The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by the injury bug lately, and it appears like they can’t go a week without losing a key player to injured reserve, yet the club continues to show resilience and battle through it all, resulting in a 12-2 record.
Injuries haven’t been the only issue on the squad; the organization recently made a roster transfer involving a recently jailed player.
On Saturday, the Lions announced a flurry of roster actions, including the release of safety Brandon Joseph following his late-night arrest on Friday.
The 23-year-old safety was detained at 1:47 a.m. on Saturday in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but released six hours later.
According to police, Joseph was highly forthcoming with the procedures after being pulled over for driving too fast, and authorities discovered indicators of alcohol consumption.
Joseph signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and played 14 games this season, recording 13 total tackles and one pass deflection.
As a rookie, Joseph went on and off the practice squad, but in his second season after leaving Notre Dame, he was starting to carve out a niche for himself.
Given the recent injuries to this defense, he had a good possibility of playing a bigger part.
The team may be receiving some safety assistance again, making this decision a bit easier to swallow.
Strong safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was also reinstated off injured reserve on Saturday and might return to action on Sunday when the Lions face the Chicago Bears.
Overall, it is a bad position for Joseph and the Lions.
Lions wave the star hours after his arrest.
The Detroit Lions released safety Brandon Joseph following his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police detained the second-year safety at 1:47 a.m. on Saturday in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights before releasing him about six hours later.
According to ESPN, the 23-year-old was observed speeding across the city. When Joseph was stopped, cops apparently discovered indicators that he had been drinking.
He was caught and detained by police, who ensured his safety before releasing him on Saturday morning. The Super Bowl hopes dismissed Joseph a few hours later.
The Lions made their selection less than 24 hours before facing the Chicago Bears.
The 23-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He appeared in 14 games this season after spending time on the Lions’ active roster and practice squad in previous years.
‘He was quite helpful and obedient,’ said Paul Vanderplow of the Dearborn Heights Police Department to ESPN.
We had reasonable suspicion and probable cause to investigate him for driving under the influence.
‘He exposed himself to all necessary exams. We are awaiting the results of those tests before filing any more charges.
Detroit also dismissed wide receiver Maurice Alexander and waived defensive lineman David Bada following an injury settlement.
The Lions activated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu from injured reserve on Saturday, moving him closer to making his season debut.
Melifonwu’s hand injury made him doubtful for Sunday’s game in Chicago. Safety Brian Branch (calf) and guard Graham Glasgow (knee) were both doubtful for the Bears’ game.
Detroit did not have center Frank Ragnow (back) or linebacker Trevor Nowaske (concussion) on the injury report, but both are expected to play.