The Detroit Lions announced they have promoted running back Bo Scarbrough to the active roster and released running back Paul Perkins in a corresponding move. Additionally, the team has re-signed punter Matt Wile to the practice squad, filling the opening created after the Scarbrough move.
It’s fitting Scarbrough was promoted this week, as he will get a chance to play against the Dallas Cowboys, the team who drafted him in the seventh round (pick 236) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Scarbrough is a power runner who plays to contact, something that is missing in the Lions’ current backfield. He can contribute in the passing game — he’s an excellent blocker — which will get him opportunities to see the field on Sunday, but it’s important to set your expectations for him accordingly.
Positives
- Bruising back who runs behind his pads
- Won’t shy away from contact and often falls forward
- Creates extra yards with power in both short game and at the end of long runs
- Terrific pass blocker
Negatives
- He rarely makes defenders miss due to his upright running style
- He is often injured as his running style forces his body to take a pounding
- He won’t be a threat as a pass-catcher
- He can be explosive but it takes him time to get up to speed
The Lions have a clear two options at the top of the running back rotation with Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic. When Johnson left the game last week with an injury, third running back Paul Perkins only saw the field for 12 offensive snaps. When Johnson was healthy the week prior, Perkins only saw three snaps total.
With Johnson clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol today, both he and McKissic are fully healthy heading into tomorrow’s game. That should make snaps difficult for Scarbrough to come by and he may be relegated to situational work.
Wile being added back to the practice squad could be a preemptive move to give Sam Martin rest early in next week’s practices, but this is his second stint with the Lions in the last three weeks, indicating there’s something about his game that they like. With Martin in a contract year, Wile may be getting an extended try out for a contract this offseason.