A day after cutting their two best performers of the preseason, the Lions are bringing both back.
Detroit will re-sign WR Tom Kennedy and RB Justin Jackson to its practice squad, per multiple reports, after the duo failed to crack the 53-man roster on Tuesday.
Kennedy, a former professional lacrosse player who has been with the Lions since 2019, led the team with 16 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns in three preseason games. He was edged out by Quintez Cephus for the fifth wide receiver spot, but figures to see the field at some point this season. The crafty slot man played in 12 games last season.
Jackson, signed by the Lions early in training camp after four seasons with the Chargers, led the team with 109 rushing yards and 6.1 yards per carry in three preseason games. He was surprisingly cut in favor of Jermar Jefferson for the fourth running back spot, but gives the Lions a proven vet in the event either D'Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams misses time.
The 26-year-old is coming off arguably the best season of his career when he averaged 5.4 yards per carry and 6.0 yards per touch.
On the defensive side of things, the Lions are re-signing CB A.J. Parker to the practice squad, according to the Detroit News. Parker was a surprise cut on Tuesday after playing well as the club's slot corner as an undrafted rookie last season.
Detroit has also claimed DL Benito Jones off waivers from the Dolphins. The 315-pound nose tackle, whose last regular season game came in 2020, adds needed girth to the interior of the Lions' defensive line.
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