Lions RT Penei Sewell, DT DJ Reader ACTIVE vs. Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions have declared their inactives ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The big news is that All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is active and will start, despite dealing with an ankle injury. Sewell is an incredibly important cog in the Lions offense scheme and his presence will allow offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to utilize his entire playbook.

Additionally, prized free agent defensive tackle DJ Reader is active for the first time as a Lion, and figures to be thrown right into the starting lineup. Reader is a monster in the middle of the defensive line and should immediately give more one-on-one opportunities to Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Levi Onwuzurike.

With Reader healthy, the Lions released defensive tackle, Chris Smith, earlier this week and filled his spot on the active roster with veteran Kyle Peko, who will help supplement Reader’s snaps as he acclimates back to game action. Additionally, the Lions also elevated wide receivers Tom Kennedy and Tim Patrick, bringing Detroit’s game-day roster total up to 55 players.

Because the Lions have eight offensive linemen active for Sunday’s game, they are eligible to expand their game-day roster from 47 to 48 players. Therefore, with 55 players on the game-day roster and 48 eligible to play, the Lions need to declare seven players inactive for today’s matchup.

Lions inactives:

• WR Isaiah Williams (abdomen) — Ruled OUT on Friday
• LT Giavanni Manu
• RT Colby Sorsdal
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (groin) — listed as doubtful on Friday
• LB Trevor Nowaske
• CB Ennis Rakestraw
• S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) — Ruled OUT on Friday

Bucs inactives:

• RT Luke Goedeke (concussion)
• DT Calijah Kancey (calf)
• CB Josh Hayes (ankle)
• S Antoine Winfield (ankle)
• TE Devin Culp
• LB Jose Ramirez
• DL Ben Stille