He recorded seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in the preseason. Ogbongbemiga, 27, has played in 72 career regular season games (three starts) and recorded 66 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and two sacks.
Smith drew praise from Campbell during camp for all the dirty work he does in the center of the front that allows others to make plays around him. He’s one of the strongest players on the team and a player who’s earned the coaches’ trust if he needs to be elevated on gameday or to the active roster.
Stille is a versatile player who can play several roles from big end to nose to three-technique, and the veteran earned praise from Campbell throughout camp for his consistency.
Detroit’s seventh-round draft pick this year got caught up in a numbers game in a very deep and talented defensive line group that had 11 players make the initial 53-man roster. The Lions can continue to develop West on the practice squad.
Whiteside started camp strong, earning some first-team reps at outside cornerback, but he didn’t keep it up all camp and preseason. Now he gets an opportunity to continue developing on the practice squad and find consistency. He’s got some versatility to his game and he made the most of his opportunity to play in the regular season last year when called to do so.