The Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive back Kendall Fuller in October after suffering a spate of injuries to their secondary, adding the trusted veteran to fill a major gap.
Now, with the Lions starting to get healthier and some key players returning, Fuller’s time with the team is coming to an end. SI.com’s John Maakaron reported that the Lions parted ways with Fuller early this week, releasing him from the practice squad. The move could signal good news for the return of a key cornerback, he added.
Kendall Fuller Helped Steady the Ship
The Lions signed Fuller after losing several key defensive backs, including D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey, and Avonte Maddox. Fuller was one of the most accomplished cornerbacks on the free agency market, having appeared in 128 games with 104 starts over the course of his nine-year NFL career.
As Maakaron reported, Fuller’s release is a sign that Arnold is close to returning. He is expected to practice this week and return to the field against the rival Minnesota Vikings. Maakaron noted that Lions head coach Dan Campbell struck an optimistic tone this week when discussing Arnold.
“We’re getting some guys backs to practice, which that’s the number one thing,” Campbell told reporters on Monday. “We’ll take a good look at Arnold, he’s going to practice tomorrow, get him worked in, see how he feels, see what it looks like. He feels good. He says he feels good. And he has been kind of running around a little bit but we’ll be padded up tomorrow and so we’ll get a really good look at him.”
The Lions have been hit hard by injuries for two straight seasons now, losing several key defensive players but still managing to overcome and remain in contention in the NFC North.
Lions Getting More Injury Returns
The Lions used their bye week to recover from other injuries, with more players expected to return for the upcoming game. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is expected to return to practice on Tuesday, the first time he’s hit the practice field since suffering a torn ACL in the team’s game last Thanksgiving.
Jeremy Reisman of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit added that the team is starting to evaluate another key defensive back.
“Campbell also revealed the team started the evaluation clock for safety Daniel Thomas,” Reisman wrote. “Thomas suffered a broken forearm during the team’s Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the fact that the break required surgery, it appears he’s ready to get back on the field.”
Reisman noted that Thomas has been a mainstay on special teams for the Lions, serving as gunner on the punt return units and providing important depth at the safety position.
“Since Thomas’ injury, the Lions have had to rely on the likes of Thomas Harper and Erick Hallett as safety depth. In their last game, Dominic Lovett and Isaac TeSlaa held the gunner roles,” Reisman wrote.
The Lions could have another special teams player returning soon as running back Sione Vaki is nearing a return as well.
Lions Part Ways With Veteran Defensive Back Two Weeks After Signing Him