The Detroit Lions announced they have re-added safety Jayron Kearse to the active roster following the completion of his 3-game suspension and waived running back Ty Johnson in a corresponding move.
Kearse brings another unique element to the Lions’ secondary and special teams. During camp, Kearse played in the slot and in the box, and his coverage skills figure to be an immediate factor in the safety rotation as soon as he reacclimates during practice this week.
“I think we’re all excited for him to be back — energy, everything that he brings,” defensive coordinator Cory Undlin said on Tuesday, per MLive’s Kyle Meinke. “And then we’ll take it one day at a time as we go forward. He hasn’t been out there. He doesn’t know what’s different. Working out on the side, doing whatever he’s doing to get ready, and then going out and actually playing the game, so we’ll take it day by day. We’ll get him back in there, ease him in and then we’ll see where it fits at the end of the week, but we’re excited to have him back.”
Additionally, Kearse plays a lot on special teams and was working at several spots in training camp, including as a gunner. Currently, at gunner, the Lions have been utilizing Tony McRae along with a combination of Darryl Roberts (Week 1), Dee Virgin (who was a practice squad promoted player in Week 2), and Jamal Agnew (Week 3) to fill those roles. One way or another Kearse figures to be in on special teams during all four phases, regardless of what spot he lines up at.
After being a healthy scratch last Sunday the release of Johnson isn’t overly surprising and could point towards Bo Scarbrough, who is eligible to return from injured reserve, being close to returning. Also, don’t rule out Johnson returning to Detroit on their practice squad.