It turns out the Detroit Lions’ practice squad will have one new name after all. As Aaron Wilson reported on Sunday, the Lions have signed former Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda to their 10-man practice squad. To make room for Cabinda, the Lions have released tight end Austin Traylor from the practice squad.
Cabinda is an undersized, but powerful linebacker who was strong in run support for the Raiders in 10 game appearances last year. Among rookie linebackers who played at least 150 snaps, he actually earned the third highest PFF grade in 2018. Prior to his rookie season in Oakland, he was a three-year starter for Penn State, racking up over 80 tackles in each of his last three seasons as a Nittany Lion.
Detroit could obviously use some linebacker depth while Jarrad Davis recovers from a leg injury suffered in the third preseason game. However, Cabinda is likely more of a long-term project and will take some time to learn the scheme before the Lions trot him out there.
As for Traylor, the Lions added him just before training camp started. After his release, the Lions just have one tight end on the practice squad: seventh-round pick Isaac Nauta.