The Detroit Lions can breathe a sigh of relief after receiving some encouraging signs ahead of their upcoming game against the 49ers.
Although the Lions boast an impressive 13-2 record heading into Week 17, skepticism has surrounded the team’s ability to keep winning, given their growing injury list. With the most players on injury reserve in the league, the concerns are understandable. However, recent developments offer some optimism.
Positive Roster Moves for the Lions
On Christmas Eve, the Detroit Lions made two roster adjustments that point to positive progress for the team. They waived linebacker David Long and re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to the practice squad.
Long was brought in during November after linebacker Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 17. Long participated in the last five games, logging 70 defensive snaps, 58 special teams snaps, seven tackles, and a fumble recovery.
These moves signal that the Lions may be getting healthier.
“If Long clears waivers, it’s possible he’s brought back on the practice squad,” noted NFL expert Brad Berreman of SideLion Report in a December 25 article. “But, the move to waive him is broadly a good sign.”
Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire also sees these roster changes as a positive indicator.
“In a move that indicates the team is getting a healthy return to the defensive lineup, the Detroit Lions released veteran linebacker David Long on Tuesday,” Risdon said in a Christmas Eve feature.
Other Positive Developments for the Lions
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned to practice on Thursday, December 19, beginning his 21-day activation window from injury reserve, another good sign for the team.
During a press conference on Monday, December 23, Head Coach Dan Campbell spoke about players on injury reserve who might be available for the Week 17 game against the 49ers, including Reeves-Maybin.
“We’ll see where Germ (Reeves-Maybin) is at,” Campbell said. “He’s somebody that’s a potential candidate (to return). Jalen Reeves-Maybin.”
Campbell continued, “We started him last week, he got a practice or two, we’re going to give him more this week, see how he feels, where it’s at. He is somebody that could potentially be brought up.”
Anzalone is expected to be ready for the playoffs, as his recovery was initially projected to take 6 to 8 weeks. On Monday, Campbell addressed Anzalone’s progress and said while he’s getting closer to returning, he wasn’t certain if he would be ready for the 49ers game. Anzalone can be activated from injury reserve as soon as he’s cleared, with no additional waiting period.
“It’s close,” Campbell said regarding Anzalone’s potential return. “I don’t know about this week, (but) it’s close.”
The phrase “it’s close” about bringing back a key linebacker is certainly reassuring. The Lions’ linebacker corps has been especially affected by injuries. For their loss to the Buffalo Bills, 48-42, Detroit was missing several key linebackers.
