Greg Dortch departure looms large as a topic of debate. Dortch had been the Lions’ primary kick and punt returner during training camp, consistently handling those duties and also lining up as a wide receiver in rotations with the top units. The decision to part ways with Dortch came as a surprise to many, given his prominence on special teams and his demonstrated versatility as a returner. The surprise isn’t just about who was cut, but about who might take over those roles. Without Dortch, the Lions face a question: who will handle kick and punt returns this season? Possibilities include players like Jameson Williams or Amon-Ra St. Brown experimenting with return duties, though both options carry risk. Others in the mix include Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors, who have contributed on special teams previously. The team’s special teams coordinator, Dave Fipp, has emphasized the need for a player who can handle punt returns reliably, given the physical toll of those plays. Tom Kennedy was mentioned in discussions as well, but his place on the roster and potential role on the practice squad complicates the decision. The Dortch move has set a clear question mark at a high-leverage position: who becomes the new return specialist, and how quickly can the Lions stabilize those units?
Erick Hunter’s status on the roster and the practice squad is another point of scrutiny. Hunter showed flashes of playmaking ability on special teams during camp and preseason, contributing in a way that suggested upside. Yet, he is not currently on the practice squad, and his long-term placement remains uncertain. This situation mirrors a trend the Lions have faced in past seasons, where promising players at the margins may not get immediate roster protection or a spot on the practice squad, even when their upside is evident. The lingering question is whether Hunter remains with the organization in some capacity or if another opportunity will present itself for him elsewhere. If the Lions do decide to move on from Hunter, it would be a notable misstep only if his development stalls entirely; if he recovers on waivers or through a future call-up, the decision could ultimately be judged in hindsight.
The team did not use its 17th priority waiver claim, something many watchers viewed as an opportunity to nab an additional versatile or interior depth piece. While there may not have been an obvious, slam-dunk acquisition available at the time, some believed a higher-priority acquisition could help bolster depth in areas like the defensive line or at cornerback. The Lions still retain the ability to claim players during the regular season should opportunities arise, but the missed chance to add a potentially impactful player during the initial waiver period is a talking point now that competition for roster spots is ongoing.
There’s also the ongoing quarterback question. Luke Altmyer appeared to be in the mix during the summer, but the consensus among observers was that he wasn’t ready to be a reliable QB2. Josh Dobbs presented a more ready option but did not deliver standout performances in the final preseason game against largely reserve-level competition. The broader concern is clear: while the roster around Jared Goff looks strong, the backup quarterback situation remains unsettled. Hendon Hooker’s earlier stint did not pan out as hoped, and Kyle Allen exited the discussion as a potential long-term solution. The Lions could still pursue a veteran option or a younger quarterback with upside to serve as insurance behind Goff. If the team declines to address this area, the risk is that an injury or a significant matchup could derail a season with a quarterback on the roster who isn’t fully prepared to step into the role.
The choice to carry five running backs is another point worth watching. The Lions can justify depth at a position that has seen injuries and attrition across the league, especially during a season where multiple backs may be needed for a heavy workload. If Jabari Small is healthy, his inclusion makes sense as part of a committee approach. However, carrying an extra running back can be a luxury, particularly if there are other areas where the roster could be strengthened. Some analysts have suggested that an additional cornerback or a different defensive depth piece might be a more prudent allocation of that roster spot, given the value of versatility and coverage at the back end of the defense. The rationale for keeping five backs might hinge on current injury concerns or the desire for a flexible, multi-tool back who can contribute in various phases of the game.
Special teams, quarterback depth, and positional versatility will continue to influence the Lions’ roster trajectory as the season approaches. The overarching takeaway is that these decisions, while not catastrophic, will shape how the team navigates unforeseen challenges, such as injuries or matchup-specific needs. The Lions have a talented core, and the question remains whether the remaining gaps—special teams consistency, a reliable backup quarterback, and optimal use of the 53-man roster—can be efficiently filled as they move into the 2026 campaign.
As the team progresses, attention will turn to how the coaching staff and front office address these open spots. Immediate conversations with the head coach and general manager—alongside evaluation of practice squad candidates and potential waiver-wire pickups—will provide clarity on the direction the Lions intend to take. Fans should expect ongoing updates as new information becomes available, and the season will ultimately reveal whether these roster choices translate into sustained performance on the field.
Note: This summary presents an objective look at the roster decisions discussed during training camp and immediately surrounding the 53-man cutdown period, focusing on the implications for the 2026 season without referencing any external publications.
