Surprising Lions linebacker Building Legitimate 53-Man Roster Case

Aug 3, 2026; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Joe Bachie (35) takes part in a linebacker drill during Detroit Lions training camp. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images

Surprising Lions linebacker Building Legitimate 53-Man Roster Case

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dharya Sharma | Last updated Aug 10, 2026 8:27 PM ET

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The Detroit Lions added a bunch of new faces through free agency this offseason, including Joe Bachie. The veteran linebacker signed a one-year deal with the Lions after the draft in late April.

Bachie spent the 2025 campaign in the AFC South, playing five games with the Colts before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury and eventually being released with an injury settlement. Bachie landed on his feet with the Tennessee Titans but only served as a special teamer in Nashville.

Now with the Lions, Bachie is looking to make the 53-man roster and find a role on Dan Campbell's squad, and he raised his stock to begin a crucial week of camp.

Joe Bachie Posts Breakout Monday Practice

Bachie hasn't been awful in camp to this point, but he also hasn't made much noise. However, the 28-year-old finally had a breakout day and bolstered his roster chances.

According to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, Bachie was noticeable during Monday's practice. The depth linebacker almost snagged an interception off quarterback Luke Altmyer and was active in the run game.

It seems like Bachie has a knack for being around the ball, and that has led him to receiving some first-team reps on Kelvin Sheppard's defense. A to Z Sports' Mike Payton also praised Bachie for constantly doing the little things, which goes a long way for a player on the roster bubble.

The Lions' linebacker room is quietly one of the deeper position groups on the team, so Bachie has his work cut out for him as he eyes a roster spot. However, due to his experience and special teams prowess, Bachie is in a solid position to crack the roster heading into the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bachie has logged over 1,100 special teams snaps in his career and earned a 70.9 special teams grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025. The Michigan State product has never posted a PFF special teams grade of under 64.3 in his career.

Overall, Bachie still has a lot of work to do to ensure he's a member of the Lions come Week 1. But he's only getting more comfortable in Detroit's defense as camp goes on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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