The Detroit Lions have announced the waiving of center Seth McLaughlin and running back Jabari Small on Wednesday, a decision that opens up two roster spots as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
McLaughlin, who joined the Lions on a Reserve/Future contract in January, was previously a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 304 pounds, he did not see any game action during his rookie season in 2025. With Cade Mays, a recent free agency acquisition, currently sidelined, McLaughlin was competing with Juice Scruggs for the starting center position.
Small, on the other hand, signed with the Lions in July 2025 but was waived prior to the 2025 roster cuts. He was later re-signed to the practice squad in December of that year. The 5-foot-8, 205-pound running back was also among the players signed to Reserve/Future contracts in January. At the time of his release, Small was part of a running back group that included notable players such as Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Jacob Saylors, and Sione Vaki.
However, the Lions have faced challenges in their backfield, as Pacheco has been placed on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the season. This situation has heightened the competition among the remaining running backs, as the Lions look to solidify their roster ahead of the regular season.
The Lions' initial 53-man roster included five running backs, indicating their commitment to a strong ground game. With the recent roster changes, the team will need to evaluate their options carefully as they move forward.
These roster moves come as part of the Lions' strategic planning as they aim to enhance their performance in the 2026 season. With the regular season approaching, the Lions will be looking to finalize their roster and ensure they have the right mix of talent to compete effectively.
As the Lions continue to make adjustments, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team's dynamics and performance in the upcoming games.
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