On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions announced two roster moves, both of which create vacant spots on the team’s 53-man roster.
As expected, rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder was placed on injured reserve after suffering what coach Dan Campbell called a season-ending injury. It was officially announced as a hamstring injury, and Campbell said surgery could be an option for the former Wolverine.
“Jimmy Rolder is going to need surgery, or he could. The bottom line is it’s a major injury. He’s going to be out for the season,” Campbell said Monday.
It was a tough break for Rolder. He missed much of training camp with a hamstring injury, and Sunday will be his first significant action on defense all year. In just 17 snaps, Rolder recorded five tackles, a sack, and another tackle for loss. With the indefinite loss of Jack Campbell, the Lions are a little shorthanded at linebacker.
Another move the Lions made was waiving rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald. Undrafted in 2026, Fitzgerald was signed off the Steelers’ practice squad when the Lions were particularly weak at the safety position. But with Brian Branch returning recently—albeit in the concussion protocol this week—and Kerby Joseph returning soon, Fitzgerald may have been the odd man out. It’s worth noting that last week, Campbell hinted that Thomas Harper was close to returning from injury, as well.
At this point, it’s unclear what the Lions plan to do with the other open roster spots.