Linebacker David Long was waived by the Detroit Lions on Tuesday, and the team won’t be able to add him to the practice squad, as he didn’t clear waivers.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions waived linebacker David Long in an effort to create a roster spot—likely earmarked for the return of Jalen Reeves-Maybin this week. Given that Detroit made the move early in the week, it’s entirely possible they were hoping to bring Long back onto the practice squad once he cleared waivers, giving him a full week of practice in Detroit. However, they won’t have that chance. On Wednesday, Long was claimed by the Tennessee Titans.
Long was a key player for the Lions when their linebacker injury situation was at its worst. The Lions lost Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Reeves-Maybin to injured reserve trips. That led Detroit to sign Long to the practice squad on November 18 and they quickly signed him to the 53-man roster just over a week later.
Long would end up making five game appearances for the Lions, including one start. Over that span, Long played a total of 70 defensive snaps and 58 plays on special teams. But with the returns of Trevor Nowaske last week and the addition of Anthony Pittman, Long was relegated to just special teams in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears. In total, Long finished his Lions stint with seven tackles (one for loss), and a fumble recovery.
As the Lions near their postseason run, the linebacker room is expected to look much healthier. Not only is Reeves-Maybin expected back this week, but veteran Alex Anzalone is nearing a return from his broken forearm suffered in Week 11.
“(He’s) close, I don’t know about this week, it’s close,” Campbell said of Anzalone on Monday.
The Lions return to the facility on Thursday to begin preparation for their Monday night matchup against the 49ers after having Christmas off. We’ll get their first injury report of the week on Thursday afternoon.
