If the Detroit Lions want to go into Minneapolis and defeat the Minnesota Vikings to move to 3-1 on the season, they will have to protect Matthew Stafford and they will have to establish the run.
On Saturday afternoon, the Lions announced a move that is likely a good sign for the offensive line heading into tomorrow’s game against the Vikings.
The Lions have signed linebacker Thurston Armbrister to the active roster and have placed guard Zac Kerin on injured-reserve.
Lions sign LB Thurston Armbrister to active roster and place G Zac Kerin on IR: https://t.co/tO17Gp90rR pic.twitter.com/z08WulFT0e
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 30, 2017
Though a player going on the IR is never something to be happy about, it could mean good things for the Lions offensive line heading into Week 4. With Irvin out, coupled with Armbrister being added to the active roster rather than another offensive lineman, it could point towards starting center, Travis Swanson, returning to the team after missing last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Swanson returned to practice on Wednesday, which was a great sign that he could play on Sunday. The Lions rushing attack struggled against the Falcons with Swanson sitting out with an injured ankle, as they gained only 71 yards on the ground.
If Swanson is not able to play, Graham Glasgow will get another start at center while the newly signed Tim Lelito out of Grand Valley State University could get the starting nod at left guard.
The addition of Armbrister is likely due to the need to replace Steve Longa who will probably miss Sunday’s game. On Friday, news broke that Longa’s father was struck and killed by an SUV.
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-news/ddrysdale/breaking-father-detroit-lions-linebacker-killed-suv/96323/
