Lions promote 2 players for Saints game

The Detroit Lions have elevated two players from their practice squad for their Week 13 game against the New Orleans Saints.

The Detroit Lions announced the final tweaks to their Week 13 roster on Saturday, elevating EDGE Bruce Irvin and nose tackle Quinton Bohanna, while also downgrading Alex Anzalone (hand) to OUT for their game against the New Orleans Saints.

Irvin was signed to the Lions’ practice two weeks ago and since then he has been working to get back into football shape. Earlier in the week, coach Dan Campbell hinted that Irvin was close to being ready to be active for a game, and could provide the Lions with some depth on the edge.

“Every week we feel like he’s getting his speed up, getting his football legs under him and I think there’s a chance,” Campbell said. “I think there’s a chance. (General manager) Brad (Holmes) and I will make that final decision today, but we’ve been working him in a little bit, so if we need him he’ll be prepared.”

Based on how the Lions typically introduce players into game action, logic points to Irvin being worked in slowly, mainly as a role-specific pass rusher. But Irvin is a seasoned veteran which could accelerate the process, making him available in a variety of ways.

Regardless of how he will be involved, it’s clear Irvin is excited about the opportunity.

“Like a kid the night before Christmas,” Irvin told Dave Birkett of the Free Press. “I’m just enjoying the process, man. Love playing football. At this point in my career, I done made all my money so it’s about just love for the game. So I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to go out here and continue my career and be able to help this city.”

Bohanna’s ability to make an impact on run defense has led to him being elevated in each of the two games. With this being his third elevation of the season, he will be out of roster elevation options following the conclusion of this game. That means, if the Lions want him to continue to play as their DT3, they will need to sign him to the active roster.

Over the last two games, the Lions have opted to rest rookie Brodric Martin twice, Levi Onwuzurike once, while Isaiah Buggs has also missed both games, one with an illness and one as a healthy scratch. If the Lions decide to sign Bohanna, one of these three defensive tackles would likely be the corresponding move to create space on the roster.

Anzalone has been dealing with a hand injury all week and has not been able to practice. He was given a “doubtful” injury designation on Friday and then downgraded to “out” on Saturday. Anzalone is not traveling with the Lions to New Orleans, but that is likely less injury-related, and more due to the fact that his wife Lindsey just recently delivered the couple’s second child.