ALLEN PARK -- Matt Patricia said Monday that the roster would continue to shuffle following the weekend's trim to a 53-man roster. Minutes later, it started to happen.
The Lions officially announced the signing of linebacker Marquis Flowers and released linebacker Trevor Bates to make room. They also filled the 10th and final spot of their practice squad with defensive tackle John Atkins.
Bates had come on strong during the preseason to make the initial 53-man roster, but he became a casualty once Patricia's former linebacker became available following Patriots cuts. The fourth-year pro could be a candidate to return to the practice squad, though the Lions chose Atkins to fill that final spot for now.