The Detroit Lions were busy with some roster moves on Wednesday, the day before the team hosts the Chicago Bears in Ford Field.
As was previously reported, the Lions placed wide receiver and return man Kalif Raymond on injured reserve. Raymond suffered a foot injury returning a punt in the Week 12 win over the Colts.
To fill Raymond’s spot, the Lions signed wideout Maurice Alexander from the team’s practice squad. Alexander also has considerable experience returning punts and kicks, which has been Raymond’s primary role of late.
The Lions also signed linebacker David Long from the practice squad to the active roster. Long made his Detroit debut in Week 12 as a practice squad elevation, playing 13 defensive snaps in the win in Indianapolis. His roster spot was opened when the Lions released James Houston on Tuesday.
For the Thanksgiving game, the Lions also elevated veteran offensive tackle Jamarco Jones from the practice squad. It’s the second elevation for Jones, who played left tackle for an injured Taylor Decker in the win in Houston. Decker is injured again, this time with a leg injury suffered during a play in Week 12. Decker has been ruled out for Thursday’s game.