Roster cut day is on Sunday and a few former Michigan State football stars are hoping for some good news. There are some Spartans on the roster bubble heading into Sunday, including Joe Bachie who’s trying to extend his pro career where his college career took place.
He’s back in the state of Michigan for the first time since 2019.
Bachie was signed by the Lions a month ago and he’s been working to make an impression on Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard, but he’s battling about five different linebackers for the last spot on Detroit’s roster.
He’s facing an uphill battle and he’s less than 24 hours away from learning his fate with the Lions.
Lions writer Colton Pouncy of The Athletic posted his 53-man projections for Detroit’s initial roster and he’s one of the most well-connected media members so he has a good grasp on who will make the cut and who won’t.
Unfortunately, he believes that Bachie will be one of four linebackers to miss the cut.
He does, however, believe that Bachie is good enough to make the roster and he said that the Lions should absolutely sign him to the practice squad if they do end up cutting him on Sunday.
Bachie has bounced between practice squads and active NFL rosters over the past six seasons since graduating from Michigan State, so he’s no stranger to working his way up. There is still a chance that Bachie makes the roster especially with Damone Clark going down with an injury and rookie Jimmy Rolder on the mend.
The Spartan in the NFL started his career with the Eagles before spending four years with the Bengals and then he split the 2025 season with the Colts and Titans.
Michigan State fans are hoping he sticks with Detroit.
Has Joe Bachie done enough to make the roster?
In three preseason games, he finished with five total tackles and he played just 11 snaps against the Commanders and didn’t record a single stat. That’s not a great sign for his roster hopes.
Campbell has spoken glowingly about Bachie, stating that he can do whatever is asked and he has a great grasp of the defense despite only being there for a month. Bachie is definitely a Campbell type of football player. Just a no-nonsense linebacker who doesn’t make excuses and just makes plays. He’s not too flashy and he has a high football IQ which Campbell — and every coach — prioritizes.
However, he just hasn’t done enough in the preseason games to warrant him making the roster over some other guys. He does play on special teams which could set him apart, but he’s going to have to work on the practice squad and put in his dues (again) to be called up to the active roster.
It’s going to happen at some point this season, but like Pouncy, I don’t believe he makes the initial 53-man roster.
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