Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions have decided to part ways with a former Miami Dolphins player as they continue their push toward the NFL playoffs.
The Detroit Lions’ playoff plans have taken a turn with an important roster change. Head coach Dan Campbell’s team is currently tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the lead in the NFC North, both holding 13-2 records. In a related move, a recently added former Dolphins player has been released from the roster.
With just two games left in the regular season, Campbell recognizes that Detroit still has areas to improve in order to make a Super Bowl run and claim the franchise’s first-ever championship. As such, roster decisions have become even more critical.
The player cut from the Lions is linebacker David Long. His addition to the team was initially made with a specific purpose, but the 28-year-old veteran didn’t see enough action to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Long had joined the Lions’ practice squad before Week 12 to fill the void left by Alex Anzalone, who was placed on injured reserve due to an arm injury. Shortly afterward, Long was elevated to the active roster.
How many games did Long play for the Lions?
Long appeared in five games for the Lions, starting in just one. The linebacker participated in 70 defensive snaps and 58 special teams plays. He recorded seven tackles and recovered one fumble during his time with Campbell’s team.
Campbell also emphasized what improvements are needed for the Lions to reach the Super Bowl.
“There are things we need to finish a little bit in the air game. We’re handling the ground game well and overall we made it one-dimensional. The effort is outstanding, our physical nature,” Campbell said.
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Dan Campbell outlines the reasons for the Lions waiving Brandon Joseph
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.
