Detroit Lions lose Jeremiah Ledbetter, Marcus Lucas to other teams’ practice squad

The Detroit Lions are still trying to build their 10-man practice squad, and they’re going to have a little tougher time than they may have anticipated. Though every player they waived this weekend cleared waivers, not all will be returning to the Lions’ practice squad.

According to The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers, defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter turned down an offer to join the Lions’ practice squad and will be signing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 10-man team.

Ledbetter joined the Lions as a sixth-round draft pick in 2017. He made the team in his rookie year, and appeared in all 16 games last year, totalling 14 tackles and 0.5 sacks along the way.

Additionally, the Lions won’t be getting tight end Marcus Lucas back, either. Rogers is reporting the former Missouri tight end will be joining the Seahawks. It’s unclear whether the Lions tried to keep Lucas around, but the 26-year-old did haul in 10 passes during the preseason.

If the Lions are considering bringing in another defensive tackle for the practice squad Josh Fatu and Christian Ringo both are eligible. Unfortunately, the only other tight end that was on the Lions’ roster this offseason was Sean McGrath, and he is no longer practice squad eligible.