Detroit demotes Macik to practice squad

Struck by injuries on defense, Lions make move toStruck by injuries on defense, Lions make move toclear roster spot for free-agent DL Shane Dronett Former Penn All-American wide receiver Miles Macik was fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL when he received some upsetting news -- he was being demoted to the Detroit Lions practice squad. According to the Lions, Macik was cut from the active roster on Wednesday and designated to the taxi squad yesterday. The move was made in order to make room for defensive lineman Shane Dronett, who was picked up by Detroit to fortify a defense that has been recently been hit by a rash of injuries. "At first I was really upset," said Macik, a 1996 Penn graduate who set the all-time Ivy League record for career receptions with 200. "But the more I look at it, I realize there's nothing I can do." Macik is hoping to be put back on the 53-man active roster when Detroit's injured defensive players heal. For now, Macik will still practice with the Lions, but can be picked up by another team while he is on the practice squad. "My role hasn't changed at all," Macik said. "I do exactly the same things. I still take reps with first team. I'm still backing up Herman Moore. I caught balls with [Detroit quarterback] Scott Mitchell today." The two injured players that Macik is waiting on to get healthy are defensive lineman Luther Ellis and Tracy Scoggins. "When both are healthy, it is very likely that they will do something with the roster," Macik said. The former Penn star originally signed with Detroit as a free agent after not be selected in last spring's seven-round NFL draft. By leading the team in the preseason with nine receptions for 120 yards, Macik defied the odds and made the team as an undrafted rookie, grabbing one of Lions' last roster spots. On a team with one of the NFL's deepest receiving corps, stuck behind the likes of Herman Moore, Brett Perriman and Johnnie Morton, Macik has yet to receive any playing time through Detroit's first six games. Macik feels that the decision was not a reflection of his play, but rather part of the realities of playing in the NFL. "It didn't happen because I played poor or they thought less of me," Macik said. "It's a business."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.