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The Detroit Lions made a couple of big roster moves that could have a significant impact on Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons and beyond.
Cornerback Mike Ford and running back Bo Scarbrough have officially been taken off injured reserve and promoted to the active 53-man roster. Both players were injured during training camp and have yet to make any game appearances in 2020. However, both are now eligible to play against the Falcons.
Ford’s return, especially, could provide valuable depth both at cornerback and on special teams. Starting cornerback Desmond Trufant has already been declared out for Sunday, and while Ford isn’t likely to start ahead of Amani Oruwariye or Jeff Okudah, he is an experienced backup to have on hand. On special teams, the Lions will be a little shorthanded with Miles Killebrew out for a personal issue this week. Ford was a significant contributor last year on special teams, so his return is good timing.
As for Scarbrough, it’s hard to see him contributing much this week. The Lions’ depth at running back has been solid with Adrian Peterson, D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson.
To make room for Scarbrough and Ford, the Lions cut two players: guard Kenny Wiggins and cornerback Chris Jones. Wiggins’ long term role with the team was already in doubt after the Lions drafted both Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg. He has spent some time on Detroit’s practice squad, so there is a chance he returns there.
There will be one more player available to play on Sunday, as well. Detroit designated tight end Isaac Nauta for one of their practice squad promotions to the active roster this week. He will not count against the 53-man roster and will be sent back to the practice squad after Week 7, but he is now eligible to play. One important note on Nauta: This is the second time they’ve used this special rule on Nauta, which is the maximum amount you can do that with a single player. If they want Nauta active on gameday in the future, he’ll have to be signed to the 53-man roster.