Detroit Lions announce 9 cuts to start 53-man cutdown

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced nine roster moves that have trimmed the team’s roster from 80 players to 71. As previously reported, wide receiver Breshad Perriman was among the first nine cuts, as were cornerback Mike Ford and safety Alijah Holder.

In addition to those moves, Campbell announced that offensive tackles Dan Skipper and Tyrell Crosby were waived with an injury designation. We had more on that story here.

The remaining four cuts were wide receivers Victor Bolden and Damion Ratley, guard Evan Heim, and nose tackle Miles Brown.

Bolden entered camp looking like a strong competitor for a depth job in Detroit. With his experience both as a returner and receiver at the NFL level, he made a good early impression. However, he muffed a punt in the preseason and developed a drop problem towards the end of camp. When Tom Kennedy started repping ahead of him in the punt return rotation, it looked like Bolden was likely on his way out.

And while the cuts of Bolden and Ratley appear to be a positive sign that Kennedy has made the roster, Campbell made sure to note that decision has not been made yet.

Heim was signed to the team shortly after winning a spot via rookie minicamp. However, he couldn’t find his footing in the Lions’ offensive line depth. Towards the end of camp, the Lions attempted to evaluate his versatility at center, but he did not do enough to win a roster spot in that final week of practice.

Miles Brown was added in the first week of camp after the Lions were struggling with injuries at defensive tackle. He was a longshot to make the final roster, but he put some good tape out there, including four tackles in Detroit’s preseason finale.

The Lions will carry that 71-man roster into practice on Monday morning. They will need to trim another 18 players by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.