As Detroit Lions gear up for their Thanksgiving showdown with the Green Bay Packers, the front office made a bold move: they’ve waived veteran running back Craig Reynolds, trimming their backfield as they reshuffle the roster.
✅ What’s Going On
Reynolds — a longtime depth back and special teams contributor — was released on Wednesday. He had fallen behind on the depth chart with younger backs pushing for playing time.
At the same time, Detroit is adding reinforcements: edge rusher Marcus Davenport and offensive lineman Miles Frazier have been activated from injury lists.
On top of that, the team signed tight end Anthony Firkser and wide receiver Tom Kennedy to the active roster — likely to fill gaps with other skill-players unavailable for the Packers game.
🔎 Why It Matters
Backfield trim: With Reynolds gone, the Lions’ RB room is now leaner — likely leaving playing time to the primary backs. This could mean a more focused workload for the lead runners.
Depth boost: Davenport’s return strengthens the pass rush and front seven, while Frazier’s activation gives the offensive line some extra depth — both crucial heading into a tough divisional game.
Strategic timing: The moves suggest Detroit is prioritizing its roster composition heading into holiday and playoff-push weeks — cutting depth where it’s thin, and adding where they need reinforcement.
Lions’ Pre-Thanksgiving Moves: Reynolds Out, Davenport & Frazier Back, Ragnow Reinstated
