Detroit Lions activate WR Andy Jones, downgrade Jalen Reeves-Maybin to OUT vs. Vikings

As they travel to Minnesota for their second divisional game, the Detroit Lions made a couple of noteworthy transactions and designations.

First, the Lions activated Andy Jones from off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Jones returned to practice a couple of weeks ago after missing all of training camp and the first eight weeks of the season with an undisclosed injury. He is now eligible to play this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, but there’s a good chance he’ll be a gameday inactive, even though Detroit obviously has a Golden Tate-shaped hole on their roster.

To make room for Jones, the Lions waived cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc. That could open up a possibility of Lenzy Pipkins getting some playing time this week.

Additionally, the Lions downgraded linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to OUT for Sunday’s game. When that happens on the Saturday of a road game, it typically means the player didn’t travel with the team. That could be good news for Ezekiel Ansah, who was not downgraded from questionable. The Lions’ premier pass rusher has not played since Week 1 because of a shoulder injury.

The Vikings also made a curious move this weekend. They promoted WR Chad Beebe to the active roster. This may suggest that WR Stefon Diggs—who has been fighting off a rib injury—may not be able to go against the Lions.

Check back with Pride of Detroit 90 minutes before kickoff and we’ll have all of the Week 9 inactives. There are some key players dealing with injuries—Darius Slay, Ezekiel Ansah, Xavier Rhodes, Riley Reiff, just to name a few.