Detroit Lions expect pair of reinforcements to return to practice this week
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions (10-4) are inching closer to securing up a postseason position, with the division title firmly within sight. And reinforcements look on the way for the postseason drive.
Dan Campbell anticipates safety Ceedy Duce (C.J. Gardner-Johnson) and fullback Jason Cabinda back during practice this week. The organization will open the pair’s 21-day window ahead of the Week 16 trip to face the Minnesota Vikings and observe how they respond in practice before choosing.
And the Lions head coach also said that they plan on getting rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker on the 53-man roster.
“I think the plan will be to start C.J.’s clock, probably start Cabinda’s clock, too,” Campbell said. “And I think we’re going to try and get (Hendon) Hooker on the roster.”
The safety has been out since injuring his pectoral muscle, and playing through the injury to finish the game, back in Week 2. He’s been out so long, he apparently legally changed his name to “Ceedy Duce.” His name on X or the roster hasn’t changed, and Campbell continues to call him “C.J.,” so we’ll get the official update in that department, hopefully, this week.
Cabinda (knee) participated in three games, logging 26 offensive snaps and another 54 on special teams. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and the team’s tight ends have filled those fullback reps in his absence.
Hooker made his practice debut late last month. He’s been doing more and more. But he’s remained on the reserve/non-football injury list while working back from the ACL tear suffered while still at Tennessee.
And although Cabinda might give a role on special teams and Hooker’s rise to the roster will delight fans. Duce’s return is the potential big one for a defense lacking firepower.
Ifeatu Melifonwu has replaced Tracy Walker at the starting safety berth opposite Kerby Joseph. And the Lions want to keep breakout rookie Brian Branch in the slot cornerback role more than back at safety, which might open the door for Duce to have a huge impact.
The safety was one of, if not the team’s biggest splash move in free agency. And the enthusiasm Duce brings to the facility and takeover potential after leading the league with six interceptions last season might fill some huge holes in Aaron Glenn’s defense.
“It’s great news,” Campbell said last week. “He’s one of the X-Men. He’s got mutant genes, because he has recovered extraordinarily quickly, and he’s got the strength back, and (the muscle) is secure. And so yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.
“Brad (Holmes) and I need to talk about it, but it’s good news, and certainly the plan will be, ‘Let’s get him going ASAP.” That would be the plan. Get him practicing. Get his legs under him. Get him in shape, in football shape. But that’s excellent news. It’s a credit to him too, now. He’s been working.”
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