Detroit Lions Bolster Roster by Signing LB Anthony Pittman Amid Wave of Injuries
In the wake of a brutal Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills that saw the Detroit Lions suffer four significant injuries, the team is reportedly adding reinforcements. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Lions are signing linebacker Anthony Pittman from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad to their 53-man roster.
While Detroit has yet to make the official announcement, the team is expected to place David Montgomery (RB), Alim McNeill (DT), Carlton Davis III (CB), and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey on injured reserve. Of the group, Davis remains the only player with a remote chance of returning this season.
Pittman will fill one of the four anticipated roster vacancies. Though he does not directly replace any of the injured players, his value on special teams makes him an immediate asset. With Dorsey out, Pittman’s dynamic versatility could help stabilize Detroit’s special teams unit, particularly in multiple phases of play.
Pittman is no stranger to the Motor City. The Birmingham Groves High School alum and Wayne State product first joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019 under the team’s previous regime. However, current general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell saw Pittman’s potential, keeping him on the roster through the 2021-2023 seasons.
During that span, Pittman appeared in 51 games, playing all 17 games in each of the last three years. He has been a staple on special teams, logging an impressive 1,154 snaps while contributing occasionally on defense with 135 snaps. Known for his ability to play multiple roles, Pittman can line up at both the MIKE and SAM linebacker positions, adding depth and flexibility to Detroit’s battered defense.
As the Lions continue to weather a storm of injuries, the addition of a proven special teams contributor and versatile linebacker like Anthony Pittman could provide much-needed stability as the team pushes toward a deep postseason run.
