Lions make last-minute adjustments to defensive depth
One day before kickoff, the Detroit Lions announced two roster moves that tweak their defensive depth chart. The team re-signed defensive end Levi Onwuzurike to the practice squad and elevated defensive lineman Ben Stille from the practice squad to the active/inactive list.
The transactions were presented as routine roster management, but Sporting News described the moves as having "shaken up" the roster a bit — a characterization the outlet framed as a rumor — and projected that, while minor, the changes could matter once the game is underway.
Officials did not disclose additional roster strategy, but the timing suggests the Lions wanted the flexibility to carry an extra defensive lineman into game-week preparations while preserving practice-squad depth.
Saints juggle running-back options and add insurance at tight end
The New Orleans Saints made several personnel changes on Saturday after a sudden thigh injury to rookie running back Audric Estime. Estime was placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the first four games of the season with the designation.
The thigh issue emerged late in the week, and with Alvin Kamara listed as questionable for the opener, the Saints opted to free the 53-man spot rather than hold a player who will be sidelined for multiple games.
The Saints promoted tight end Treyton Welch; that move was described as insurance rather than a statement about the depth chart.
Running back Audric Estime was placed on injured reserve after missing the week of practice with a thigh injury and will miss at least the first four games. With Alvin Kamara listed as questionable for the opener, the team chose not to keep Estime occupying a roster spot while he heals.
New Orleans remains stocked at tight end with Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant and third-round pick Oscar Delp; Delp is out this week with a hamstring issue, which helps explain Welch’s elevation as short-term depth management.
Both clubs wrapped up roster housekeeping with clear short-term objectives: the Lions preserving defensive options heading into the opener, and the Saints balancing immediate injury losses at running back and tight end coverage for a road game. Each move alters the available in-game personnel, even if neither represents a long-term roster overhaul.
