This week, the Detroit Lions were faced with a difficult decision as they worked to make room in their linebacker room for two key players: Jalen Reeves-Maybin and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. To accommodate these moves, the Lions had to waive two players—David Long and Kwon Alexander—a choice that proved to be anything but easy.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell opened up about the emotional and strategic weight of these roster moves during a press conference on Saturday. He expressed the harsh reality of the NFL, where tough decisions must be made for the sake of the team, even if it means parting ways with players who had worked hard to earn their place.
“That’s the hard, cold truths of this league,” Campbell said, his voice reflecting the seriousness of the situation. “That’s the hard stuff, because it’s just like you said, man—you’re relying on these guys to come in and help you, and then you get some guys healthy, and now you’ve got to make a move. And so, no, that’s not easy. You know, we’ve got a lot of respect for those guys.”
David Long was waived and quickly claimed by the Tennessee Titans. However, his time with the Titans was short-lived as he failed his physical with the team. Meanwhile, Kwon Alexander went unclaimed off waivers, leaving the door open for a potential return to the Lions. Campbell emphasized his admiration for Alexander and his desire to bring him back to Detroit, whether on the active roster or the practice squad.
“You mentioned Kwon,” Campbell said thoughtfully. “We just knew, of course, we would love to have him on the roster. Just know what he’s about. And well, if that’s not the case, man, can we get him back here on the vet squad in some capacity? Because I still think we’re going to need him before this is all said and done. We’re gonna need him again.”
Campbell went on to praise Alexander’s leadership and the invaluable role he could play for the Lions moving forward. The coach’s respect for Alexander was clear, and he underscored that the linebacker could still be a critical piece of the Lions’ success this season.
As for when Alexander could return, Campbell made it clear that a decision could be made quickly. If the Lions acted fast, Alexander could be re-signed to the practice squad as soon as Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM. However, if the timing didn’t align, he could be back as soon as Sunday.
The good news came shortly after Campbell’s comments: Kwon Alexander was indeed signed to the Lions’ practice squad. This move provides the team with additional depth and flexibility at linebacker, while also allowing Campbell and the Lions coaching staff to bring back a player they hold in high regard.
As the Lions head into the next stretch of their season, having someone like Kwon Alexander available on the practice squad could prove crucial, whether for added depth or for his leadership in critical moments. Fans will be keeping an eye on how the team continues to shuffle its roster as the season progresses, especially with injuries and the evolving needs of the squad. Stay tuned for further updates on how the Lions’ linebacker situation develops over the coming days.
