Lions Announce Players Called Up From Practice Squad Ahead of Broncos Game

Detroit Lions have seven players currently on the COVID-19 reserve list and 12 players questionable for their Week 14 game against the Denver Broncos.

The Detroit Lions have been forced to turn to their practice squad to replace several players who have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. 

It was announced on Saturday the replacements brought up from the practice squad, including running back Craig Reynolds.

On Saturday afternoon, three more players were added, as cornerbacks Ifeatu Melifonwu, Mark Gilbert and linebacker Tavante Beckett were forced out of the game against the Denver Broncos, bringing the total to seven players on the COVID-19 reserve list. 

With three players ruled out and 12 players questionable, head coach Dan Campbell and the coaching staff now must turn to players on both sides of the football who have not spent much time on the active roster. 

During his Friday media session, Campbell was asked if there would be additional measures taken while traveling this weekend to contain the coronavirus. 

“The beauty of the way we travel anyway because of the COVID restrictions and everything, we’re pretty good about just the way we do it," Campbell said. "I mean, everyone has to wear a mask, we all get tested as normal. I think if anything, what we may do is huddle a few of these guys up that are already feeling like crummy or coming back from it and just make sure they are kind of isolated if you will. But we’ll travel properly and be good.”

Roster moves 

• Linebacker Tavante Beckett placed on reserve/COVID-19 list
• CB Corey Ballentine, LB Curtis Bolton, DT Bruce Hector, RB Craig Reynolds, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, TE Shane Zylstra were elevated from the practice squad as COVID-19 replacements. 
• CB Parnell Motley elevated from the practice squad to the active/inactive list. 
• RB Rodney Smith signed to the practice squad. 
• OT Darrin Paulo released from the practice squad. 

Lions practice squad promotions. Good luck with the call this week, @DanMillerFox2 pic.twitter.com/SrzbiIGque

— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) December 11, 2021

#Lions announce following roster moves:

Placed LB Tavante Beckett on practice squad Reserve/Covid-19

Elevated CB Parnell Motley from the practice squad to the active/inactive list

Signed RB Rodney Smith from the practice squad and released OT Darrin Paulo from practice squad

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 11, 2021

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