Veteran pass rusher Bruce Irvin has been a welcomed addition to the Detroit Lions practice squad. But it appears his stint in Detroit may be coming to an end.
Irvin suggested that possibility with a cryptic message to the Lions on X (formerly Twitter).
“As a 12-year, thank you for the opportunity to be apart of your team – however I’m looking forward to what’s next,” Irvin wrote in a post on X.
@Lions – as a 12 year vet, thank you for the opportunity to be apart of your team- however I’m looking forward to what’s next
Since signing with the Lions on November 16, Irvin has appeared in two games as a practice squad elevation.
Against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13, Irvin had 1 tackle for loss and a sack while playing 11 defensive snaps. Then versus the Dallas Cowboys on December 30, he had 1 quarterback hit in 18 snaps.
The Lions also made Irvin a practice squad elevation for Week 15 on December 16. But he didn’t play a snap in the game.
NFL teams cannot elevate a player for game day from the practice squad more than three times during the regular season.
Lions Set to Part Ways With Bruce Irvin?
Without any practice squad elevations remaining, Irvin would need to earn a permanent roster spot for the Lions to play in Week 18. That’s unlikely given the possibility of defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill coming off injured reserve.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell explained during a radio appearance on January 2 that linebacker James Houston isn’t expected to play in the regular season finale, but he could return for the playoffs. So that’s another roster spot the team could need for a defender coming off injured reserve.
Irvin has played just 42 defensive snaps this season, but he was a significant addition to the Lions organization. SI.com’s All Lions’ John Maakaron wrote that “several members of the roster expressed Irvin was a valuable source of knowledge, due to his vast experiences in the league and his pass-rushing prowess.”
The 36-year-old is in his 12th NFL season. He’s appeared in 140 games with the Lions, Seattle Seahawks, then Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears.
Irvin has recorded at least 7 sacks in a season four times. He posted 3.5 sacks with 28 combined tackles in 11 games with the Seahawks last season.
Irvin was also part of the back-to-back NFC Championship run for Seattle and the team’s Super Bowl championship in 2013-14.
Lions Making Roster Moves Ahead of Week 18
The Lions have not officially released Irvin. But the team did make two other roster moves on January 2.
Detroit waived veteran defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs. The 27-year-old played in 27 games for the Lions from 2022-23. He made three starts this season, posting 12 combined tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack.
Furthermore, the Lions signed full back Jason Cabinda to the practice squad. Detroit waived Cabinda on December 29, which was one day after activating him from injured reserve.
Cabinda has played for the Lions the past five seasons. During that time, he converted from linebacker to full back. In 2023, he has played in three games.
Irvin’s twee, though, is a clear indication that the Lions are very likely to announce more roster moves soon.
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Bruce Irvin Delivers Message to Lions With Cryptic Social Media Post