The Detroit Lions had to make a few roster changes on Thursday due to the nuances of the 53-man roster, IR/designated to return restrictions, and practice squad rules. Wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones was added to the practice squad and defensive lineman John Cominsky was placed on injured reserve after general manager Brad Holmes verified them during his morning press conference. C.J. Moore, a safety, was also cut from the practice squad.
A month ago, during training camp, Cominsky tore his MCL. He was on the 53-man roster for one day, so if he can, he can come off injured reserve before the season ends. Holmes reaffirmed the optimism that Cominsky will be able to make a late-season comeback.
Although we do not know for sure when it will happen, we have had enough chats to be confident that we will have him later in the season, possibly just when we need him. We also know the player well enough to know how he will approach his rehabilitation.
Lions’ Den Donovan Peoples-Jones is formally added to the practice squad by John Cominsky on IR.
Peoples-Jones was notably absent from the Lions’ practice squad announcement on Wednesday, according to an earlier report.
The NFL’s regulations governing the amount of players with a specific degree of experience who can be on a practice squad are in effect, as Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit expertly explained when explaining why Peoples-Jones had not been added to the roster yet. Moore’s release from the practice squad created the necessary space for Peoples-Jones.
By going on official injured reserve, Cominsky frees up a spot on the 53-man roster. Kyle Peko, a defensive tackle who is now on the starting practice squad, is the obvious choice to take that position. Right now, the practice squad has one open slot, which may go to a kicker. A second position appears to be available if and when Peko is added to the regular roster.
