Lions Cut Veteran Defender Ahead of MNF in Week 17

The Detroit Lions have been busy this week, adjusting their 53-man roster ahead of their primetime matchup on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Earlier this week, the Lions cut veteran linebacker David Long Jr., who was claimed off waivers from the Tennessee Titans but failed his physical. Then on Thursday, Detroit re-signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who recently wrapped up his first year as a high school football coach in Florida.

In addition to those moves, the Lions reportedly waived veteran linebacker, Kwon Alexander on Thursday. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Detroit hopes Alexander clears waivers to re-sign him to the practice squad.

Detroit signed the 30-year-old Alexander to the 53-man roster in late November off the Denver Broncos practice as they dealt with several injuries at the linebacker spot. Alexander appeared in two games for the Lions, where he played 29 defensive snaps. 

Before joining Detroit, Alexander appeared in three games for the Broncos (two starts), who signed him to their practice squad in September. The veteran linebacker only had eight combined tackles and a forced fumble. However, he played 35 percent of defensive snaps.

The veteran defender had four combined tackles in his two starts with the Lions. Detroit has 16 players on its practice squad, but only two linebackers (Abraham Beauplan and DaRon Gilbert).

Therefore, the Lions must cut someone to make room for Alexander. Detroit would love to re-sign Alexander as he has a ton of playing experience, which could be beneficial heading into the playoffs.

However, the good news for Detroit is that they are starting to get healthy at the LB spot, which is perfect timing. 

On Monday, Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Jalen Reeves-Maybin could play this week after returning to practice last week. Reeves-Maybin has been sidelined by a neck injury. 

The veteran linebacker was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice, which is a good sign for his availability for Monday night's game.

Along with Reeves-Maybin, starter Alex Anzalone is reportedly set to return before the regular season ends after suffering a broken forearm in Week 11. The injury bug has hit the Lions hard this season, but thankfully players like Alexander and others have stepped up when called upon.

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