After getting demolished by the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 at Lambeau Field, the Detroit Lions were busy making changes to their practice squad on Tuesday, as they parted ways with a special teams player.
This wasn't the news fans wanted to hear, as they are looking for the Lions to address their lackluster pass rush. The Lions announced that they cut veteran linebacker Anthony Pittman from the practice squad and signed offensive lineman Drew Cochran and linebacker Monty Rice to the taxi squad.
It’s not surprising to see the Lions add more offensive line depth, as backup offensive tackle Jamarco Jones suffered a season-ending ankle injury last week. However, to see Detroit say goodbye to Pittman, who has spent most of his career in the Motor City, is jarring.
Lions Make Unfortunate Decision on Anthony Pittman Following Week 1
The 28-year-old linebacker was on the field for the regular season opener on Sunday, playing 20 snaps on special teams, and had one tackle. However, Pittman’s PPF grades weren’t great following the loss, as he had a 51.2 grade on special teams.
Based on that grade, along with whatever the Lions’ coaches saw on tape, it makes sense why the team would want to give someone a chance. The Lions re-signed Pittman earlier this offseason, as he was among the several players from last year’s team that Detroit brought back.
It’s unfortunate to see the former Wayne State standout get released, as he’s been a reliable special-teams player throughout his tenure in Detroit, which goes back to 2019, when he first appeared in a game.
When the Lions brought him back late last year, special teams coordinator David Fipp was excited to see Pittman back, as it was a familiar face who knew the system. The Lions called upon the veteran to play some defensive snaps due to injuries, but that didn’t take away from his duties in the third phase of the game.
With Pittman getting sent packing, Detroit will hope that Rice can step in if called up to the active roster on game days. The 26-year-old linebacker has played for the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots over his four-year career.
As for the guys on the active roster, veteran linebacker Grant Stuard and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor should still see a sizable snapshare as they were ranked in the top-3 of special teams snaps for Detroit in Week 1.