Detroit Lions waive DL Eric Banks

At the beginning of October, the Detroit Lions put in a waiver claim and acquired defensive lineman Eric Banks. Four weeks later, per the NFL’s transaction report, the Lions have waived Banks. The Athletic’s Chris Burke was the first to break the news.

The Lions claimed Banks when they were dealing with several injuries along the defensive line. Michael Brockers was working through a shoulder injury, Da’Shawn Hand and Kevin Strong were on injured reserve, and Jashon Cornell was just returning from the suspension list.

Currently, Brockers is off the injury report, Cornell was active for the first time last week, and both Hand and Strong have begun practicing, with a return to the active roster a realistic possibility in the coming days.

With the waiving of Banks, along with the release of Daryl Worley earlier this week, the Lions have two open spots on their 53-man roster. It’s possible both spots are being held in the event that Hand or Strong are healthy and ready to be activated back onto the roster. It’s also entirely possible the Lions are holding at least one of those spots open for a defensive back, as the Lions had two starting corners miss practice on Thursday.

The Lions have yet to confirm the transaction report, but because it is an official document of the NFL, the move has already been processed. Additionally, the Lions have not made a corresponding move, otherwise, that also would have been noted on the league’s report.

Expect the Lions to confirm the move, as well as announce a corresponding adjustment or two over the next 48 hours.