Lions waive longtime fullback, sign kicker to active roster

The Detroit Lions on Friday made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Saturday’s primetime matchup at AT&T Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys, which includes waiving a member of the "old guard."

Fullback Jason Cabinda, who’s been with the team since 2019, was waived by the Lions, and kicker Michael Badgley was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.

Cabinda was activated from injured reserve Thursday after missing nearly the entire season because of a knee injury. Cabinda spent five seasons in Detroit but was on the shelf for most of the games in his final two years. He made just eight appearances in 2022 and three this season.

Second-year cornerback Chase Lucas and rookie linebacker Trevor Nowaske were waived Thursday, and Cabinda was added to the active roster. The corresponding moves with Cabinda and Badgley mean Detroit still has a roster spot available.

Lucas cleared waivers Friday, per the NFL's transaction wire, meaning he can return to Detroit's practice squad.

Badgley was elevated from the practice squad prior to recent games against Denver and Minnesota, taking over for the departing Riley Patterson. He had just one elevation remaining, with two games to go. 

Badgley played his final 12 games last season in a Lions uniform, in addition to the most recent two. Over his 14-game Lions tenure, Badgley is 21-for-25 (84%) on field goals, including 2-of-3 from 50-plus yards.

The Lions also signed offensive lineman Michael Schofield back to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Chris Smith from the practice squad. 

nbianchi@detroitnews.com

@nolanbianchi

Lions at Cowboys

▶ Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Saturday, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

▶ TV/radio: ESPN/ABC/97.1

▶ Records: Detroit (11-4), Dallas (10-5)

▶ Line: Cowboys by 6