Ifeatu Melifonwu is set to make his 2024 season debut in Week 12. The Lions announced on Monday that the fourth-year safety has been activated from injured reserve.
Melifonwu returned to practice earlier this month, starting his three-week activation window. Though he missed Detroit’s Week 10 and 11 games, he is now cleared to play. An ankle injury placed him on IR in September, leaving the Lions’ secondary thin.
Last season, Melifonwu became a starting safety during the playoffs. While Kerby Joseph remains a starter, Brian Branch’s move from slot corner to safety has solidified the lineup. Melifonwu, 25, will aim to contribute as a depth player and special teamer. As a pending free agent, his performance will impact his market value.
In a corresponding move, linebacker Alex Anzalone was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken forearm in Sunday’s game. This ensures at least a four-game absence as he begins his recovery. Detroit now has six IR activations available after bringing Melifonwu back.
To address Anzalone’s absence, the Lions signed linebacker David Long to the practice squad. Long, recently waived by the Dolphins after losing his starting role, went unclaimed before joining Detroit.
Long’s addition aligns with the need for linebacker depth following Anzalone’s injury. A full-time starter this season, Anzalone’s absence creates a gap in the Lions’ defense. Long, with 75 games and 49 starts, could be elevated to the active roster as a rotational option.
