By Moses Joshua 
Detroit shores up offensive depth as injuries force targeted adjustments
The Detroit Lions entered the new week needing stability — and fast. With injuries piling up and the offense stretched thin, the front office moved swiftly on Sunday to reinforce key positions while parting ways with a familiar depth piece on defense.
Below is a detailed look at how Detroit’s latest roster recalibration reflects both necessity and strategy as the season reaches a critical point.
Tight End Depth Reaches a Breaking Point
Few position groups in Detroit have taken more damage in recent weeks than the tight ends. What began as a strength quickly became a scramble.
With Sam LaPorta sidelined for the season following a back procedure and Brock Wright still recovering from a trachea injury, the Lions were forced to rely on Ross Dwelley, Anthony Firkser, and Zach Horton during the Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay. It wasn’t sustainable.
That made the decision to sign Giovanni Ricci a no-brainer.
Ricci, 27, brings experience and reliability after appearing in 36 games with the Carolina Panthers from 2021–23. While his stat line—nine catches for 102 yards—won’t turn heads, his versatility and blocking ability make him a valuable insurance policy for a suddenly depleted unit.
The Lions didn’t just need depth — they needed someone who could step in immediately if the injuries continue to stack up. Ricci fits that requirement perfectly.
A Familiar Face Returns: Jabari Small Rejoins Detroit
Running back became another position where reinforcements were inevitable.
After waiving Craig Reynolds last week, Detroit was left thin behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, leaning on Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors for rotational snaps.
Enter Jabari Small, back for a second stint after flashing during the preseason. Before being waived with an injury settlement in August, Small posted 16 carries for 48 yards across two preseason games and showed promise as a physical, downhill runner.
His return gives the Lions another contingency plan should the injury bug strike again — something Detroit knows all too well this year.
Tre Flowers Becomes the Odd Man Out
To make room for Ricci and Small, Detroit released cornerback Tre Flowers from the practice squad — a move driven by improved health across the secondary.
Earlier in the season, Flowers’ veteran presence was valuable while the defensive backfield was battered. But with Terrion Arnold back, Brian Branch healthy, and multiple safeties returning to action, the depth chart simply squeezed him out.
Flowers had been elevated twice this year, but the numbers game caught up with him.
The Bottom Line
Sunday’s moves reflect classic management from GM Brad Holmes — adding help where injuries hit the hardest and trimming from areas finally getting healthy.
Ricci and Small aren’t just practice squad placeholders. In a season where Detroit has repeatedly been forced into next-man-up moments, both newcomers could realistically see the field before the year is over.
Given how unpredictable this season has been, no one in Detroit would be surprised.