Another Spartan has made an NFL roster a week after roster cuts.
On Monday evening, former Michigan State star Joe Bachie was elevated from the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, joining the team’s 53-man roster ahead of the season opener next weekend.
The Lions shared the good news on Labor Day.
Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 7, 2026
Placed OG Mason Miller on Practice Squad: Injured
Signed LB Joe Bachie to the Active Roster
Signed C Seth McLaughlin and RB Jabari Small to the Practice Squad pic.twitter.com/2rbPLub5fV
Bachie has spent time with several teams around the NFL over the past six years since leaving Michigan State and now he’s back “home” where he got his start. The Lions originally cut Bachie despite him standing out during the preseason and some fans thought it was a mistake because the Lions need some linebacker depth after recent injuries.
The veteran linebacker might not be the biggest or most athletic guy on the field, but he’s going to make all the right plays and he’s one of the most coachable players out there.
There’s a reason Dan Campbell was glowing about Bachie when he was asked about him near the end of preseason ball and right before cut day. He had to know that Bachie was going to be a top candidate to make the roster at some point this season and he has before the first game even kicks off.
Prepare to see some Bachie Lions jerseys at Ford Field this season.
Joe Bachie has the tools
All good linebackers have a similar set of tools from athleticism, side-to-side quickness, elite play recognition, toughness, and a high IQ. Bachie has all of those.
Bachie plays larger than his frame and he’s the epitome of a “football guy” which is exactly what Campbell wants in his linebackers. The former Michigan State captain was one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten and in the country during his time in East Lansing but he was overlooked as an NFL prospect because he wasn’t a super athlete. He’s still plenty athletic enough to compete at the NFL level and we’ve already seen that.
Will the Lions utilize Bachie a ton while he’s on the 53-man? Probably not, but he’s going to come in for spot duty and he’ll fill his role to perfection like he always seems to do.
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