Frustrating injuries forcing the Detroit Lions to make unexpected changes is an all too familiar theme for this fan base. However, the good news is that the injuries are early in camp with time to recover, and the Lions have zero star players currently missing from the lineup. Still, the franchise is making moves to cover for recent losses, having Rock Ya-Sin take reps from the safety position.
The corner being able to play multiple positions helps provide needed flexibility with Detroit's recent injury history. Ya-Sin is expected to be the sixth option in the secondary, making him a step short of an impact player but still an important piece. Adding value at safety is a savvy move for a coaching staff learning from last year's frustrations.
Ya-Sin noted that the communication required at the safety position was far more extensive. Still, the corner did a nice job making the change and adding far more value to his roster spot based on the ability to play multiple positions. It also shows that the Lions have learned from last season and are preparing a more flexible roster.
""You’re receiving a lot more communication at corner but at safety you’re actually the source of the communication a lot more,""Rock Ya-Sin on transition to safety
The Lions Continue to Learn from Last Season's Injury Woes
Another piece of this puzzle is the fact that Dan Jackson and Morice Norris have both recently suffered serious injuries. Norris was taken off the field in an ambulance in the second preseason game in a truly harrowing situation. While the safety is expected to make a full recovery, there are questions about what his future looks like after the injury scare.
Jackson's rookie season has been cut short with the defender landing on IR due to a leg injury. Both of these injuries is going to hurt the Detroit starting lineup, but they will drastically hurt the team's possible depth options. This helps explain why Ya-Sin has been asked to play a new position and why it has been quickly embraced by the veteran defender.
For the Lions, it is a savvy move that gives you the ability to backup multiple positions with one roster spot. It is hard to believe that this won't come into play at some point with the long line of recent injuries. At the very least it is a great preventive measure for a team hoping injuries won't again slow what appears to be a Super Bowl contender.