The Detroit Lions are making roster adjustments ahead of their Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings by elevating tight end Anthony Firkser and kicker Michael Badgley. Firkser’s promotion is a necessity, given that Brock Wright, the team’s TE2, has been ruled out with a hip injury. Firkser, a mid-season addition with five years of experience and 106 career catches totaling 1,207 yards, is set to make his season debut. His presence adds depth to the tight end position, with rookies Sam LaPorta and third-year tight end James Mitchell expected to see increased roles, crucial for the Lions as they face the Vikings’ aggressive defense and work to protect quarterback Jared Goff.
The elevation of kicker Michael Badgley is a significant move, considering the Lions recently parted ways with Riley Patterson. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp revealed that a kicker battle had been ongoing for over a month at practice, with Badgley emerging as the decisive winner.
Badgley, with a career field goal success rate of 81.7% and a long of 59 yards, has demonstrated consistency and earned the coaching staff’s confidence. Notably, this marks Badgley’s second elevation from the practice squad, leaving one more opportunity for the team to utilize. However, if he is elevated again for the Cowboys game, the Lions will need to sign Badgley to the 53-man roster if they intend to continue playing him beyond Week 17.
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Despite these changes, the Lions have opted not to elevate veteran defensive end Bruce Irvin, who has one remaining elevation. The decision to preserve Irvin’s elevation may indicate strategic planning by the Lions for future games. As the team navigates the final stretch of the season, these roster adjustments aim to address specific positional needs and enhance their competitive edge against the Vikings.
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