For the most part, the Lions' initial roster cuts mirrored our projected choices. Receiver Dominique Curry was the only player projected to make our roster who didn't survive initial cuts.
As the final roster deadline approaches, the competition has tightened in three key positions. Detroit signed WR Kassim Osgood and traded for CB Kevin Barnes in the week since our last prediction. Both players will likely make the roster, eliminating some of the places originally earmarked for reserve players who have been with the team since the start of camp.
The Lions' won't practice again before their preseason finale vs. Buffalo on Thursday, so players on the roster bubble will need a solid showing against the Bills to cement their roster places. Players on PUP and injured reserve are no longer on the active roster, and have been removed from this prediction.
QB -- In: (2) Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill. Out: Kellen Moore. Analysis: The decision over whether to keep Moore on the active roster is the linchpin for this entire roster projection. Lions coach Jim Schwartz has praised Moore's development in camp and it's clear Lions' coaches like him. His value pales, however when compared to keeping another player at a position with greater need. It's also important to note that Moore is eligible for the practice squad if he's cut. He was an undrafted free agent, and his performances haven't turned heads during the preseason. That increases the likelihood that he would clear waivers and be eligible to return to Detroit without taking a spot on the main roster.
RB -- In: (4) Kevin Smith, Keiland Williams, Stefan Logan, Joique Bell. Suspended: Mikel Leshoure. Analysis: The RB competition was paused Monday when the Lions released James Bryant and Stephfon Green. Mikel Leshoure's suspension exempts him from the active roster, so all four of the remaining backs should be safe. The backfield battle will resume when the team needs to open a roster spot for Leshoure's return in Week 3.
WR -- In: (6) Ryan Broyles, Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson,Titus Young, Kassim Osgood, Nate Hughes. Out: Maurice Stovall, Pat Edwards, Lance Long, Wallace Miles. Analysis: Osgood's arrival has likely taken one of the two kick coverage receiver spots off the market. Edwards' play has cooled somewhat after a fast start to camp, while Hughes' play over the last two weeks has improved. Hughes has experience in Detroit's system, and that gives him a key edge in the competition
TE -- In (3): Brandon Pettigrew, Will Heller, Tony Scheffler. Out: Austin Wells, Alex Gottlieb. Analysis: Jim Schwartz admitted Monday that the competition was basically closed. When someone as tight-lipped as Schwartz says there's no battle, there's no battle.
OL -- In: (9) Dominic Raiola, Stephen Peterman, Rob Sims, Jeff Backus, Gosder Cherilus, Riley Reiff, Dylan Gandy, Corey Hilliard, Jason Fox. Out: Dan Gerberry, Pat Boyle, Rodney Austin. Analysis: The competition along the O-line appears to have narrowed to a battle between Gandy and Austin, a rookie. Gandy's ability to handle backup center duties gives him the edge. If he clears waivers, Austin is a good candidate for the practice squad.
DL -- In: (9) Cliff Avril, Lawrence Jackson, Ronnell Lewis, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Willie Young, Nick Fairley, Sammie Lee Hill, Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams. Out: Everette Brown, Ugo Chinasa, Edmon McClam, Andre Fluellen, Tracy Robertson. Analysis: Cutting Brown will be difficult because he's done most everything he's been asked to do during camp. Brown was facing a difficult numbers game to make the roster, however, and Lewis' special teams skill – he was effective against the Raiders on Saturday – should tip the scales in his favor.
LB -- In: (7) Justin Durant, Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy, Travis Lewis, Ashlee Palmer, Tahir Whitehead, Doug Hogue. Out: Carmen Messina. Analysis: Detroit's decision over whether the team will keep a third quarterback could have a big impact on this position battle. The arrival of Whitehead and improved play of Palmer has limited Hogue's playing time. He could be the odd man out in the roster numbers game. The other wild card in the battle is Lewis' quad injury. He's talented, but it will be difficult to keep him if he can't contribute in Week 1.
DB -- In: (10) Bill Bentley, Chris Houston, Kevin Barnes, Jacob Lacey, Alphonso Smith, Erik Coleman, Louis Delmas, Ricardo Silva, Amari Spievey, John Wendling. Out: Jonte Green, Ross Weaver, Reshard Langford, Justin Miller. Analysis: The arrival of Barnes isn't good news for Miller, who had been taking second-team reps. It's unlikely that the Lions would trade for Barnes only to cut him five days later, so Miller looks like he could be a victim of the roster numbers game.
Special Teams -- In: (3) Jason Hanson, Ryan Donahue, Don Muhlbach. Out: Ben Graham. Analysis: The punting battle will go down to the wire, and kicks in Thursday's preseason finale could well make the difference. Jim Schwartz hasn't been impressed with either player's consistency, but Donahue looks to have the edge because of his current role as Jason Hanson's holder in practice.
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLDET and @JohnKreger
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