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Detroit Lions free up roster spots; place 3 injured players on IR

The Detroit Lions made three moves to their roster during their bye week, placing wide receiver Tom Kennedy, offensive lineman Ben Bartch, and linebacker Devin White on injured reserve. Kennedy, the team’s starting punt and kick returner, suffered an MCL injury in Week 5 and will undergo season-ending surgery, ending any hopes of a return this season.

Bartch, who started at left guard in Week 2, is out for at least four weeks after a foot injury, potentially clearing a path for center Cade Mays to return to the active roster in Week 7. White, who broke his forearm in Week 5, will also require surgery but could recover in time to return before the season’s end, though his spot may be filled by safety Brian Branch, who is also nearing readiness to return.

With six linebackers already on the roster, the Lions have no immediate need to add depth at White’s position. Meanwhile, the team’s practice squad wide receivers—including recently signed DeAndre Carter—are now in contention for the returner role vacated by Kennedy.

The Lions are not in a rush to fill these spots, opting to evaluate practice squad players and injured reserves like Branch and Mays before making any further moves.

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