Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia speaks to the media on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, in Allen Park. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
When Anthony Zettel played into the fourth quarter of the Detroit Lions' final preseason game, it seemed like an ominous sign for the third-year defensive end.
Sure enough, the Lions decided they could do without Zettel on Wednesday, cutting the 2016 sixth-round pick and claiming New York Giants defensive end Romeo Okwara off waivers.
Zettel, who finished second on the Lions with 6.5 sacks last season, appeared ticketed for a backup role at right defensive end this fall after he made the initial 53-man roster last weekend.