The Detroit Lions are seeing improvements in their secondary after dealing with multiple injuries, prompting the team to release a veteran defensive back brought in late in the season for additional support.
On January 1, the team announced the release of defensive back Jamal Adams from the practice squad. Adams had signed in December after being cut by the Tennessee Titans. Although he was elevated for two games, the return of a key player ultimately left him without a spot.
Jamal Adams Let Go
As Jeff Risdon from USA Today’s Lions Wire reported, Adams became unnecessary with the return of another safety.
“In two games as a practice squad elevation, Adams played sparingly and primarily as a nickel LB,” Risdon wrote. “He recorded three tackles between Week 14 and Week 15. The healthy return of Ifeatu Melifonwu, who plays primarily in the same role as a box safety/heavy slot, made Adams expendable.”
Melifonwu missed the first three games of the season due to an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve in Week 4. He returned in December, starting twice and recording eight tackles, one of which resulted in a loss.
Adams played three games for the Titans this season, making four tackles, and appeared in 20 defensive snaps over two games with the Lions, registering three tackles. Now a free agent, Adams may join a playoff contender seeking depth.
Lions Expect Key Player Return
Despite suffering significant injuries this season — including losing star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a fractured leg — the Lions could receive more good news. Head coach Dan Campbell suggested linebacker Alex Anzalone might return after missing over a month.
Anzalone broke his forearm during a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 17 but could play in the season finale.
“We’ll see. He’s doing well,” Campbell told the Detroit News. “He’s close, he’s really close.”
The upcoming finale carries high stakes. The Lions and Minnesota Vikings are both 14-2, with the winner securing the NFC North title and the NFC’s top playoff seed. The loser will become the first 14-win wild-card team in history, facing an opening-round road game.
Campbell described the matchup as an “exciting” challenge for the team.
“For where we’re at, it’s the next one and it is exciting, but we all know it’s still going to come down to the prep and we got to put the work in,” Campbell told the Detroit Free Press. “It’s going to start today. We’ll be out there in a walk-through and then, man, you put your best foot forward and you give your guys all you can and you cut them loose and let them go make plays and see where you step up. So that’s the exciting part.”
