Per their team website, the Detroit Lions have officially transitioned both Jamal Agnew and Jason Cabinda to the offensive side of the ball.
Agnew, who began practicing with the wide receivers at the end of last season, will be making the switch from cornerback to running back/wide receiver — indicating he may be used in a gadget role.
The 2017 fifth-round pick already has been used sparingly on offense, with four rushing yards and 16 receiving over three seasons. The All-Pro punt returner proved throughout camp that his skills warranted a switch from the cornerback position, where the Lions have plenty of depth already going into the 2020 season.
Cabinda, who will be moving from the linebacker position, was thrown into the fullback role after injury struck Nick Bawden during training camp. With Bawden on injured reserve and tight end/H-back Isaac Nauta on the practice squad, Cabinda was able to make the 53-man roster as the starting fullback.
The former linebacker took one snap at fullback in 2019 and made the most of it, clearing a path for a Kerryon Johnson goal-line touchdown in Week 17.
Is that Kerryon in the end zone? Yes it is 😎 @AyeyoKEJO pic.twitter.com/hJAQLRg82v
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 29, 2019
With the official changes in position, Cabinda will have to get a new jersey number, as No. 53 is not an eligible number for offensive skill positions, while Agnew will get to keep No. 39 as it is an acceptable number for running backs.
Both young players will look to make some contributions on offense in 2020, with the added benefit of providing extra depth on defense in a pinch.
[Editor’s note: Keep an eye out for number changes for rookies Jeff Okudah and D’Andre Swift as well]
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