The Detroit Lions are set to make another roster move. This one is not a move that was anticipated earlier in the week.
Per his agent, the Lions are signing tight end Darrell Daniels from the team’s practice squad to the active roster. Daniels has been with the Lions since training camp and was quickly signed to the practice squad following the final roster cutdown.
Buy Lions TicketsHis positional designation might be a little misleading here. Daniels is expected to take the spot currently held by fullback Jason Cabinda. The veteran FB was downgraded from a limited participant in Monday’s practice to out on Tuesday with a knee injury.
While Daniels has primarily played tight end in his six-year NFL career, he has done some fullback/H-back duty in his years with the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels is something of a blocking specialist; he has just 13 receptions in 61 career games, including 18 starts.
The Lions already have three active tight ends: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and James Mitchell. With Mitchell only getting two offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks, there doesn’t appear to be a need for an extra body at tight end. Daniels has extensive special teams experience and performed well on kick and punt units in preseason.
It remains to be seen if Cabinda, who has played a total of 26 snaps in Detroit’s first three games, will be placed on injured reserve. The Lions currently have two spots open on the 53-man active roster.
