Both defensive tackle Alim McNeill and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson have been formally activated by the Detroit Lions from the injured reserve list. Both players are now eligible to play in the team’s last regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings since they are on the 53-man roster.
Following a torn pectoral muscle during the Lions’ Week 2 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, Gardner-Johnson is back. Coach Dan Campbell was taken aback by the veteran safety’s rapid turnaround from rehab.
“He belongs to the X-Men,” Campbell declared. “It’s because of these mutant genes that he has healed so quickly.”
Nevertheless, it looks like Gardner-Johnson will rejoin the Lions secondary in a rotational capacity. With second-year Kerby Joseph rounding out the group, the Lions now have three starter-caliber safeties thanks to the recent breakout performance of third-year safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, is forced to play all three players as a result.
This week, Glenn stated, “All three of those guys are going to play because they’re all good players.” Making ensuring our best players are on the field is the one thing our defense tries to accomplish. Will all three of them be on the field simultaneously? Maybe. Will there be a downfall? Perhaps.
Gardner-Johnson was upset by this outcome this week because he feels that he should be going back to a full-time position and that he has been physically prepared for some time.
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“My coverage bust did not lead me to lose my job. My injury caused me to lose my job,” Gardner-Johnson remarked. Respect the guys that are in front of me, then. However, the veterinarian has returned.
McNeill, who has just missed four weeks of action, should be able to quickly adjust and give the Lions defensive line’s interior some much-needed pass rush. McNeill is still second on the team in both sacks (5.0) and pressures (33), despite missing four games.
The Lions also promoted defensive tackle Tyson Alualu and fullback Jason Cabinda from the practice squad in addition to these activations.
Cabinda is playing in his first game back since being hurt in Week 3. In addition to playing fullback again, Cabinda will also contribute on special teams and may be a backup tight end this week since only James Mitchell and Sam LaPorta are healthy.
Alualu has now been lifted by Detroit for two straight games. Detroit’s inexperienced defensive line has already benefited from the mentorship of the experienced defensive tackle, and Glenn expressed his excitement about seeing Alualu and McNeill play together.
Glenn remarked, “I hope he keeps teaching some of these guys.” The fact is, I’m happy that Mac will be able to play with him and that those guys will engage in combat. That is the thing I hope to witness.
Additionally, the Lions declared that Anthony Firkser, a tight end, has returned to the practice squad.
