The Detroit Lions are making moves, but unfortunately, it’s not all the kind they’d prefer. Following their second preseason game, Detroit announced multiple roster changes Sunday, with injuries forcing some tough decisions and the team turning to the UFL for reinforcements.
TL;DR
Lions place Colby Sorsdal, Justin Herron, and Kenny Yeboah on IR.
Jabari Small waived with injury settlement.
Detroit signs four players from the UFL to fill open spots: RB Deon Jackson, OL Gunner Britton, OL Keaton Sutherland, TE Gunnar Oakes.
Injuries test Detroit’s depth early in the preseason.
Three Lions Hit Injured Reserve
The biggest headline is that three players have been placed on injured reserve, likely ending their 2025 campaigns:
OL Colby Sorsdal – fresh off an impressive showing in the Hall of Fame Game, his season now appears over.
OT Justin Herron – a long shot for the roster but one who had a real chance to see snaps due to injuries at tackle. Herron suffered an arm injury during warmups against the Falcons.
TE Kenny Yeboah – was battling for the TE3 spot before this setback.
While it’s possible one or more could return via injury settlements, none will be in Detroit’s short-term plans.
One Player Waived
Running back Jabari Small, who was competing for a practice squad spot, has been waived with an injury settlement.
Detroit Turns to the UFL for Help
With four open roster spots, the Lions acted quickly, signing four players who played in the United Football League this past spring:
RB Deon Jackson – previously reported addition, brought in to replace Small.
OL Gunner Britton – played both left and right tackle for the DC Defenders in 2025.
OL Keaton Sutherland – versatile guard/center from the Birmingham Stallions.
TE Gunnar Oakes – a Michigan Panthers standout who caught 14 passes for 162 yards and two TDs this spring.
The Big Picture
These moves are a reminder that preseason is as much about survival as it is about evaluation. The Lions have been proactive in addressing depth concerns, particularly in the trenches and at tight end. For players like Britton, Sutherland, and Oakes, this is a golden opportunity to turn a spring-league shot into a spot on an NFL roster.