On Christmas Eve, the Detroit Lions made an unexpected move that caught many off guard when they waived linebacker David Long from their 53-man roster. The release was particularly surprising because Long had been performing well in Detroit, making his departure all the more puzzling for fans and analysts alike.

In the weeks leading up to his release, Long had shown promise. He had delivered a solid performance in the game against the Buffalo Bills, which made his sudden demotion to special teams snaps against the Chicago Bears all the more confusing. Just days later, Long was waived by the team, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the decision.

To add another layer to the unfolding situation, the Tennessee Titans quickly claimed Long off the waiver wire on Christmas Day. However, the excitement of a potential fresh start with a new team was short-lived. Long failed his physical with the Titans, which effectively nullified the move. This failure has raised questions about whether Long is dealing with an injury that might have been overlooked by the Lions but was flagged by the Titans’ medical staff.

Injuries can be tricky in the NFL, as different teams and their medical personnel operate under varying standards when it comes to player evaluations. While the Lions might have deemed Long healthy enough to continue playing, the Titans’ medical team could have had a different perspective, which led to the failed physical. It’s possible that Long was perfectly fit by Detroit’s standards, but the Titans’ doctors didn’t feel the same way, resulting in the failed physical.

This development opens up several possibilities. Since Long was waived by Detroit before the failed physical with the Titans, there’s a chance that the Lions may want to bring him back onto their roster, especially considering that his release came as a surprise to many. The Lions could now find themselves in a position where they are able to bring Long back, potentially even to their practice squad, where he could continue to develop and contribute to the team without being on the active roster.

At this point, Long is a free agent, and this situation has left the door wide open for him to sign with any team. While he may not have found success with the Titans, the Lions could still be interested in reuniting with him. His potential return to Detroit is something fans will be keeping a close eye on, especially given the circumstances surrounding his release. There’s a chance that Long could be brought back into the fold as the Lions look to shore up their linebacker depth moving forward.

Ultimately, the next few weeks could determine Long’s NFL future. While his time with the Titans appears to be over before it even started, the situation may just be a temporary setback for him. Whether he returns to the Lions or finds a new home elsewhere, Long will undoubtedly be looking to prove that he has what it takes to contribute at the highest level. For now, the Lions’ decision to waive him and the subsequent developments have added another layer of intrigue to the team’s roster decisions as they continue to build for the future.