A’Shawn Robinson placed on injured reserve, Lions add Mitchell Loewen

The Detroit Lions made a late roster move on Friday afternoon as they prepare to close out their 2018 season against the Green Bay Packers. They placed defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, who left last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings early with a knee injury, on injured reserve. They will replace Robinson on the 53-man roster with defensive end Mitchell Loewen, who they were awarded off of waivers from the New Orleans Saints.

Loewen joined the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2016, but failed to make their 53-man roster. He rejoined the team later and was on their 2017 roster until an injury early in the season led to him being placed on injured reserve. The defensive end only played in one game for the Saints in 2018, bringing his career total to three game appearances.

He has never recorded a career tackle, assist or sack. Loewen only appeared in four defensive snaps this season for the Saints. He also played 13 special teams snaps in 2018. New Orleans waived the defensive end on Thursday.

The corresponding move was sending Robinson to injured reserve. Robinson was in the midst of an incredibly promising third season in the NFL. He recorded 49 total tackles and a sack this season. The 2016 second-round pick had developed greatly as an interior run stuffer after being a healthy scratch to start the season.

Robinson joins fellow young defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand on injured reserve as the group is slowly depleting to finish out the season. Damon Harrison Sr, Ricky Jean Francois and John Atkins will be expected to shoulder Robinson’s load this week.

Loewen joins a crowded group of Lions edge defenders and may not see much playing time this week, if he is even active, but the Lions may be trying to get an early start on acquiring talent for 2019.