The Detroit Lions announced three roster moves this afternoon, releasing linebacker Elijah Lee from the active roster, as well as swapping out practice squad players, re-adding running back Dalyn Dawkins, and moving on from defensive tackle Albert Huggins.
Lee had yet to play a snap on defense for the Lions, but he did account for 73 special teams snaps over four games, accounting for two tackles on the year.
After playing key roles on special teams over the first three weeks of the season, Lee found himself a healthy scratch in Week 4. The return to health of other special teams players, like C.J. Moore, made him a bit of a luxury. After the Lions bye in Week 5, Lee was once again a healthy scratch in Week 6, but was able to get back into the action in Week 7 after Miles Killebrew missed the game with a personal issue.
By moving on from Lee and not announcing a replacement roster move, it’s a strong indicator that the Lions are planning on making an in-house adjustment. There are three logical moves that the Lions may be preparing for: Justin Coleman could be ready to return from injured reserve, Austin Bryant could be ready to return from PUP, or the Lions are opening the spot for Everson Griffen — whom they just traded for.
Griffen is still working through the COVID-19 on-boarding process and can’t join the team until at least Monday, so this move seems premature for that. Meaning, it’s more likely the open spot will be filled by an injured player. Based on reports from practices, Coleman appears to be further along.
On the practice squad, Dawkins returns to give the Lions more depth and a unique scat back to the running backs room, while Huggins apparanty didn’t prove enough in his second stint with the Lions.