The Detroit Lions announced roster moves ahead of their Week 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Prior to the game, the team announced that they are elevating tight end Anthony Firkser and kicker Michael Badgley to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday's game.
The decision to elevate both players doesn't come as surprise. Badgley will be making his second appearance this season. He won the kicking job over Riley Patterson, who was waived Tuesday when the team added Hendon Hooker to the active roster.
Brock Wright missed the week of practice, giving Firkser an opportunity this week.
The Lions are facing a number of decisions regarding their roster with three games left in the regular season. With multiple players due to return from injured reserve, such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jason Cabinda, the team will have make moves to generate spots for each player.
“It’s tough. It’s real tough. This does go back to, when camp is done and we talk about this vet squad, practice squad, they’re very much a part of the team. They are a part of your roster because you’re gonna need them," Dan Campbell said. "And they’re your guys, they’ve been in your system and you’ve got time on task with them. So yeah, there’s some turnover, but there’s a lot of guys that have been here from the get-go and it’s important and they’ve played for us."
Assuming Badgley remains the kicker, the Lions will have to find a roster spot for him following next week's game against Dallas.
This could coincide with other players returning from injured reserve, which will create tough decisions for Campell and general manager Brad Holmes.
"Now, as we go, you’re right, you’re talking about Deucey (Gardner-Johnson), you’re talking about Cabinda, you’re talking about Mac, could be Houston and there’s a couple of other guys," Campbell explained. "Okay, you do that, then you’ve got to lose somebody. And you’re right, this is where it’s getting tough. I think, ultimately, whatever decisions Brad and I make from this point on, it’s got to be about what keeps the best roster intact to push forward from now through the rest of this season. And there’s nothing easy about it.”
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