Even though the Detroit Lions are 13-2 going into Week 17, some doubters have been voicing their doubts about the team’s ability to win games given their increasing injury problems. Although there is cause for concern given that the Lions have the most players on injury reserve in the league, there is some positive news coming soon. On Christmas Eve, the Lions made a few personnel changes that bode well for the group.
Changes to the Lions’ roster are encouraging. The Detroit Lions made two roster adjustments on Christmas Eve. They re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to the practice squad and cut linebacker David Long.
Long was added by the Lions in November after Alex Anzalone broke his forearm during the team’s November 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the last five Lions games, Long has contributed seven tackles, a fumble recovery, 58 special teams snaps, and 70 defensive snaps. The Lions are showing signs of recovery with these changes.
In a piece published on December 25, NFL expert and commentator Brad Berreman of SideLion Report states, “If Long clears waivers, it’s possible he’s brought back on the practice squad.” “However, the decision to waive him is generally encouraging.” According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, the roster alterations seem encouraging. In a piece published on Christmas Eve, Risdon stated, “The Detroit Lions released veteran linebacker David Long on Tuesday, a move that indicates the team is getting a healthy return to the defensive lineup.”
Another encouraging development was that linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned to practice on Thursday, December 19, to start his 21-day activation window off injury reserve. Campbell discussed Reeves-Maybin with reporters on Monday, December 23, when discussing players on injury reserve who might return for the team’s Week 17 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
During the news conference, Campbell stated, “We’ll see where Germ (Reeves-Maybin) is at.” “Jalen Reeves-Maybin is someone who could be a candidate (to return).” “We started him last week,” Campbell continued, “and we’re going to give him more this week to see how he feels and where it’s at. He had a practice or two.” He is a person who might be mentioned.
It is anticipated that Anzalone will return to full health for the playoffs. He was expected to recover in six to eight weeks. Campbell talked about Anzalone on Monday as well, stating that while he’s getting close to making a comeback, he’s not sure if he’ll be ready for the 49ers game. There is no additional waiting period for Anzalone to be reinstated off injury reserve; he can do so whenever he is well again.
When asked if Anzalone would return for the 49ers game, Campbell responded, “It’s close.” It’s close, but I’m not sure about this week.
Hearing the phrase “it’s close” in reference to the return of a crucial linebacker is undoubtedly consoling. Particularly hard hit by injuries has been the Lions’ linebacking group. Detroit was without a number of its key linebackers during their 48-42 loss against the Buffalo Bills.