Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lions add Joe Bachie to 53-man roster

9/8/2026

6 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bachie Signed

The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie to their 53-man roster on Sept. 7, 2026.
Bachie was promoted from the practice squad after the Lions cut him earlier in the preseason.
Coach Dan Campbell called Bachie smart, crafty, reliable and ready for special-teams duties.
The active roster now lists seven linebackers, including Bachie and veteran Devin White.

Summary

Lions Waive Center

The Lions waived center Cade Mays, leaving no active-roster center.
Juice Scruggs is projected to start at center in Week 1 despite not being on the 53-man roster.
Seth McLaughlin, signed to a Reserve/Future contract in January, provides depth at center if Scruggs cannot dress.
Mason Miller, former North Dakota State offensive tackle, moved to guard and is now on the practice-squad injured list.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, while President Gerald Ford signed a campaign-finance reform bill on October 15, the NFL instituted a 53-player active roster rule that forced the Detroit Lions, owned by William Clay Ford Sr., to release twelve veterans on September 12. Over five decades later, on September 7 2026, Lions head coach Dan Campbell promoted linebacker Joe Bachie and waived center Cade Mays, showing the rule’s lasting impact on weekly roster decisions.

1 of 3

Bachie Signed

The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie to their 53-man roster on Sept. 7, 2026.
Bachie was promoted from the practice squad after the Lions cut him earlier in the preseason.
Coach Dan Campbell called Bachie smart, crafty, reliable and ready for special-teams duties.
The active roster now lists seven linebackers, including Bachie and veteran Devin White.

1 / 3