Tag: ReevesMaybin

On Monday afternoon, the Detroit Lions announced three roster moves in preparation for their Monday night showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. Most notably, they activated linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin from injured reserve, making him eligible to play immediately.

Additionally, they have temporarily elevated running back Jermar Jefferson and defensive lineman Chris Smith from the practice squad for Monday night.

Reeves-Maybin helps out Detroit’s most-injured position. This season, the Lions have seen Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Reeves-Maybin head to IR this season. Reeves-Maybin is the first of that group to return from injury, with Anzalone expected to come back soon, as well. Reeves-Maybin immediately helps out Detroit in the passing game, as he’s one of the most reliable third-down coverage linebackers the team has. He’s also a special teams captain, so expect some help in that phase of the game, as well.

Reeves-Maybin is Detroit’s sixth player to return from injured reserve, leaving the team with two more left for the regular season. They’re eligible for two additional IR elevations once the postseason begins.

For the second straight week, Jefferson has been elevated from the practice squad. With David Montgomery out again, Jefferson provides Detroit’s backfield with more depth and some special teams skills, as well. Last week against the Bears, Jefferson played just five offensive snaps, but rushed for 13 yards on three carries and also caught a pass for an additional 10 yards. He also contributed on seven special teams snaps.

This will be Smith’s fourth game with the Lions. Smith has been around as an undrafted defensive lineman since 2023. Mostly an interior defender, Smith will help the Lions depth in the wake of Alim McNeill’s season-ending injury. Last week, he played 12 snaps for Detroit but did not register a traditional statistic.