Lions waive long snapper Jimmy Landes, tackle Arturo Uzdavinis

The Detroit Lions had a very busy morning, swinging a trade for one of the best offensive tackle prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft, and then adding another offensive tackle to help mitigate the damage from Taylor Decker’s shoulder injury.

To make room for these two new players, the Lions had to release two players. To the surprise of many, Detroit chose to end their long snapping competition before training camp even started. The team announced on Thursday morning that they have waived former sixth-round pick Jimmy Landes, along with offensive tackle Arturo Uzdavinis.

Landes was drafted just a year ago with the 210th overall pick. He was expected to compete with veteran Don Muhlbach for the job last year, but his season ended early in August when shoulder surgery forced the Lions to put him on injured reserved before the season began.

Returning to the roster healthy and ready in 2017, he entered the offseason as the assumed starter. However, the Lions signed the 35-year-old Muhlbach to a one-year deal back in March, and #LONGSNAPPERWATCH2017 was on.

However, the camp battle never truly came to be. After just 10 days of OTAs and two practices at mandatory minicamp, it appears the Lions have made their decision. Landes will hit waivers on Friday. We’ll see if anyone puts in a claim for him, or if a return to the Lions is possible before training camp begins in late July.