Lions coach Dan Campbell outlined Friday why he prefers to have an open slot on the 53-man roster for now.
The Detroit Lions have had an available slot on their 53-man roster since September 28, when Ifeatu Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve. According to coach Dan Campbell’s comments on Friday, it could stay that way for another week.
“It gives us options.” I don’t want to suggest we’ll use it or that we’re in a hurry to fill it,” Campbell explained. “It’s just provided us a little bit more flexibility right now. It does give us alternatives, but I wouldn’t say we’re really in a hurry to fill that with perhaps one of those players or anyone.
While it may appear weird, there is a point to be made. The Lions have a complete 16-man practice squad, so they can choose which guys to elevate for each clash. After the game, they return to the practice squad rather than being placed on the waiver wire. The Lions can only elevate each player to the practice squad three times per season.
However, if the Lions sign one of those players to the 53-man roster, they must commit to that player in the long run. They could only return to the practice squad after being cut, which meant they could be claimed off waivers or signed by another team.
With Detroit struggling at the edge position due to long-term injuries to Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport, the Lions added Al-Quadin Muhammad and Cam Gill to the practice squad. I asked Campbell if Detroit’s need for an edge defender may mean that guys who have been with the Lions for a longer time, such as Isaac Ukwu or Mitchell Agude, would be called up for either that final roster place or an elevation to the practice squad.
“I think both of them (have progressed) very nicely, I think both of those guys because they’ve been here the longest,” Campbell went on. “Talk about these D-ends, edge guys, and both of those guys have done a really good job for us and honestly, I would have no problem playing either one of those guys if we need them.”
If the Lions make any roster changes or practice squad elevations, they will be announced about 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.
