SAD NEWS: Detroit Lions key player on injured reserve before playoff opener for…
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have moved cornerback Jerry Jacobs and tight end James Mitchell to injured reserve, ending their seasons one day before the playoffs begin against the Los Angeles Rams. In a corresponding move, Detroit has signed cornerback Chase Lucas and tight end Anthony Firkser to the 53-man roster.
The loss of Mitchell could be especially felt against Los Angeles. Star rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is trying to work his way back from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, and is listed as questionable against L.A. Even if he’s cleared to play, he might not be able to shoulder his regular workload. So losing a backup right now further depletes the resources available at that position.
The loss of Mitchell could be especially felt against Los Angeles. Star rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is trying to work his way back from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, and is listed as questionable against L.A. Even if he’s cleared to play, he might not be able to shoulder his regular workload. So losing a backup right now further depletes the resources available at that position.
On the other side of the ball, Jacobs’ tough season has hit another snag. He struggled at cornerback, was eventually benched in the second half of the season, then was battling a thigh injury before adding a knee injury to his woes this week. His season is now over.
Jacobs was relegated to a special teams role in recent weeks. Detroit has replaced those contributions by re-signing Lucas, who has played 230 special-teams snaps for the team this year, but was cut last week to help make room for the return of Ceedy Duce and Alim McNeill.
Cabina returned to action last week after a long layoff with a knee injury.