Veteran linebacker waived by Detroit Lions after 5-game stint

   

The 28-year-old defensive player spent the past five weeks with Detroit.
The Detroit Lions made two roster moves on Tuesday.

The team announced it released veteran linebacker David Long and re-signed wide receiver/kick returner Maurice Alexander to its practice squad.

Long spent the past five weeks with the Lions after initially spending time with the Miami Dolphins this season.

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The 28-year-old started one game, the Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears. He also saw action in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts, Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers and in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills.

 

 

According to Pro Football Focus, his best overall grade (70.4) was given for his performance against the Bills, as he also earned a run defense grade of 81.5 while playing 29 snaps in the Lions' loss.

While with Detroit, Long tallied seven tackles, one tackle for a loss and recovered a fumble.

Long's release indicates the team is getting closer to having some players return from injury. Jalen Reeves-Maybin may be one of those returning soon, as he's already within his 21-day activation window.

 


The Lions take on the San Francisco 49ers on "Monday Night Football" at Levi's Stadium in Week 17.

Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) takes the field before kickoff against Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) takes the field before kickoff against Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images