The Detroit Lions have a big game on Sunday in Chicago. It’s a cold-weather game and a game for the Lions to prove they’re not dead and the sky has not fallen. The team has made nine roster moves ahead of the game. Here’s what they did:
Activated Ifeatu Melifonwu
Here’s the big one off the bat. Melifonwu will be back for Sunday’s game against the Bears. The Lions could use his help because it will allow Brian Branch to move around. Jamal Adams will not play in this game with Melifonwu coming back. The Lions may want to use his final elevation later.
Waived Brandon Joseph
With Melifonwu back, the Lions are taking Melifonwu off the roster to make room. Joseph hasn’t played a lot lately, so this isn’t going to be a major shift. The Lions will more than likely look to get him back on their practice squad.
Waived Maurice Alexander
Alexander has also been waived. This one could point to Kalif Raymond being back soon. His 21-day clock can be started this coming week and he could be back against the 49ers. No word on who will return kicks and punts in this game.
Waived David Bada from injured reserve with an injury settlement
Bada was signed during training camp and suffered a season-ending torn Achilles during the Lions’ preseason game against the Giants. The Lions have now waived him with an injury settlement
Signed Mitchell Agude, Tom Kenndedy, and Chris Smith to 53-man roster
The Lions now have a full roster with these moves. Agude and Smith will provide some help on the defensive line and Tom Kennedy can potentially be the short-term return man.
Elevated Jermar Jefferson and Loren Strickland from practice squad
This is huge for Jefferson. This will be his first regular season game since 2021. We’ll see if he gets a carry or two at some point. As for Strickland, he’s a great special teams player that has been good all year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back on the 53-man roster at some point.