Happy holidays!
Detroit Lions announced that they have activated EDGE Everson Griffen to the 53-man roster, and elevated two practice squad players for Week 16: corner Tramaine Brock and center Evan Brown.
After contracting the COVID-19 virus, Griffen spent nearly two weeks on the reserve list before being cleared to return to practice on Wednesday. Because of the return to action protocols surrounding COVID-19, Griffen had a commissioner’s permission roster exemption while he re-acclimated back to football and did not count against the 53-man roster.
In order for him to be eligible to play on Saturday, he needed to be activated to the 53-man roster (which is today’s move) and a corresponding move would be required — which the Lions created by releasing running back Jonathan Williams yesterday.
With corner Darryl Roberts questionable to play, the Lions only had three healthy corners: Amani Oruwariye, Justin Coleman, and Mike Ford — who was injured all week but doesn’t carry an injury designation into this game.
Brock gives them a fifth option at corner, depth on special teams, and insurance against Roberts’ injury.
Ragnow is still mending his fractured throat, and despite a limited practice on Thursday, he remains questionable to play. Joe Dahl replaced Ragnow in the starting lineup last week, but the elevation of Brown gives the Lions a true center option in case of further injury.