Small, his role within a crowded backfield remains to be seen, but he could provide valuable depth or serve as an experience asset on the practice squad.