Lions are said to have signed a known face from Jacksonville’s practice team

ALLEN PARK — While their injury problems keep getting worse, the Detroit Lions are adding a well-known player. Several news sources say that they will add defender Anthony Pittman from Jacksonville’s practice team.

Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)AP

This is where Pittman played for four years at the start of his career. The player from Detroit and former star at Wayne State joined the Washington Commanders as a free agent in March. Pittman didn’t make the team out of training camp, though, and in October he joined the Jaguars’ practice squad.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills just tore up Detroit’s defenders. Plus, the Lions have been missing four of their top five defenders since the beginning of the season. Trevor Nowaske missed last week’s game as well, so this makes a lot of sense.

Pittman knows how the defense works and even more about Dave Fipp’s special teams. As a rookie in 2019, he made it without being chosen. He then spent four years on and off the roster and practice team.

The 28-year-old played in all 17 games for the Lions over the last three seasons and had 1,099 special teams snaps during that time. Pittman did play four defensive snaps last season, so he could be a safe choice to take on a lot of special teams snaps and add depth to the linebacker corps.

Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are all safeties who are out for the Lions.

Anzalone broke his wrist and won’t be able to play again until the end of the season or the beginning of the playoffs. Barnes hasn’t been able to play since early in the season because of a major knee injury. Rodriguez can’t play this year because he tore his ACL. Neck pain is making it take a while for Reeves-Maybin to get better, but the Lions expect him to be back at some point.

Since the middle of last week, Nowaske has been in the concussion procedure. The star player from Saginaw Valley State didn’t have time to make it for Week 15. He will, however, have a chance to join the team’s replacement linebacker lineup.

With four straight games of defensive plays, Jack Campbell has kept things calm at the top of the order. Two weeks ago, Nowaske had the second most snaps of any defender.

The rest of the starters against the Buffalo Bills were Ben Niemann (44), David Long (29), Ezekiel Turner (28), Kwon Alexander (12), and Jamal Adams (12).

BREAKING NEWS: Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy has asked the NFL for a “replay” of the Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions game, alleging it was unfair and accusing: Dan Campbell for “buying” the score…

Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy Requests Replay from NFL Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy has reportedly sent a formal request to the NFL, urging the league to authorize a replay of a recent game involving the Packers. This move has sparked heated debates across the football community and raised questions about the NFL’s stance on game integrity and officiating standards.

The Incident in Question

The controversy stems from a pivotal moment during the Packers’ recent matchup against [opponent’s name]. Fans, analysts, and players alike have criticized the officiating crew for a series of questionable calls that many believe unfairly impacted the outcome of the game. Among these, the most contentious issue was a [specific play or penalty, e.g., “missed pass interference call”], which significantly altered the game’s momentum.

Murphy’s message, described by insiders as “firm yet respectful,” emphasizes the importance of fairness and accuracy in the league. According to sources close to the situation, the CEO outlined his concerns in detail, presenting video evidence and analysis to support his case.

The Request for a Replay

Requesting a game replay is an extraordinary measure, as such actions are rarely entertained by the NFL. League rules stipulate that replays can only be considered in cases of “extraordinary circumstances,” such as gross officiating errors or violations of league protocol.

Murphy’s letter reportedly argues that the officiating errors during the game qualify as such circumstances, potentially compromising the integrity of the contest.

NFL’s Response Pending

As of now, the NFL has not issued an official response to Murphy’s request. League officials are expected to review the footage and consider the claims made by the Packers organization. However, history suggests that the likelihood of a replay being granted is slim.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The Packers’ passionate fan base has rallied behind Murphy, with hashtags like #ReplayTheGame and #GoPackGo trending across social media platforms. Meanwhile, rival fans have expressed skepticism, accusing the Packers of overreacting to what they see as routine officiating issues.

Implications for the League

This situation highlights growing frustrations with NFL officiating, which has been a recurring topic of debate in recent seasons. If the league denies the Packers’ request, it may face increased scrutiny regarding its officiating standards and accountability measures.

What’s Next?

The NFL is expected to announce its decision in the coming days. For now, the Packers remain focused on their upcoming schedule, determined to put this controversy behind them and continue their playoff push.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.