Detroit Lions place wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. on IR

For the second straight season, the Detroit Lions will have to close the season without receiver Marvin Jones Jr.

Lions head coach Matt Patricia announced on Tuesday that Jones is headed to injured reserve with an ankle injury. Patricia noted that Jones injured his ankle on the final drive of the game after his foot got stuck in the turf.

Patricia would not comment on whether Jones will need surgery on his ankle, but to the receiver’s credit, he finished out the game playing every single snap for the Lions (though there was only one more offensive play in the game after the injury).

With Jones out, it’s an opportunity for the Lions’ young receiver depth to finally get some playing time. Chris Lacy has started to get a handful of snaps here and there on offense in replacement for Marvin Hall, and he likely stands to benefit most as he can also contribute on special teams.

This could also be an opportunity for rookie receiver Travis Fulgham, who made the initial 53-man roster but did not make a game appearance before being demoted to the practice squad. While he still remains on the practice squad, Detroit could always promote him before this week’s game against the Buccaneers.

Patricia also announced that defensive tackle Frank Herron has been signed from the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Herron spent a single day on the Lions’ practice squad back in September.