Detroit Lions OTAs early observations: How they look under new coach Dan Campbell
Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez share their thoughts after seeing the Detroit Lions in OTAs on Thursday, May 27, 2021.
Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press
Of the three Detroit Lions who opted out of the 2020 season, just one is left on the current roster.
The Lions waived defensive tackle John Atkins on Wednesday, freeing up one spot on their 90-man roster.
Atkins sat out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He made six starts in 2019, but appeared to be a roster long shot for 2021 with a new coaching staff and different defensive scheme.
The Lions previously cut offensive lineman Russell Bodine, another opt-out from last season. Wide receiver Geronimo Allison, who opted out of 2020 after signing a one-year free agent deal with the Lions last spring, remains on the roster.
Players who opted out of playing in 2020 had their contracts toll for 2021.
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Atkins did not take part in the Lions’ voluntary organized team activities practice that was open to reporters last Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Lions signed defensive tackle Brian Price to replace the injured Joel Heath.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.