The Detroit Lions have received encouraging updates ahead of their Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite boasting a stellar 13-2 record, some doubters have raised concerns over the team’s ability to maintain momentum given their injury woes.
With the most players on injured reserve in the league, such concerns are understandable.
However, recent roster moves suggest the Lions are beginning to turn a corner on the injury front.
Positive Roster Moves on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, the Lions waived linebacker David Long and re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to the practice squad.
Long had joined the team in November after Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm but was released after contributing in five games with 70 defensive snaps, 58 special teams snaps, seven tackles, and a fumble recovery.
NFL analysts view this move optimistically. Brad Berreman of SideLion Report noted that Long’s waiver indicates positive progress on the team’s health, while Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire echoed similar sentiments, suggesting the defense is regaining strength.
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned to practice on December 19, opening his 21-day activation window from injured reserve.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed cautious optimism, saying Reeves-Maybin could potentially return for the 49ers matchup.
Additionally, Alex Anzalone
The Detroit Lions have received encouraging updates ahead of their Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite boasting a stellar 13-2 record, some doubters have raised concerns over the team’s ability to maintain momentum given their injury woes.bn
With the most players on injured reserve in the league,
such concerns are understandable. However, recent roster moves suggest the Lions are beginning to turn a corner on the injury front.
Positive Roster Moves on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, the Lions waived linebacker David Long and re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to the practice squad.
Long had joined the team in November after Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm but was released after contributing in five games with 70 defensive snaps, 58 special teams snaps, seven tackles, and a fumble recovery.
NFL analysts view this move optimistically.
Brad Berreman of SideLion Report noted that Long’s waiver indicates positive progress on the team’s health, while Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire echoed similar sentiments, suggesting the defense is regaining strength.
Key Linebacker Returns
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned to practice on December 19, opening his 21-day activation window from injured reserve.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed cautious optimism, saying Reeves-Maybin could potentially return for the 49ers matchup.
Additionally, Alex Anzalone, who has been sidelined since November, is nearing a return.
While Campbell remained noncommittal about his availability for Week 17, he indicated Anzalone could be back soon, potentially just in time for the playoffs.
Implications for the Lions
The news of potential returns for key players is a relief for Detroit, especially given the injuries plaguing their linebacking corps. The team’s resilience has kept them competitive despite these setbacks, but reinforcements would undoubtedly bolster their playoff push.
The Lions’ growing health and strategic roster moves signal better days ahead, providing a confidence boost as they prepare to face the formidable 49ers.
, who has been sidelined since November, is nearing a return.
While Campbell remained noncommittal about his availability for Week 17, he indicated Anzalone could be back soon, potentially just in time for the playoffs.
Implications for the Lions
The news of potential returns for key players is a relief for Detroit, especially given the injuries plaguing their linebacking corps.
The team’s resilience has kept them competitive despite these setbacks, but reinforcements would undoubtedly bolster their playoff push.
The Lions’ growing health and strategic roster moves signal better days ahead, providing a confidence boost as they prepare to face the formidable 49ers.
