Although the Detroit Lions boast an impressive 13-2 record heading into Week 17, some skeptics have raised concerns about their ability to maintain success due to a growing list of injuries. With the most players on injured reserve in the league, those concerns are understandable. However, recent roster moves have provided some positive news.
Lions’ Roster Changes Signal Good News
On Christmas Eve, the Lions made two key roster moves that suggest things are looking up for the team. They waived linebacker David Long and re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to the practice squad.
Long, who joined the team in November after Alex Anzalone’s injury, had been active for the past five games, contributing 70 defensive snaps, 58 special teams snaps, seven tackles, and a fumble recovery.
NFL analyst Brad Berreman of SideLion Report believes waiving Long could be a good sign, potentially indicating that the team’s health is improving. He notes that Long could be brought back to the practice squad if he clears waivers. Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire also suggests the move signals a return to health for Detroit’s defense.
Other Positive Developments for the Lions
Additionally, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned to practice on December 19 to begin his 21-day activation window from injured reserve. Head coach Dan Campbell mentioned on December 23 that Reeves-Maybin could potentially be ready to play in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers, depending on how he progresses.
Campbell also provided an update on Anzalone, who is expected to return for the playoffs after an injury that required 6 to 8 weeks of recovery. While it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for the 49ers game, Campbell noted that Anzalone is close to returning, and once healthy, he can be activated from injured reserve without delay.
The prospect of bringing back key linebackers is reassuring, especially given the team’s struggles with injuries in that position. In the loss to the Buffalo Bills, Detroit was missing several of its core linebackers.