Detroit Lions add Justin Coleman, Isaac Nauta to 53-man roster, cut Bo Scarbrough

The Detroit Lions made a couple of significant roster moves in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

As expected, the Lions have activated starting nickel cornerback Justin Coleman from injured reserve. Coleman has not played since the season opener, when he suffered a hamstring injury against the Bears. Darryl Roberts stepped in to play the nickel spot, but now Roberts himself is questionable this week with a groin/hip injury. With this activation move, Coleman should be expected to start vs. the Colts regardless of Roberts’ status.

Additionally, the Lions are again bringing up tight end Isaac Nauta from the practice squad. Nauta has played in the past two games, rotating in with both T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James.

However, unlike previous weeks, the Lions are signing Nauta to the 53-man roster, meaning he will not revert back to the practice squad after this game. Previously, Detroit had used a new rule which allows them to temporarily promote two players from the practice squad every week without it costing them a roster spot—essentially creating a 55-man roster for gameday. However, the rule only allows a team to promote a particular player twice in the 2020 season, so the Lions have already used up all of Nauta’s temporary promotions.

To make room for Nauta, the Lions have cut running back Bo Scarbrough. Scarbrough was just activated from injured reserve last week, but he was a healthy scratch in Week 7. With Friday’s addition of Jonathan Williams, the Lions’ running back room was just a bit too crowded for Scarbrough, who has yet to make it on the field in 2020. Last year, Scarbrough was a successful midseason signing, rushing for 377 yards on 89 carries.

In addition to these moves, the Lions also re-signed defensive tackle Albert Huggins to the practice squad, taking up Nauta’s spot.