Just one more day until the Detroit Lions host the Rams in the Wild Card game and host their first playoff game ever at Ford Field. It’s going to be crazy in that stadium. They might literally blow the roof off the place. The Lions made some substantial moves ahead of the game and answered a few questions like are Jacobs and Mitchell done for the years? Who will replace Jacobs? What will the Lions do at tight end? Here’s what they did:
Placed Jerry Jacobs on Injured Reserve
You hate to see this happen right before the playoffs. Jacobs went down with a thigh/knee injury in practice on Wednesday and that injury is unfortunately a season ending one. Jacobs is a restricted free agent after this season. It’s very likely that the Lions will look to bring him back.
Placed James Mitchell on Injured Reserve
Mitchell will also be headed to injured reserve after suffering a hand injury at some point during the week. He had surgery on that hand later in the week and that was enough to also end Mitchell’s season.
Signed Chase Lucas to active roster
What a big and well deserved spot for Chase Lucas. The Lions waived him a couple weeks back to make some room and while he a chance to sign somewhere else as a free agent after he cleared waivers, he came back to the Lions and now he’ll get to play in a playoff game because of it. Lucas should be in for Jacobs.
Signed Anthony Firkser to active roster
The Lions really need some tight end help if Sam LaPorta is unable to play on Sunday. Especially with James Mitchell now going to injured reserve. The Lions are going to have a very interesting situation at tight end in this one. If LaPorta can play, you’ll likely see a lot of LaPorta and Wright. If LaPorta can’t play, Firkser will get a chance to get some substantial playing time in a playoff game with a chance to show the Lions why they should keep him.
Elevated Tyson Alualu from practice squad
The Lions may have found a pairing they like in the interior defensive line. Alualu has been activated the last two games and he played just over 30 snaps in both games. He’ll play his first playoff game since January of 2022 when he was with the Steelers.
Elevated Jason Cabinda from practice squad
Cabinda will likely not just be doing his normal fullback duties, he’ll also probably be helping out with tight end duties if the Lions can’t get LaPorta to play in this game. The Lions are down to two tight ends otherwise. So look for Cabinda to get the ball thrown his way.