A flurry of roster changes was announced by the Detroit Lions in advance of their Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams. The seasons of tight end James Mitchell and cornerback Jerry Jacobs were formally ended by placing them on injured reserve. While Jacobs is struggling with a lower-body injury, Mitchell had surgery on Friday to treat a hand injury.
Anthony Firkser, a tight end, and Chase Lucas were added to the active roster in matching moves. For the game on Sunday, fullback Jason Cabinda and defensive lineman Tyson Alualu have been promoted from the practice squad. Before Week 17, Lucas was waived to make room on the roster for kicker Michael Badgley. He was added back to the practice squad of the Lions after clearing waivers. This season, he has participated in 12 games, mostly as a special teams player.
During the regular season, Alualu and Firkser both appeared in two games as elevations. Having played with the Lions for 14 years, Alualu has four tackles this year. In contrast, Firkser has not yet recorded a catch. The tight end depth for the Lions has been strained lately. With a knee injury, star rookie Sam LaPorta’s status is questionable and Mitchell is out. At Ford Field, the Lions and Rams will play a game on Sunday at 8 p.m. Detroit is trying to win a playoff game for the first time since 1991.
