The Detroit Lions made three roster moves ahead of their game against the Packers, signing one practice squad player and elevating another two.
The Detroit Lions made a handful of roster moves ahead of their Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers, re-signing WR Maurice Alexander to the 53-man roster and elevating LB/S Jamal Adams and EDGE Mitchell Agude from the practice squad for this week’s game. The Lions had a roster spot open on the active roster after waiving safety Loren Strickland on Wednesday.
Alexander was signed ahead of the Bears game and acted as the team’s kick and punt returner on Thanksgiving. He was released at the beginning of the week, eventually re-inning to the practice squad, and now back to the 53-man roster. With Kalif Raymond still on injured reserve for at least two more games, Alexander offers the Lions the best option as a returner on the roster. He will also serve as the Lions WR6, though that role is mainly used in emergency situations only.
Adams signed to the Lions practice squad this week and gave a sheepish grin when asked if he would play this week, suggesting this plan has been in the works from Day 1. While Adams—a former Pro Bowl safety—is likely just depth at safety for the Lions, but he does have the versatility to play in the box at the linebacker level. Look for him to be used as a potential LB3/DB5 or 6, and operate in coverage as well as a blitzer.
This will be the first roster elevation of the season for Agude, who showed well in training camp as a versatile edge rusher who could play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up SAM linebacker. He’ll give the Lions edge depth behind projected starters Za’Darius Smith and Al-Quadin Muhammed. Newly signed DL Jonah Williams is also expected to see time.
