The Detroit Lions have signed cornerback Craig James to their practice squad, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson. The Lions have not verified this move, and there is no reported equivalent move at the time of publication. This will be necessary because the Lions’ practice squad currently has a maximum of 16 players.
James was undrafted in 2018 but has since spent time with three different NFL teams. He spent the most of his rookie season on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad before making three late-season special teams outings. After being released the following year, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for current Lions special teams coach Dave Fipp.
He would continue in Philadelphia for the next three seasons, appearing in 18 games with one start. Under Fipp’s direction, he was a key special teamer for the Eagles in 2019, collecting 237 snaps—the fifth-most on the team.
He was frequently employed as a gunner for the Eagles, which is very important for the Lions. Jerry Jacobs was demoted to special teams last week, and coach Dan Campbell praised his abilities as a gunner.
“Now we get Jerry back on teams as well, because Jerry’s a good special teams player now, as a gunner and a jammer,” he added.
Unfortunately for Jacobs, he was injured against the Denver Broncos, and while the extent of his ailment is uncertain, he did not practice on Wednesday. The Lions’ interest in James, as well as two other cornerbacks brought in for a visit this week, does not speak well for Jacobs’ future.
James also has some defensive experience. In fact, he stepped into a key role for the New York Jets earlier this year, playing 41 snaps in a 20-14 win over the Eagles. He did not allow a completion, had a pass breakup, and received a 78.9 overall PFF grade in that game.
When the signing becomes official and a corresponding move is announced, we’ll update this post.
#Lions have released OL Michael Schofield from the Practice Squad and signed CB Craig James to the Practice Squad.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 21, 2023
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