All NFL teams have a 53-man active roster. The teams also have a 16-member practice group available, which can be used in different capacities depending on the team.
For Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, this practice squad is effectively an extension of the 53-man roster. The lions Promote players routinely from practice squad to active game roster and have used the practice squad liberally to bolster veteran depth.
Campbell has indicated several times over the years that he views the veterans on the practice squad as part of the actual roster. He reiterated that view on Sunday.
As the Lions add veteran safety Jamal Adams to the practice squad and Signing three veterans from other teams' rosters To complement Detroit's injury-plagued defense, Campbell joined the Lions on the practice squad.
“We say it every year, but they are an extension of the squad. They really are part of the squad,” Campbell said emphatically. “It's just a different way to bring them into the team because you're going to need them, you're going to have to use them, and I think the right mix of veterans who were able to do that – they played.” In this one League they get it, it's not too big for them, plug and play, fulfill a role, a purpose, you know exactly what they can do and you appreciate that about them. I think it’s big.”
The makeup of Detroit's practice squad reflects Campbell's attitude toward the unit. It's filled with veterans like Adams and fellow safety Kaevon Merriweather, wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tom Kennedy, offensive tackle Jamarco Jones and tight end James Mitchell – all with years of NFL experience.
Many teams use the practice squad more as a development tool for younger players. The Lions also have something of that. Undrafted rookies Isaac Ukwu, Kinglsey Eguakun and Morice Norris learn and grow with every practice. But that's quite a difference from other teams that use the practice squad as a repository for unproven and developing players. The Packers, for example, have 11 rookies on their practice squad and only one player on their 16-man unit who was in the nfl before 2022.
