DETROIT – The Detroit Lions announced four new roster moves on Friday, including the release of a player who’s been on the team for five seasons.
Jason Cabinda, a fullback who’s been with the Lions since 2019, was waived Friday so the team could make room for kicker Michael Badgley.
Badgley was signed from the practice squad ahead of Saturday’s game against the Cowboys in Dallas.
The Lions also released defensive lineman Chris Smith and re-signed offensive lineman Michael Schofield to the practice squad. Schofield was dropped from the practice squad eight days ago so the Lions could sign cornerback Craig James.
Badgley replaced Riley Patterson as Detroit’s starting kicker for the Denver game two weeks ago. He is 9-for-10 on extra points in two games (one was blocked Sunday in Minnesota) and made his only field goal attempt -- a 37-yarder against the Vikings.
Cabinda was just activated from the injured reserve, but linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has done an adequate job filling in at fullback in his absence. Instead of clearing a roster space for Cabinda, the Lions made the decision to part ways.
Cabinda carried the ball six times for 27 yards and caught seven passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in his Lions career.
The Lions might soon need two more roster spots if safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and edge rusher James Houston return from injured reserve. Both are in their 21-day practice windows.
#Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 29, 2023
Waived FB Jason Cabinda.
Signed K Michael Badgley from the Practice Squad to the Active Roster.
Released DL Chris Smith from the Practice Squad.
Signed OL Michael Schofield to the Practice Squad.