The Detroit Lions have activated CB Darryl Roberts from IR, signed DT Frank Herron, and released WR Marvin Hall, TE Isaac Nauta on Saturday.
The Detroit Lions announced a series of roster moves Saturday, activating cornerback Darryl Roberts from injured reserve, re-signing defensive tackle Frank Herron (who was previously on the practice squad), confirming the previously reported release of wide receiver Marvin Hall as well as releasing tight end Isaac Nauta.
Additionally, the Lions have elevated undrafted rookie safety Bobby Price to the active roster for Week 13. Assuming he is active — if only for special teams purposes — Price will be making his NFL debut on Sunday.
Roberts was injured in the Lions’ Week 8 game versus the Indianapolis Colts, was placed on injured reserve, and began practicing this week. During his seven games played in 2020, Roberts started one game — Week 4 versus the New Orleans Saints — accounted for 20 tackles, one interception, and three pass breakups.
Capable of playing in the slot and on the outside, Roberts is returning to the field at just the right time, as the Lions lost Desmond Trufant to IR earlier in the week and Jeff Okudah was ruled OUT on Friday.
The Lions will enter this game with Amani Oruwariye and Justin Coleman starting, but when they shift to a base nickel, it will likely be Roberts who takes the field. Mike Ford — who recently cleared concussion protocols — will likely act as the Lions’ fourth option.
Herron has been on the Lions practice squad most of the season but was elevated to the active roster twice in Weeks 10 and 11. Having exhausted his elevation eligibility, the only way the Lions could get him back on the field this season was to sign him to the active roster.
With Danny Shelton placed on IR earlier in the week, and Da’Shawn Hand ruled OUT on Friday the Lions need Herron for depth, despite also signing Kevin Strong to the active roster earlier in the week.
The Lions will likely start Nick Williams at the 3T and John Penisini at nose tackle, with Herron and Strong backing up both spots.
Last night, it was reported that the Lions were planning on releasing Hall in order to make room for younger players on the roster and that likely means more playing time for Quintez Cephus — potentially even a starting role while Kenny Golladay remains out.
Nauta is being released in favor of Hunter Bryant for the second time this season, the other happening at roster cutdowns. With other areas of the roster needing attention, the Lions could not afford to keep a fourth tight end at this time and the team clearly prefers the talented undrafted rookie as the third option.
Price being elevated likely covers the Lions in two areas. First, he’s a highly athletic young player they will get a chance to get an extended look at in order to determine his long-term potential. Second, he will give the Lions special teams depth as safety, as Tracy Walker is questionable for this game. Walker’s wife Bella just delivered the couple’s first child, and Lions historically allow their player’s paternity leave.
