Tight end Dan Campbell was put on the injured reserve over the weekend, meaning his season is over. Campbell hurt his elbow against Minnesota and it obviously was serious enough to put him out of commission for the season.
Originally Rudy Sylvan was signed from the practice squad to fill the void created, but today the Lions decided to sign former Oakland Raider Courtney Anderson and then in turn waived Sylvan as a result. Here the details:
In his three seasons with the Raiders, Anderson had 62 receptions for 763 yards and six touchdowns. He twice caught 24 or more passes in a season and demonstrated the ability occasionally to get deep down the middle of the field. At 6-feet-6 and 270 pounds, Anderson is a big target and possesses good speed. A onetime college defensive end, the former San Jose State standout was selected by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2004 draft. He has appeared in 39 games. Contract details were not immediately available, but it is likely that Campbell signed a one-year deal for at or near the league minimum of $510,000 for a three-year veteran.
The tight end normally isn't a big part of the Mike Martz offense, but if you're going to use one, he might as well be a pass-catcher. Anderson fits that role and creates a good balance between he and blocking TE Sean McHugh.
Other recent transactions includes Aveion Cason being released from the active roster and Anthony Sherrell being released from the practice squad. Both players are running backs. As a result, the open roster space will go to linebacker Donte Curry, who is going to be re-signed by the Lions after being cut right before the season began.
