The Detroit Lions have officially announced the claiming of RB/WR J.D. McKissic and released tight end Logan Thomas in a corresponding move.
Our Jeff Risdon wrote about what the Lions are getting in McKissic, noting his experience playing wide receiver at Arkansas State, entering the league with the Atlanta Falcons as a pass catcher and kick returner, but converting over to running back when he joined the Seattle Seahawks — where he played under Lions offensive coordinator Darrel Bevell during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
“Back with Bevell in Detroit,” Risdon wrote, “McKissic figures to play the role occupied last year by Theo Riddick as the receiving-oriented RB. He’s bigger than Riddick and better on special teams, though not as agile in tight quarters.”
With McKissic in the fold, the Lions needed to make a corresponding move and unfortunately, Thomas was released to make room on the roster.
With Thomas’ release, the Lions are left with only 2 tight ends on their roster, but with the value this offensive scheme puts on this position, they will likely be adding one in the very near future — possibly even re-signing Thomas.
*Update* NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Lions do intend to re-sign Logan Thomas:
It’s worth noting that the Lions have also signed two tight ends to their practice squad — Isaac Nauta and Austin Traylor — both of which could be promoted to the active roster.
