The Detroit Lions announced they have waived linebacker David Long and re-signed wide receiver/returner Maurice Alexander to the practice squad.
As Week 17 progresses, the Lions continue adjusting their roster for flexibility. On Tuesday, the team confirmed Long’s release and Alexander’s return to the practice squad. These moves leave Detroit with two openings on the active roster and two on the practice squad.
Long, signed over a month ago, appeared in games from Weeks 12 to 16. During that span, he logged 70 defensive snaps and 58 special teams plays, tallying seven tackles and recovering a fumble against the Packers.
Long participated in a three-man rotation at WILL linebacker while starter Alex Anzalone recovers from a broken forearm and backup Jalen Reeves-Maybin deals with a neck injury. With Reeves-Maybin beginning his return window and Anzalone progressing, the Lions seem confident in their linebacker depth.
However, with uncertainty around Reeves-Maybin and Anzalone’s exact return dates, Long could potentially return to the practice squad as depth, similar to Chris Smith and Alexander this week.
Alexander, who spent training camp with the Lions, has bounced on and off the roster this season. Despite being liked by the team, his lack of offensive contribution (no snaps in five games) saw him replaced by Tom Kennedy as punt returner. Still, Alexander’s reliability secures him a practice squad spot.
