According to Tuesday’s NFL transaction wire, the Detroit Lions have elected to only protect three practice squad players in Week 6, quarterback David Blough, tight end Isaac Nauta, and cornerback/gunner Dee Virgin.
Blough, Nauta, and Virgin have been protected every available week this season, so it’s no surprise they ended up with this designation again, but with the option to protect a fourth player not taken, it does veer from what they have done in past weeks.
In previous weeks, the Lions have opted to protect a running back as their fourth option, choosing Jonathan Williams in Week 1 and Kerrith Whyte in each week after. But with Whyte being placed on the practice squad injured reserve, the Lions didn’t name another player.
At this time, it’s unclear if it’s possible for the Lions to add another protection label later — or if the Lions would want to at all — as the rule only indicates teams “may designate” up to four players “after 4:00 pm EST on the Tuesday of a game week” but doesn’t suggest a close to the window.
The Lions are not alone in protecting less than the maximum allowed, as the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Football Team also protected three or fewer players.