The Detroit Lions are gearing up to face the Dallas Cowboys in just a few hours. As game time approaches, the Lions have made some last-minute adjustments, including signing tight end Anthony Firkser to the 53-man roster and elevating veteran defenders EDGE Bruce Irvin and defensive lineman Tyson Alualu for the game.
The last 48 hours have seen some roster shuffling for the Lions, so let’s quickly go over what has happened on the active roster:
- Waived CB Chase Lucas
- Waived LB Trevor Nowaske
- Activated and then waived FB Jason Cabinda
- Signed K Michael Badgley
- Signed TE Anthony Firkser
- Elevated EDGE Bruce Irvin for Week 17
- Elevated DL Tyson Alualu for Week 17
It might seem a bit unusual, but there’s a method to the madness. Let’s break it down.
The Lions needed to find a way to get veterans Irvin and Alualu onto this week’s roster, so they made some strategic moves. Because K Michael Badgley had already been elevated twice this season, it was only a matter of time before they needed to sign him to the active roster. With tight end Brock Wright injured, the Lions also needed to make room for tight end Anthony Firkser.
The Lions had to carefully consider their decisions. While they could have simply elevated Firkser and signed either Irvin or Alualu, they had to account for the potential return of three defenders from injured reserve. The player signed to the active roster this week is in a vulnerable position and could potentially be cut to make room for returning players. The Lions ultimately decided that Firkser would be the best choice to pass through waivers more easily than the veterans.
One additional note: The Lions have strategically managed their elevations. This is Irvin’s third and final roster elevation of the season, making him ineligible to be elevated in the regular season finale. However, when the Lions enter the postseason, he will become eligible again.
So, why did the Lions make their initial cuts on Thursday? There are a couple of reasons.
First, they were in a position to activate Jason Cabina from injured reserve, but this was done to make room for Firkser and likely in preparation for the returning defenders. Second, by releasing Lucas and Nowaske on Thursday, it seems the Lions were making calculated moves to secure their roster for the upcoming game and beyond.
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