Detroit Lions expect pair of reinforcements to return to practice this week
The Detroit Lions (10-4) are inching closer to locking up a playoff spot, with the division title well within reach. And reinforcements appear on the way for the postseason push.
Dan Campbell expects safety Ceedy Duce (C.J. Gardner-Johnson) and fullback Jason Cabinda back at practice this week. The team will open the pair’s 21-day window ahead of the Week 16 trip to face the Minnesota Vikings and see how they respond in practice before deciding
And the Lions head coach also noted 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 tearing 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) appeared 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 while Cabinda could provide a role on special teams and Hooker’s bump to the roster will excite fans. Duce’s return is the potential big one for a defense needing firepower
Ifeatu Melifonwu has replaced Tracy Walker at the starting safety spot opposite Kerby Joseph. And the Lions want to keep breakout rookie Brian Branch in the slot cornerback role more than back at safety, which could open the door for Duce to make a significant impact.
The safety was one of, if not the team’s biggest splash move in free agency. And the energy Duce brings to the building and takeover potential after leading the league with six interceptions last season could fill some major 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 healed extremely 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 great news. It’s a credit to him too, now. He’s been working
