David Long helped fill the void for the Detroit Lions at linebacker over the past month. But the veteran linebacker was waived after a five-game stint with the team.
Long made his debut for the Lions against the Indianapolis Colts last month. He started one game and appeared in five along the way. Long’s defensive role vanished against the Chicago Bears last weekend, though.
He was limited to 14 snaps on special teams in the win. But Long had served a valuable role for the Lions and their banged-up defense during this tough stretch. Trevor Nowaske was back in action, and the Lions brought back special teams stud and fellow depth linebacker Anthony Pittman last week.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin is nearing his return, and Alex Anzalone is getting closer to having his 21-day return window opened. Dan Campbell said Anzalone is getting closer. But the Lions head coach doesn’t see it happening this week.
Ifeatu Melifonwu made his season debut against the Bears. He had four tackles, three pressures and one sack while playing a meaty role from inside the box. The Lions also have one practice squad elevation left for Jamal Adams.
In last week’s game, Long’s defensive role went from something to nothing. The Lions also made veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander inactive for the win.
Second-year linebacker Jack Campbell has impressed from an every-snap role in recent weeks. Against the Bears, the Lions rolled with Niemann for 43 defensive snaps, and he was followed by Nowaske (23), Ezekiel Turner (23) and Pittman (11) in the linebacker rotation.
In another Christmas Eve role, the Lions also re-signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander and return specialist to their practice squad. Alexander has helped fill the void at returner a couple of times this year with Kalif Raymond injured and Khalil Dorsey out for the rest of the season.
