Detroit Lions release Christian Covington following win over Panthers
The Detroit Lions have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to trim their roster down to 53 players, and according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Lions’ first cut has been made. Pelissero tweeted out moments ago that the Lions have released veteran defensive tackle, Christian Covington.
Why it Matters
With Cut Day just days away, the Lions have made their first move to get their roster down to 53 players. Covington, who was signed during the offseason, was brought in to challenge for a roster spot but he came up short.
Christian Covington’s Journey Continues
Covington, a seasoned NFL player with eight years under his belt, has suited up for various teams, including a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. Throughout his career, he’s made his mark in 102 NFL matches, taking the lead in 32 as part of the defensive lineup. His pinnacle performance was in 2021 with the Chargers, where he racked up 52 tackles, made three significant stops for losses, and secured one sack. Before this, he was part of the rosters for the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans, having been picked by the Texans in the 2015 draft.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- The Detroit Lions are in the process of trimming their roster, with the deadline to finalize their 53-player list coming up soon.
- NFL insider Tom Pelissero has announced the Lions’ first release: veteran defensive tackle Christian Covington.
- Covington, boasting an eight-year NFL tenure, has played for multiple teams, and his most notable season was with the Chargers in 2021 where he registered 52 tackles, three of them for losses, and a sack.

Bottom Line: Another Opportunity is on the Horizon
While Christian Covington’s credentials and past performances are commendable, the Detroit Lions have made the strategic decision to release him as part of their roster-trimming efforts. This move underscores the competitive nature of the sport and the challenging decisions teams must make to shape their best possible lineup. Covington’s experience and skills suggest he will likely find another opportunity in the league soon.