Detroit Lions update jersey numbers after 53-man roster established

Now that the Detroit Lions have established a 53-man roster, there have been a few extra tweaks to players’ jersey numbers. Oftentimes we see this, as a player who made the team was carrying a number they didn’t particularly want, but their preferred number was carried by a player who didn’t end up making the team. Additionally, the Lions have three new players on their 53-man roster and five new players on their practice squad. Those players have been assigned numbers, as well. Let’s break it down.

Old players with new numbers

Austin Bryant has changed his jersey number from 94 to 2. It’s unclear why Bryant chose 2 (he wore 7 and 91 in college), but that was a number previously occupied by Mike Ford, who was waived last week and subsequently claimed by the Denver Broncos.

Bobby Price changed his number from 47 to 27. There was previously a conflict with long snapper Scott Daly, who still wears 47, but Price’s change to 27 fixes that. Price wore 7 at Norfolk State—which is still available—but he’s hanging in the 20 with most of the secondary.

Nickell Robey-Coleman (practice squad) went from 43 to 1. When Robey-Coleman was signed, No. 1 was occupied by Quinton Dunbar. With that number now available, Robey-Coleman jumped on it.

New players

Wide receiver Trinity Benson is wearing 17, previously occupied by Damion Ratley.

Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge is wearing 18, previously held by Geronimo Allison.

Kicker Austin Seibert is sporting the number 4, which was held by Randy Bullock in camp.

Quarterback Steven Montez (practice squad) is 19.

Cornerback Parnell Motley (practice squad) is 29.

Edge defender Jessie Lemonier (practice squad) is 52.

Tight end Jared Pinkney (practice squad) is 82.

Tight end Shane Zylstra (practice squad) is 84.