Lions sign ex-Jets RB Knight to practice squad

The Detroit Lions still have only two running backs on their 53-man roster, and although that's expected to change before next week's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team added insurance at the position Wednesday to its practice squad. The Lions agreed to a practice squad contract with former New York Jets running back Zonovan "Bam" Knight, his agent announced on X (formerly known as Twitter). Knight had 300 yards rushing on 85 carries in seven games last season.

He started four games after the Jets lost Breece Hall to a torn ACL, and had a career-high 90 yards in a Week 12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Hall returned to practice in mid-August, and the Jets also have Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter at running back. The Lions kept David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as the only tailbacks on their 53-man roster Tuesday, along with fullback Jason Cabinda.

They cut veterans Craig Reynolds and Benny Snell, but could re-sign one or both once they make another move to clear roster space. SPECIAL TEAMS :Lions re-sign Michael Badgley to practice squad, set up showdown with Riley Patterson Along with Knight, the Lions announced the signing of nine players to their practice squad, all of whom were with the team in training camp or offseason: Wide receivers Maurice Alexander and Dylan Drummond, offensive linemen Kayode Awosika and Connor Galvin, defensive backs Brandon Joseph and Chase Lucas, linebacker Trevor Nowaske, defensive lineman Chris Smith and kicker Michael Badgley. Offensive tackle Max Pircher also re-signed with the team as an international practice squad exemption.

The Lions still have five open spots on their practice squad. .