Detroit Lions Sign Linebacker to Active Roster, Waive Running Back

The Detroit Lions announced a pair of roster moves during their bye week, likely signaling positive news for the offense. 

On Thursday, linebacker Trevor Nowaske was signed to the active 53-man roster. 

In a corresponding move, running back Devine Ozigbo was waived. 

Against the Raiders, Ozigbo played two offensive snaps and seven special teams snaps.

The decision to waive the 27-year-old could signal David Montgomery is close to returning from a rib cartilage injury. 

Nowaske has spent his rookie season on the practice squad after a solid collegiate career at Saginaw Valley State. 

The talented linebacker recorded seven tackles and a pass defense in three preseason appearances. 

“I don’t know if I can put it into words,” Nowaske said after his preseason debut at Ford Field against the New York Giants. “Such an unreal experience. Being from Canton, honestly being a Lions fan my whole life, and now it’s coming to fruition being on the team, it’s still kind of settling in.”

Being undrafted made it a long shot that he would make the team coming out of training camp. 

“I’ve still got a lot of work to do," Nowaske noted. "I know it’s an uphill battle from here, being undrafted. I’m happy I could go out there and contribute but there’s still a lot more than can be done.”

Now that he has his first opportunity to play in a regular season game, the young rookie must compete with the talented linebackers already on the roster, many of whom also contribute on special teams. 

Malcolm Rodriguez has also dealt with an ankle injury, which impacted his practice participation last week.