His contract is why we dropped Moore it says below.
Here’s a look at the Lions’ initial 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2)
In: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky
Out: Kellen Moore
Twentyman: For the first time since general manager Martin Mayhew took over in 2009, the Lions won’t keep three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster. Moore was good Thursday night in the season finale, completing 16-of-22 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, but was ultimately the victim of a numbers game. He was guaranteed $340,000 in the two-year deal he signed this offseason. He’s eligible for the Lions’ practice squad if not claimed.
Running back/fullback (5)
In: Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, Michael Burton
Out: George Winn, Emil Igwenagu
Twentyman: Zenner led the NFL in rushing yards this preseason and wasn’t going to clear waivers if the Lions let him go. Winn is a core special teamer that plays on all four units, but Zenner has proven he’s got some upside on special teams. Igwenagu had a terrific camp and preseason, but the Lions spent a fifth-round pick on Burton, and that ultimately gave him the leg up here.
Wide receiver (5)
In: Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Corey Fuller, Lance Moore, TJ Jones
Out: Jeremy Ross, Greg Salas
Twentyman: In the end, the preseason TJ Jones put together, and the upside he's shown over the last month, won out over Ross' experience. Jones averaged 21.4 yards per catch in the preseason and averaged 9.8 yards per punt return. Salas, who injured his left knee in the preseason finale, has been placed on the Lions’ injured reserve list.
Tight end (3)
In: Eric Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, Tim Wright
Out: Joseph Fauria, Casey Pierce
Twentyman: The writing was on the wall for Fauria when the team traded for Tim Wright earlier in the week. Fauria is a big body with soft hands, but was limited some between the 20s. Wright is a more versatile player and probably a better fit in Joe Lombardi’s offense. Expect Casey Pierce to get some practice squad consideration.
Offensive line (9)
In: Riley Reiff, Laken Tomlinson, Travis Swanson, Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle, Cornelius Lucas, Manny Ramirez, Taylor Boggs, Corey Robinson
Out: Braxston Cave, Torrian Wilson, Xavier Proctor, Joe Madsen, Al Bond
Twentyman: There aren’t a whole lot of surprises here. Boggs’ inclusion on the 53 was expected with starter Larry Warford’s status still uncertain for Week 1 with a high ankle sprain. The Lions typically keep four tackles on the roster and that’s the case here as well.
Defensive line (9)
In: Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones, Darryl Tapp, Devin Taylor, Philip Hunt, Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker, Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright.
Out: Larry Webster, Corey Wootton, Jermelle Cudjo, Jerel Worthy, Kerry Hyder
Twentyman: Hunt took advantage of opportunities given to him all spring and summer and earned this initial roster spot. In the end, Hunt did more to secure a roster spot than Webster, who the Lions hope will clear waivers and be part of their practice squad. Cudjo did enough to make the roster, too, but the Lions typically only keep four defensive tackles. His release could be good news that Reid will be ready to go Week 1 after suffering a high ankle sprain in the second preseason game. Wootton, who was injured Thursday night vs. Buffalo, has been placed on the injured reserve list.
Linebacker (7)
In: DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Lewis, Brandon Copeland
Out: Julian Stanford
Twentyman: The Lions opted to go heavy at linebacker with the addition of Copeland. Typically, they’ve kept just six linebackers into the season. The Lions obviously like Copeland and the versatility he brings to the defense. He’s also a terrific special teamer.
Defensive back (10)
In: Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, James Ihedigbo, Glover Quin, Josh Wilson, Alex Carter, Quandre Diggs, Nevin Lawson, Don Carey, Isa Abdul-Quddus
Out: Crezdon Butler, Isaiah Johnson, Brian Suite, Nate Ness
Twentyman: No real surprises here. The Lions opted not to keep a fifth safety like they did last season. There’s a lot of versatility among this group and a good mix of veterans and youngsters. Johnson and Suite are both practice-squad candidates.
Specialists (3)
In: Sam Martin, Matt Prater, Don Muhlbach
Twentyman: As expected
This post was edited by SheriffCool on Sep 5 2015 05:21pm