As expected, the Detroit Lions made a bunch of roster moves ahead of their “Monday Night Football” game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Primarily, they fortified their injury-filled secondary with three players now eligible to play Monday night. And, as expected, Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and will play against the Buccaneers.
Here’s the full list of moves from the Lions:
Activated from PUP
- DT Alim McNeill
Signed from practice squad to 53-man roster
- CB Arthur Maulet
Temporary elevation from practice squad
- CB Tre Flowers
- S Loren Strickland
Released
- LB Ty Summers
Note: The Lions only had to make one corresponding 53-man roster move to add two players because Brian Branch does not count against the 53-man roster while suspended.
McNeill is now expected to play in his first game since tearing his ACL in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. The star defensive tackle has previously been a key player on the Lions defense, both as a run defender and interior pass rusher. Earlier last week, coach Dan Campbell spoke about he can make everyone around him better, too.
“He’s a type of guy who, he elevates the guys around him. He’ll elevate their level of play or their production. Just him being out there, because he’s going to draw a little bit of attention or they’re going to have to,” Campbell said on the radio.
The rest of the moves should help navigate all of the absences Detroit is scheduled to have in their secondary. Starting cornerback D.J. Reed is on injured reserve and the starter opposite him (Terrion Arnold) has already been ruled out. Safety Kerby Joseph is out with a knee injury and Brian Branch is out with a suspension. And without the likes of reserve players Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey, and Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit will have to rely on players who were somewhat recently added.
While Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin have been with the team since the start of the season and are expected to start at outside corner, Maulet—signed to the practice squad less than two weeks ago—may start at nickel. As for the starting safeties, they’re likely Thomas Harper (claimed off waivers on Aug. 29) and either Loren Strickland (practice squad all year), Erick Hallett (signed to the active roster last week) or Jammie Robinson (signed Thursday). Tre Flowers (signed to the practice squad Oct. 1) now serves as one of the primary defensive back reserves.
Summers was released after spending the past two weeks playing on special teams for the Lions. With veteran Zach Cunningham now back from his hamstring injury, it was tough to justify Summers’ spot on the roster. Given his special teams skills, though, don’t be surprised if he eventually returns to the practice squad.
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