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Colby Sorsdal makes the Detroit Lions 53-man roster as a reserve guard in Jeff Risdon’s current projection. His roster case centers on a cleaner guard fit, size and strength, and a depth chart that now places other tackles ahead of him. Spring reps and versatility keep him in the fight.
Is Colby Sorsdal on track to make the 53-man roster?
Yes, Jeff Risdon currently has Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal on the final 53, in pencil, as a reserve interior option. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sorsdal drew meaningful spring reps and remains in the core group competing for backup jobs.
Risdon emphasized that Sorsdal missed last season after a preseason injury against Atlanta led to an injured reserve stint. The perception that he was gone lingered because of the waiver process, but he reverted and remained with Detroit. With renewed health and visible work in the spring, he reenters a crowded battle for reserve offensive line roles.
What role best fits Colby Sorsdal in Detroit?
Guard, not tackle. Sorsdal’s body type, power and grip strength translate inside, and the tackle depth ahead of him reduces the need to keep him outside.
As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal played 94 snaps at left guard out of 253 total regular season snaps, the only regular season action of his career to date. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s staff has seen him at both guard spots, and his pass-protection challenges on the edge, specifically against quick inside counters that tested his foot reset and weight transfer, point to a cleaner projection at guard. The ask now is to channel his upper-body strength, anchor and hand usage in tighter spaces while sharpening the footwork that stalled him at right tackle.
How crowded is the Lions’ reserve offensive line competition?
Very crowded, and it shapes Sorsdal’s lane. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom upgrades the OT3 spot, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller was drafted to play early, and Detroit Lions tackle Devin Cochran brings length. That stack narrows Sorsdal’s tackle path and pushes him to guard.
Inside, Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is part of the mix, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is being sorted among positions, and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin is competing for depth. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is the presumptive winner per Risdon, with Juice Scruggs his top challenger. Within that framework, Sorsdal’s clearest route is becoming the best reserve right guard who can also cover emergency snaps elsewhere.
What did Dan Campbell say about Sorsdal’s opportunity?
Dan Campbell underscored open competition and Sorsdal’s chance to earn it. Campbell said the staff’s eyes are open every year, Sorsdal is coming back from injury and doing a good job, and pads will tell more. He added that players get overlooked, then gain confidence, make plays and earn roles, and that Sorsdal has an opportunity.
That aligns with Risdon’s view: if the Detroit Lions keep him focused at one spot and he stacks solid padded practices and preseason tape, Sorsdal validates a reserve guard role on the 53.
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"Daily DLP: Colby Sorsdal's Lions chances of sticking in 2026 Detroit Lions Podcast" is an episode of The Detroit Lions Podcast. Runtime 20 min. Published July 9, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.