The Detroit Lions made several roster changes ahead of their Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears, including releasing safety Brandon Joseph.
Joseph, an undrafted free agent signed by the Lions in 2023, spent last season on the practice squad before earning a spot on the 53-man roster this year. He participated in all 14 games before his release, logging 182 defensive snaps and 97 on special teams.
On the day of his release, Joseph was arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence, according to Dearborn Heights police, who shared the details with the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett. This incident likely played a role in the Lions’ decision to cut him.
“Dearborn Heights police tell me Brandon Joseph, who was waived by the Lions this afternoon, was pulled over for speeding on Michigan Avenue and arrested for suspicion of operating under the influence,” Birkett reported. “They stress he was completely compliant, detained and released.”
While the arrest contributed to the decision, Lions head coach Dan Campbell also cited a roster crunch as another factor.
“Dan Campbell said Brandon Joseph’s release was ‘the perfect storm’ combination of roster crunch and the off-field incident. He said he felt like he had to make that move,” Birkett wrote.
Earlier that week, the Lions activated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu from injured reserve, which made Joseph’s departure more manageable. Melifonwu played 51 snaps, allowing Brian Branch to move to the slot and Amik Robertson to cover the boundary for the injured Carlton Davis. Melifonwu quickly made an impact, recording one sack, three pressures, and allowing no receptions on the one target thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Lions will return to action on Monday night in Week 17, hosting the San Francisco 49ers—the team that defeated them in last season’s NFC Championship Game. The 49ers have already been eliminated from playoff contention, while the Lions can secure the No. 1 seed and the NFC North title with a win and a Minnesota Vikings loss to the Green Bay Packers.
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One Lions player’s time in Detroit could be ending soon, possibly before the season wraps up, and it’s tough to witness
I’ve delayed writing this for weeks, constantly coming up with reasons why it might not be the case, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Emmanuel Moseley’s time in Detroit is likely coming to an end soon—possibly even before the season finishes.
The Lions signed Moseley in free agency ahead of the 2023 season, and once he recovered from the torn ACL he sustained in 2022, he was expected to be a key starter and a crucial piece in the rebuilding of Detroit’s secondary. Unfortunately, upon his return, he played just two snaps before tearing his other ACL. It was devastating to witness.
Despite the setback, the Lions valued his attitude and believed he could still contribute, so they brought him back. However, Moseley encountered another obstacle when he tore his pectoral early in training camp, which extended his recovery time even further.
The Lions were finally ready to activate him on November 6, beginning his 21-day return window. After 15 days, they added him to the 53-man roster. He was set to make his comeback and played 15 special teams snaps against the Colts in Week 12.
Since then, though, Moseley has not seen the field again. He was a healthy scratch in Weeks 13, 14, and 15. Then, in Week 16, Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared this update:
“Good, this is the best week he’s had since he’s come back from the injury. I just think he looks so much more comfortable, he’s moving around well, and it’s been really two great days for him.”
On Sunday, Moseley was active for the game against the Bears but didn’t take a defensive snap. He did play 14 special teams snaps, however.
While the Lions could keep Moseley on the roster for the remainder of the season, tough decisions are looming. They plan to re-sign Alex Anzalone, Ennis Rakestraw, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Kalif Raymond, and Aidan Hutchinson, which will require opening five roster spots. This doesn’t account for any additional moves the team may make to strengthen the roster.
With playoff contention in sight, the Lions need to prioritize spots for players who will contribute on the field. While they may still plan to use Moseley, it seems increasingly unlikely that it will happen.
It’s disappointing because Moseley worked so hard to reach this point, but it seems like things might just not be working out.
