On Sunday, the Detroit Lions claimed defensive tackle Daylon Mack. Just five days later, the team announced they have waived him from the roster.
Mack is a 2019 fifth-round pick from the Baltimore Ravens. He made the Ravens’ 53-man squad in his rookie year, but only made one game appearance throughout the season. When the Ravens opted to cut their roster from 90 to 80 prior to the start of training camp last week, they waived Mack.
The Lions likely swiped up Mack due to his abilities as a run stuffer. Prior to the addition of Mack, backup nose tackle John Atkins decided to opt out of the 2020 season. Mack was expected to battle with 2020 sixth-round pick John Penisini for the backup job in Detroit.
However, after just a couple days of conditioning and walkthroughs, the Lions decided to move on from Mack, leaving an open path for Penisini to make the final roster this year. At this point, no corresponding move has been announced, so the Lions’ roster is at 86 players (after the three opt outs).
UPDATE: According to the official transaction wire, Mack failed his physical. That’s why he was waived.