Pride of Detroit
Earlier this week, the Detroit Lions waived veteran running back Craig Reynolds in order to make room for a series of roster moves—including the return of Marcus Davenport and Miles Frazier from injury lists. Reynolds cleared waivers on Thursday, but it appears he is heading to a new team’s practice squad. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Reynolds is currently in New England and intends to sign with the Patriots, pending a physical.
For the past five years, Reynolds has been important depth in the Lions’ backfield. Though he’s always been firmly behind Detroit’s top two running backs—D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams in the early years, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery recently—Reynolds had always found a role as a reliable runner in case of injury and a good special teamer on most game days.
However, this year, the Lions have favored different depth pieces. 2024 fourth-round pick Sione Vaki has served as the primary backup to Detroit’s backfield duo, and late training camp addition Jacob Saylors has been active ahead of Reynolds. In fact, Reynolds had not been active in a Lions game over the past three weeks.
With the Patriots, Reynold has a clearer path to the roster. New England has just three running backs on their 53-man roster (Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Terrell Jennings) compared to Detroit’s four. However, Reynolds will have competition on the practice squad, including Rushawn Baker and D’Ernest Johnson.
Thanks for five good years, Craig, and good luck in New England!
