Biggest surprises from Detroit Lions' initial 53-man roster

The Detroit Lions have officially cut their roster down to the initial group of 53 with the deadline passing on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. ET.

The key word in that sentence is "initial" because the Lions are likely to make more changes in the coming days and week-plus before the start of the season. Not only will the Lions be exploring their options in free agency, but waivers, also.

Teams will have until noon ET on Wednesday to put in claims for players who they are interested in on waivers. The Lions sit in the No. 29 spot in the waiver order , which is based on the standings from the 2023 season until Week 4.

But for now, here's a look at the Lions' 53-man roster , and then we'll take a look at the biggest surprises from the initial group.

Detroit Lions 53-man roster

Quarterbacks: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker

Running backs: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki

Wide receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Isaiah Williams

Tight ends: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Parker Hesse

Offensive tackles: Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu

Guards/Centers: Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Kevin Zeitler, Kayode Awosika, Michael Niese

Defensive tackles: Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo

Defensive ends: Aidan Hutchison, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, James Houston, John Cominsky

Linebacker: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Ben Niemann

Cornerbacks: Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor

Safeties: Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph, Loren Strickland

Specialists: Jack Fox, Jake Bates, Hogan Hatten

Injured Reserve (designated to return): DL Brodric Martin

NFI list: G Christian Mahogany

Detroit Lions 53-man roster surprises

Nate Sudfeld gets cut

It was clear as day that Hendon Hooker was the backup option with far more upside, but after head coach Dan Campbell said that Sudfeld had the "upper hand" ahead of preseason Week 3, it looked like Sudfeld would likely beat Hooker out. Further, Sudfeld didn't play a single snap in the exhibition finale.

However, the Lions decided to roll with Hooker and cut Sudfeld, who may end up back on the practice squad.

Donovan Peoples-Jones gets cut

This is a tough one, because it's surprising and not surprising in the same breath. That's because the Lions are so thin at receiver, especially in terms of experience, yet Peoples-Jones did nothing to stand out during the entire offseason. Even if he made the cut, the Lions needed to make an addition to the position.

A new long snapper

Scott Daly had proven to be a reliable long snapper over his three seasons with the team, so the fact that he lost out to rookie and undrafted free agent Hogan Hatten is at least moderately surprising.

Isaac Ukwu cut loose

Ukwu was one of the bigger standouts in preseason play with one sack in each game and five total pressures. He also received praise from Campbell on more than one occasion. He will almost certainly end up on the practice squad if he clears waivers on Wednesday.

Kyle Peko released

This is not to say that Peko is some kind of game-changing player, but he did see run with the ones during the offseason when the Lions needed a body and by all accounts had a solid training camp. Perhaps they'll bring him back once they put John Cominsky on IR.

Only 4 wide receivers

As if the Lions weren't thin enough at wide receiver, they're only carrying four on their initial 53-man roster. You would assume the team would have at least carried one more and then replace that player once they added help from outside. General manager Brad Holmes has some work to do.

Loren Strickland makes the cut

Strickland did have a strong offseason, but he remains one of the bigger surprises to make the cut, especially when you consider he did it over C.J. Moore.

Six linebackers

The only surprise at linebacker was Ben Niemann, who we didn't hear a ton about during the offseason. Whatever the case may be, the veteran clearly earned his spot. That said, he might be one of the first to go when the Lions make moves.