The Detroit Lions are continuing to make roster moves throughout training camp. As injuries pile up or unexpected news, like Teddy Bridgewater's retirement, pops up, the Lions have to act quickly to fill their needs.
That is what they did about their linebacker rotation on Sunday. Per the team's official announcement, the Lions signed veteran linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga. The 27-year-old defender tried out with the Lions on Sunday, along with three other defenders, including two linebackers in Amari Burney and Milo Eifler. It was Ogbongbemiga who landed the contract from GM Brad Holmes.
Lions sign former Bears special teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga
This came on the heels of Jimmy Rolder and Malcolm Rodriguez missing last week's practices with their respective injuries. Rolder has a serious hamstring injury, and Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury on Tuesday. This has left them short-handed at linebacker.
Ogbongbemiga is the third veteran linebacker that the Lions have signed in the last couple of weeks. Devin White and Troy Reeder arrived in Detroit in the last two weeks. Especially White has looked like a solid bet to make the 53-man roster and have a large role right away. With other free agent signings at the position, Damone Clark and Joe Bachie, also in the mix, Ogbongbemiga has an uphill battle in the crowded LB room.
Most of Ogbongbemiga's contributions have come on special teams throughout his career. In the last two seasons he spent with the Chicago Bears, he played fewer than 100 defensive snaps. In contrast, he played almost 500 special teams snaps, being a regular, key contributor there.
Things weren't too different in Ogbongbemiga's first three seasons in the league when he was with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he has been able to make the 53-man roster to start the season throughout his career. Whether that continues with the Lions remains to be seen.
Between Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Rodriguez, and White, the Lions presumably have four locks to make the final roster as linebackers. Rolder will likely begin the season on the injured reserve list. If we assume that the Lions will have six linebackers on the roster like last season, this leaves Clark, Trevor Nowaske, Reeder, Bachie, and UDFA Erick Hunter fighting with Ogbongbemiga for the final two spots.
It's safe to assume that Ogbongbemiga is behind Clark, Reeder, and Nowaske as things stand now. So, the former Bear has some work ahead of him to prove his worth to Dan Campbell and DC Kelvin Sheppard.
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