The Lions’ decision to place second-year nose tackle Brodric Martin on injured reserve was one of the most surprising roster changes.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions announced a series of changes to reduce the roster to 52(?) players in order to fulfill the NFL roster limit. One of the more shocking choices was to place second-year defensive tackle Brodric Martin on injured reserve with the possibility of returning.
Martin suffered a hyperextension during the team’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the game, coach Dan Campbell did not provide a timeline for his injury, but he seemed to hint it was not serious.
“He has what appears to be a little hyperextension there. I don’t think it’s anything serious, but it’s enough to make me sore for a few days,” Campbell explained.
Martin will miss at least four games to begin the season. Interestingly, the Lions also cut veteran nose tackle Kyle Peko, leaving DJ Reader as the only current nose tackle on the roster, and his readiness for Week 1 is dubious. However, it appears like the Lions aim to bring Peko back after some roster gymnastics.
Martin took up the IR-to-return place previously reserved for Lions defensive end John Cominsky, which explains some of the roster gymnastics. The NFL has implemented a new rule that allows two players to be placed on IR-to-return as part of the 53-man roster reductions. Any other players placed on IR to return must be added to a 53-man roster and remain there for at least one full business day. Cominsky is expected to be placed on injured reserve later this week due to a torn MCL, with Peko being the most probable option to return.
As for Martin, it’s a tough break in his second year, but let’s hope his absence won’t be longer than the four minimum weeks.