Lions Waive Bishop Fitzgerald, Place Jimmy Rolder on IR
Detroit cleared a defensive back who never played for the team and placed a rookie linebacker with a season-ending injury on injured reserve.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
The Detroit Lions waived defensive back Bishop Fitzgerald on Tuesday and placed rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder on injured reserve with a season-ending injury. Fitzgerald, signed from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad in late September, never appeared in a game for Detroit.
Why it matters
The moves reshuffle the Lions' depth chart after a 19-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings lifted them to 5-2. Fitzgerald's release could also signal roster activity ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
Fitzgerald finished his 2025 season at USC with 51 tackles, five interceptions (tops in the Big Ten), 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one sack. Team roster decisions beyond the waiver and IR moves were not addressed in the source.
The players
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are the NFL franchise based in the Detroit area that made the roster moves and sits at 5-2 this season.
Brad Holmes
Brad Holmes is the general manager of the Detroit Lions, responsible for the team's personnel and roster-building decisions.
Dan Campbell
Dan Campbell is the head coach of the Detroit Lions who announced Jimmy Rolder's season-ending injury.
The details
Detroit signed Fitzgerald off the Steelers' practice squad in late September, placing Avonte Maddox on injured reserve to make room. Head coach Dan Campbell announced Rolder's season-ending injury Monday, and the Lions are signing linebacker K.J. Britt off the New England Patriots' practice squad. Detroit also hosted linebacker Owen Pappoe for a Tuesday visit.
Timeline
Late September: Lions sign Bishop Fitzgerald from the Steelers' practice squad.
Monday, Nov. 3: Campbell announces Jimmy Rolder's season-ending injury.
Tuesday, Nov. 4: Lions waive Fitzgerald and place Rolder on injured reserve.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. ET: Lions face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4 p.m. ET: NFL trade deadline.
Season Trajectory
The moves arrive weeks before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET, a point when contenders typically reshape depth. Detroit's 5-2 start positions it as a playoff-caliber team making routine adjustments rather than a rebuild.
Fantasy managers should note that Fitzgerald never played for Detroit, so his release does not change any usable roster spot. The Lions' next opportunity to reshape the depth chart comes before the Tuesday, Nov. 10 trade deadline.
The takeaway
Roster churn is a normal part of an NFL season, and Detroit's waiver and injured reserve moves show how quickly depth can change before the trade deadline. Readers tracking the Lions should watch the Nov. 8 game and the deadline for any further additions.
What happens next
The Lions face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. ET, and the NFL trade deadline falls on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET.
Further reading
Follow more roster moves and game coverage in our Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lions Wire.
