Breaking: Day before the 49ers vs. NFC Championship, the Detroit Lions make two crucial roster changes
In tomorrow’s NFC Championship, the Detroit Lions will go all out to shock the world by defeating the San Francisco 49ers and making their first-ever trip to the Super Bowl.
The Lions players have adopted the mindset and culture espoused by head coach Dan Campbell, even though they are heavy underdogs going into the away game. They think they will prevail tomorrow.
Nevertheless, the team is making every effort to ensure that it has the right players on hand in order to contend for the NFC Championship.
It felt like a big deal when the Detroit Lions signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz earlier this week.
During the regular season, the 33-year-old Ertz started seven games for the Cardinals. However, he requested and was granted his release in order to sign with a contender. If the Lions defeat the 49ers on Sunday, they still have the option to add him to their active roster for the Super Bowl.
Due to an injury sustained during last week’s victory against the Bucs, Lions tight end Brock Wright will not participate in either the NFC Championship Game or the Super Bowl. The Lions’ sole options for tight ends on Sunday are Anthony Firkser and Sam LaPorta.
The day before their NFC Championship game against the 49ers, the Detroit Lions make some major roster changes.
Several media sources announced early on Saturday that Etz would not be promoted from the practice squad for tomorrow’s NFC Championship game.
However, OL Michael Schofield and FB Jason Cabinda were promoted by the Lions on Saturday from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, per ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.
During his stint with the Detroit Lions, Cabinda has made a few catches and ran the ball a few times. However, he will probably be the backup option if Detroit loses a tight end during the game.
Several of head coach Dan Campbell’s key players were hurt going into the NFC Championship, thus Schofield will provide depth to his offensive line.
Fortunately, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who has emerged as this year’s top rookie in the class, had a strong practice week and looks entirely healthy. LaPorta must play a big part in the game if the Lions are to defeat the 49ers.
He suffered a knee injury in the final game of the regular season, but he persevered throughout the postseason, recording 12 receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown in two games.
Jonah Jackson, the left guard, and Kalif Raymond, the receiver, are both out this week due to injuries.
Other noteworthy news earlier this week came from center Frank Ragnow, who not only made a full recovery to practice on Friday but also did not have an injury classification for Sunday.
Despite having ailments to his ankle, toe, knee, and back, Ragnow is expected to participate. He performed well in last week’s victory over Tampa Bay, and he will be essential to Detroit’s hopes of pulling off an upset and winning the NFC Championship.
