On Monday, the Detroit Lions announced they have placed FB Nick Bawden on the Reserve/Injured list in a corresponding move to re-signing DT Olive Sagapolu. Bawden has had awful luck since being selected in the 7th-round of the 2018 NFL Draft as he has suffered multiple injuries that have kept him out of action.
The plan going into the offseason was for Bawden to be the Lions starting FB in 2020 but with him out of the picture, it looks like the Lions will be rolling with a new starter when the season begins in less than two weeks.
Getting the nod will almost certainly be converted LB Jason Cabinda, who has been filling in (and doing a solid job) while Bawden has been out with an injury.
Cabinda, who played running back in high school, has reportedly transitioned nicely up to this point and though he probably will not touch the ball to often, his ability to block well will be crucial to the Lions offense in 2020.
“I think it’s definitely a simpler position than most offensive positions, being that you kind of just have your guy,” Cabinda said. “Go hit him. Go do what you got to do. It’s a gritty position, no doubt about that. You got to be in the trenches. You got to go out there and block and make holes, make some catches in the flat and kind of make plays as you can. I’m excited about whatever is in front of me right now.”
Lions GM Bob Quinn could look to sign a free agent fullback before the season kicks off but for now, Cabinda is the guy.
