Lions sign a kicker to the active roster and dismiss a fullback the day after return from IR

admin | December 30, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Detroit Lions’ difficult decisions continue, as they have gone through yet another round of roster adjustments in less than 24 hours.

On Friday afternoon, the team announced that kicker Michael Badgley had been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, while offensive lineman Michael Schofield had been added to the practice squad. Along with the signing, the Lions announced the release of defensive tackle Chris Smith from the practice squad and the waiver of fullback Jason Cabinda.

Cabinda’s release came just one day after the Lions activated him off the injured reserve list (IR). With him out of the picture, the Lions have one free roster slot before facing the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington on Saturday. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and James Houston, who have both returned to practice following injuries, are both classified as out for this week.

This allows the Lions to promote veteran linebacker Bruce Irvin from the practice squad. Irvin has played in only one game since joining the Lions on November 13, a Week 13 victory over the New Orleans Saints in which he recorded a sack.

This season, the Lions have struggled against some of the league’s greatest quarterbacks, particularly those who make plays outside of the pocket. Dallas’ Dak Prescott has been outstanding at home, which is why the Cowboys are undefeated at AT&T Stadium this season (7-0). With Detroit’s difficulty in putting pressure on quarterbacks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Irvin suit up this weekend.