Lions activate Everson Griffen from Reserve/COVID; Danny Shelton returns to practice

Finally the Detroit Lions are getting some good news after a crazy start to the week. The team announced that defensive end Everson Griffen has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and is eligible to practice and play again. Griffen was placed on the list back on December 12 and missed the following two games. Per his Instagram stories, it appears he did indeed test positive for COVID-19.

Griffen currently has a roster exemption, so no corresponding move was necessary.

Additionally, the Lions also announced that defensive tackle Danny Shelton has returned to practice on Wednesday, but the veteran player currently remains on injured reserve. Shelton was placed on IR three weeks ago after suffering a knee injury during the Thanksgiving Day game against the Houston Texans. He has since missed three games, which means he’s eligible to come off IR at any time, and he could theoretically play on Saturday against the Buccaneers.

Griffen and Shelton would be welcome additions to a defense that hasn’t been able to stop the run nor provide any sort of pass rush for the majority of the season.

Detroit also made a change to their practice squad, adding running back Dalyn Dawkins to the roster. There was a roster spot on the practice squad after linebacker Anthony Pittman was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 practice squad list.