Coming out of their much-needed bye week, the Detroit Lions are hoping to be healthier on the defensive side of the ball when they take on the Vikings on Sunday. Even though defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard had the short-handed unit punch way above its weight in their last outing, the Lions need their full complement of defenders available for their tough slate of games. With matchups against the Vikings, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers in November, Detroit needs to be firing on all cylinders.
On Monday, the Lions made a move that suggested that their secondary may be turning a corner (pun intended) in terms of their health. The Lions announced on their social media accounts that they were releasing CB Kendall Fuller from their practice squad. They had signed the veteran defender two weeks ago to help with their depth amid injuries, but Fuller wasn't able to make his debut with the team.
It Took 2 Weeks for Kendall Fuller's Lions Tenure to Come to an End
This is a disappointing outcome for the 30-year-old cornerback. Considering how deep the Lions had to dig to find backfield defenders, the fact that Fuller wasn't trusted in the rotation speaks volumes about where he is as a player. Nick Whiteside, Arthur Maulet, and Tre Flowers, who were all part of the practice squad this season, have been playing roles for the defense. One would have thought that with his experience and veteran competence, Fuller could have carved out a role for himself, but that hasn't been the case.
Now, the former Commanders starter will try to revive his career elsewhere. Fuller spent last year with the Dolphins after signing a two-year, $15 million deal with them during the 2024 offseason. After suffering two concussions in the same season, Fuller ended up missing six games and was eventually released in the offseason, despite playing at a high level as the starter when healthy enough to take the field.
For the Lions, this signals the return to action for Avonte Maddox and Terrion Arnold. Both players are expected to return to practice this week, and they should be in line to suit up for Week 9. Kerby Joseph is also in line to be back, as well as Brian Branch, after serving his one-game suspension, giving the Lions a boost against a stacked Vikings' WR corps. Amik Robertson will likely return to his spot as a nickel corner, raising questions about the futures of Whiteside and Maulet, who performed admirably in their absence. At the minimum, however, they have earned themselves a spot on an active roster, whether it is in Detroit or elsewhere.