Lions sign TJ Jones, activate Bryant from exempt; waive Forsett, Banks

The Lions are in New Orleans as they prepare to take on the Saints on Sunday, but circumstances haven’t kept the front office from shuffling things around with the roster. On Saturday, Allen Park announced a series of moves; first, wide receiver TJ Jones—once a member of the full Lions roster in seasons prior—was activated to the roster off of the practice squad. In addition, Armonty Bryant, who had been serving a suspension from the league, was activated from the exempt list. Compensating, the Lions have waived running back Justin Forsett (whose playtime has not panned out to anything meaningful) and cornerback Johnthan Banks. Finally, to fill Jones’ spot on the practice squad, the club signed running back Mike James.

The moves are curious in their timing, but while their main effects are on the team’s depth, there are questions as to why Jones was called up from the practice squad. As the Lions like to run three wide receiver sets, it could cast doubt on the idea that Marvin Jones will play Sunday. Jones had been originally listed as questionable on Friday’s game status.

There may be too much reading into the tea leaves, but it’s something that is now in the realm of possibilities when the list of inactives is released Sunday morning. Losing Jones would prove to be a major detriment to a Lions offense that will be charged with keeping pace with New Orleans’ equally potent attack.