Lions Likely to Start 2023 Season with 8 Offensive Linemen

Detroit Lions could have more spots available on defense, based on initial cuts.

The Detroit Lions are likely going to enter the 2023 NFL season with eight offensive linemen on the active roster, based on the early wave of roster decisions. 

On Monday afternoon, reports indicated the team was parting ways with offensive linemen Connor Galvin, Kayode Awosika and Ryan Swoboda. 

Earlier, the team officially parted ways with Bobby Hart, Germain Ifedi, Obinna Eze and Alex Mollette. 

Based on roster projections, the team will enter the 2023 season with Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Penei Sewell, Graham Glasgow, Matt Nelson and Colby Sorsdal on the active roster. 

Sorsdal, Detroit's fifth-round draft pick this past April, has steadily improved throughout training camp. He has been earning reps at different spots, including left guard and right tackle. 

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"I feel like he has a quiet confidence about himself,” Taylor Decker told reporters at training camp. “Sometimes, you’ll see young guys come in, and they’re kind of timid. He does not have that. He’s going to make mistakes along the way, but Hank’s going to love it if you make a mistake, but you’re going full speed. 

"So, he has that kind of quiet confidence about him, which you need to have on the offensive line. And then, to piggyback off that, I haven’t had a ton of time to get to know him. I like him, I think he’s a good fit, but we need more time in our break time, when we’re in our O-line room, eating our gushers and oatmeal cream pies, to make fun of each other, to get to know him," Taylor added further. "But, I think he’s a good addition. He’s going to mesh in really well, but I’m just going to need more time to get to know him.”