Lions Unexpectedly Bring Back Former Specialist in Week 16

The Detroit Lions saw their winning streak snapped on Sunday and suffered their second loss of the season. Perhaps more concerning than the loss itself, however, was the injuries.

The Lions have been ravaged by injuries all season. Things hit a new level in Week 15 against the Bills when they lost four more players. Running back David Montgomery, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis, and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey all suffered significant injuries that will land them on the injured reserve list. None of them are expected to make a return this season.

This means that Detroit is now down six starters on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to Davis and McNeill, the Lions have been missing Marcus Davenport, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and, most notably, Aidan Hutchinson.

As a result, the Lions had their worst defensive showing of the season against the Bills, allowing 559 total yards and 48 points while registering zero sacks, and only forcing one punt.

With all of that in mind, the Lions decided to bring back a familiar face to help out in this difficult time. NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported on Monday that Detroit was signing linebacker Anthony Pittman off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.

Lions News: Detroit Signs LB Anthony Pittman Amid Devastating Injuries

Pittman previously spent four seasons with the Lions, appearing in 52 games for the team. He only played in 151 defensive snaps in his tenure and spent the majority of his time on the special teams, appearing in over 75% of the team's ST snaps during his time in Detroit. Defensively, he saw time both as a stack linebacker and an edge rusher.

Before the start of the 2024 season, Pittman signed with the Commanders before getting released at the roster cutdown date. He then signed with the Jaguars practice squad mid-season and was elevated once.

This is likely the start of a slew of roster moves by the Lions. More roster spots will open up as the aforementioned players land on the IR list. These spots will likely be taken up by more defenders with the hopes of adding more depth and veteran competence ahead of the postseason. Signing a player like Pittman, who knows the coaching staff and the teammates, is a great approach with so little time left in the regular season.

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