Bruce Irvin of the Detroit Lions has been released from the practice squad, and he is set to leave the team.
As of the final regular season game, the Detroit Lions had more healthy players than available roster spots. This has forced them to make some tough choices before the postseason.
The Lions had to make a difficult decision on Wednesday, as they decided to cut defensive end Bruce Irvin from the practice squad.
Lions coach Dan Campbell remarked, “That was very difficult.” “What a pro, Bruce. He really is; having him here has been a blessing. He just offers, you know, a completely different viewpoint.
He is the epitome of professionalism. I mean, everything about him, even the way he conducts business. We had a lengthy conversation last week, followed up with another one yesterday.
and for some reason, it was unable to commit fully just yet. It is difficult because he also has other obligations. It was never going to work out at this point; it is just one of those. However, he is a total hottie.”
After signing a contract with the Lions in mid-November, Irvin participated in three games.
In his limited action against the Denver Broncos and last week against the Dallas Cowboys, he did not record a tackle. He had a sack in his Lions debut on December 3 against the New Orleans Saints.
The 36-year-old could not have been promoted from the practice squad, so in order for him to play this season, the Lions would have needed to sign him to their 53-man roster.
Irvin posted on the social media platform X, saying, “@Lions, as a 12-year vet, thank you for the opportunity to be apart of your team; however, I am looking forward to what is next.”
Though they currently have two open roster spots, the Lions intend to activate safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill from injured reserve this week.
Since tearing his pectoral muscle in a Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Gardner-Johnson has not appeared in a game, and McNeill has been sidelined since spraining his MCL against the Saints.
James Houston, an edge rusher, will also soon recover from a fibula fracture. Though they are not anticipated to play on Sunday against the Vikings, Houston resumed practice last week.
After a mixed season, the team also waived interior defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs earlier this week.
With one edge rusher (Aidan Hutchinson, 9.5 sacks) and a 24th-place sack percentage in the NFL, the Lions (11-5) are a formidable combination.
Recall that Irvin did not arrive in Detroit until November 14. Almost no action was taken by the 12-year-old veteran this season, despite being signed by the team to its practice squad.
In just three games this season—all as substitutes—the West Virginia graduate saw very little action, recording one tackle and one sack.
His primary responsibility on the team, though, was to coach a young defense that was only extended through the 2022 campaign.
