Lions send crystal clear message about final roster by waiving Ian Kennelly

The Detroit Lions have waived Ian Kennelly ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. Kennelly, who had steadily seen his stock rise this preseason and in training camp, is being given an opportunity to land elsewhere by hitting the waiver wire. But, he'd also make for a great addition to Detroit's practice squad. This is the first move of a few that have begun to signal exactly what the Lions' philosophy is this season - the team is not keeping on anyone who cannot immediately contribute on the field at a high level. The UDFA hadn't been tested by NFL offenses yet as a defender, and the Lions are clearly prioritizing players who can hold their own in the NFL on defense. Kennelly had started in two preseason games for the Lions, logging 11 tackles and acting as a pretty fierce competitor against the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons in those games. However, he was a step slow in his final game against the Houston Texans. With the waiving of Kennelly, the Lions look to be shapin