The Detroit Lions have announced that they have released reserve offensive tackle Dan Skipper. No corresponding roster move was announced at this time.
So what does that mean for the team moving forward?
With starting right tackle Rick Wagner able to put together a full practice on Thursday, signs point towards him nearing his return from the NFL’s concussion protocol — he only requires medical clearance from an independent doctor — and the need for an additional offensive tackle was no longer necessary.
What the Lions do need is a fullback, after placing starting fullback Nick Bawden on injured reserve on Wednesday.
It’s possible the Lions will fill their remaining spot on the roster by adding a free agent — they recently worked out four fullbacks on Tuesday, per Adam Caplan — or they could make a waiver claim, but there’s also a real possibility the Lions promote a player from their practice squad.
The name I suggested yesterday was tight end Isaac Nauta who has experience working out of the backfield as an H-back at Georgia and during training camp with the Lions this past offseason.
Expect the Lions to announce their corresponding move tonight or tomorrow morning before their final practice of the week.