The Detroit Lions aren’t letting their Thanksgiving loss to the Packers linger. In fact, they’ve been one of the busiest teams in the league when it comes to roster moves since that game. With injuries stacking up across key offensive positions, Detroit has been reshuffling the deck-adding depth, promoting reinforcements, and trying to patch together a roster that can hold up down the stretch.
Let’s break it down.
Lions Sign Three Offensive Skill Players Amid Injury Crunch
Detroit added three new faces to the roster: running back Jabari Small, tight end Giovanni Ricci, and wide receiver Andrew Armstrong-each one filling a need created by injuries.
Small is a familiar name in Allen Park. He spent time with the Lions during training camp and now returns to the fold, effectively taking the spot of Craig Reynolds, who was released and quickly scooped up by the Patriots. Small gives the Lions a quick-footed back who knows the system and can step in without needing a long ramp-up period.
At tight end, the Lions brought in Ricci, a veteran who’s now on his fifth NFL team. His signing comes at a critical time, with Brock Wright-now the team’s starting tight end-dealing with a neck and trachea injury that head coach Dan Campbell hinted could be a long-term concern. Ricci isn’t being asked to be a game-changer, but he’s a reliable blocker and special teamer who can help stabilize the position while Wright recovers.
Then there’s Armstrong, a rookie wideout who’s being brought in as depth insurance. With **Amon-Ra St.
Brown** nursing an injury of his own, the Lions are clearly bracing for the possibility that they may need to dip into the depth chart sooner rather than later. Armstrong gives them a big-bodied target who can contribute if called upon.
Practice Squad Shakeup and a Season-Ending Injury
The Lions also made a few subtractions. Tre Flowers and Netane Muti were both released from the practice squad.
Muti had been added earlier in November to provide depth along a banged-up offensive line. Flowers, a veteran cornerback, joined the Lions back in October but saw limited action-appearing in two games without recording a stat.
The biggest blow, though, comes on the defensive side. Rookie corner Terrion Arnold is heading to injured reserve with a shoulder injury that will require surgery.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Arnold’s season is officially over. He’s been playing through the issue since Week 5 against the Bengals, but it’s now reached the point where surgery is the only option.
That’s a tough loss for a secondary that’s already had its share of ups and downs this season.
Zylstra Returns, Ragnow’s Comeback Ends
There’s a bit of good news at tight end, though. Shane Zylstra has been designated to return from injured reserve, which opens up his 21-day practice window. If he can get back to full speed over the next few weeks, he could provide a timely boost to a tight end group that’s suddenly thin.
On the flip side, Frank Ragnow’s attempted return has officially come to an end. The former Pro Bowl center was placed on the retired list after failing his physical, closing the door on a potential comeback. It’s a tough moment for both player and team, especially given how much Ragnow has meant to Detroit’s offensive line over the years.
Eyes on Week 14: Cowboys Up Next
All of this comes as the Lions prepare for a heavyweight clash in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, who are riding high after a statement win over the Chiefs. With injuries mounting and roster pieces shifting, Detroit will need to lean on its depth and coaching to stay competitive in the NFC playoff race.
This isn’t new territory for the Lions-injuries have been part of their story for the past few seasons. But what separates contenders from pretenders is how you respond when the attrition sets in. Detroit’s front office is clearly doing everything it can to keep the wheels turning.
Now it’s on the players-and the next-man-up mentality-to carry that effort onto the field.