The Detroit Lions made two roster changes public on Thursday, one day before their official first practice of Week 4. First, defender Abraham Beauplan was added to the practice squad and seasoned wide receiver Allen Robinson was added to the regular roster.
The Lions had an opening on their roster that will now be filled by Robinson after placing wide receiver Tim Patrick and Derrick Barnes on injured reserve earlier this week.
After cutdowns, the Lions added Robinson to their practice squad in an attempt to add more wide receiver depth, particularly someone who could fill the WR-X position. Robinson was promoted from the practice squad for the Lions Week 3 match after a couple weeks of getting adjusted.
There were less snaps overall for the receiver group than in prior weeks, but there are still games on the schedule that will require a deeper receiving group. The Lions have been watching 11-year veteran Robinson for some time because he is a willing and efficient run blocker as well as a consistent presence both on and off the field.
“A few years ago, we were interested in adding Allen Robinson through free agency.” General manager of the Lions Brad Holmes stated that Detroit is signing of Robinson to the practice squad. “He is a native of Detroit, of course, but that is not why he is here. He is just another guy who can fill in and who we know can play.” Thus, as of right now, Beauplan, on the other hand, arrived with the Lions midway through training camp and had a strong preseason. Many saw him as a potential addition to the practice squad, but the Lions decided to use spaces at other positions after keeping seven linebackers on their active roster. Now that Barnes is on injured reserve, Beauplan joins the practice squad and adds depth to the team’s roster.
