The Lions granted a reprieve Saturday to five of the 21 players they trimmed from the roster during preseason cuts by signing them to the practice squad. Teams can keep up to eight players on the squad, which is designed to serve as a developmental vehicle.
G Rodney Austin (rookie, undrafted, Elon) Austin’s work ethic and strength impressed Lions’ veteran O-linemen Rob Sims and Jeff Backus during camp. He had extended reps in Detroit’s preseason finale Thursday, and coaches will use Austin’s time on the squad to refine his technique in hopes of added OL depth.
CB Ross Weaver (3rd year, undrafted, Michigan State) Weaver is in his final year of practice-squad eligibility, and his previous developmental experience will provide the young DBs on Detroit’s roster with some experienced competition in drills.
LB Carmen Messina (rookie, undrafted, New Mexico) Messina’s performance in camp saw him move up the depth chart as deadline day approached. He faced long odds to make the roster because of Detroit’s solid LB depth. He’s a natural fit for the developmental squad, and could easily be elevated to the active roster in case of injury.
RB Stephfon Green (rookie, undrafted, Penn State) Green’s addition to the squad is likely a result of the need for an additional back in drills while Mikel Leshoure serves his two-game suspension. Green performed well enough this spot, but he must improve to make the active roster.
WR Patrick Edwards. (rookie, undrafted, Houston) Edwards was one of the final cuts announced by the Lions on Friday. His play in camp was more than deserving of a roster place, but he was a victim of a numbers game. Lions’ DBs have credited Edwards’ speed as a vital training aid in drills. Edwards could have the biggest impact of any of Detroit’s practice-squad players on the team’s 2012 prospects.
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLDET and @JohnKreger.
