Lions move 2 defensive starters to IR, sign receiver

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have announced they’re placing defensive starters Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes on injured reserve. Receiver Tim Patrick has been signed to fill one of the roster spots, while the 53rd spot remains open heading into the long week.

Davenport is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a serious elbow injury in Sunday’s win against the Arizona Cardinals. Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike are expected to help replace Davenport at edge rusher, while James Houston could now find himself active on game days.

Hopes are higher for Barnes, the versatile linebacker who was carted off with a knee injury against Arizona. He’ll miss at least four games due to his move to IR, but will be eligible to return in Week 9 for a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Until then, the Lions are expected to mix and match guys like Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Ben Niemann, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and perhaps even Trevor Nowaske to fill the do-everything role that Barnes has occupied in the opening weeks of the season.

“With Derrick, like you said, he can do so many things,” Jack Campbell said. “He’s just such a special player, so kind of not knowing the extent of that (injury) — the coaches probably hit on that — but I mean, now, yeah, we’re gonna need other guys to step up just at the outside ‘backer position. And I feel like we have a great room with that, and obviously, some flexibility there, just with (Alex Anzalone) being able to play multiple positions, JRM being able to play multiple positions, Niemann being able to step in. Within that nucleus of guys, you’re gonna see someone step up and just do a fantastic job.”

Patrick is now being added to the roster, giving the Lions a fifth receiver and some additional size at the position. In two games while being elevated from the practice squad, Patrick has three catches for 20 yards. Which isn’t much, but it’s the only production from a receiver not named Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams.

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