The Detroit Lions announced they have officially signed running back Adrian Peterson and placed running back Bo Scarbrough on injured reserve in a corresponding move.
Signing Peterson gives the Lions a veteran back with scheme experience and upgrades a position they have been trying to solidify for several years. Peterson’s history with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell should make his transition to Detroit an easy one, and he will be expected to contribute immediately.
“There’s no way they would sign a veteran like this,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Good Morning Football, “and basically guarantee their salary for the season unless they’re planning to use him right away.”
After establishing their initial 53-man roster Saturday afternoon, the Lions have already made two roster moves, signing Peterson and offensive lineman Oday Aboushi — which they announced last night.
To make room for Peterson and Aboushi, the Lions moved Scrabrugh and corner Mike Ford to IR. By including both on their initial 53-man roster, Ford and Scarbrough are now eligible to return from I.R. after three weeks — something they cannot do with Jashon Cornell or Nick Bawden who were placed on I.R. during training camp.
Scarbrough was injured early in Lions training camp, it while appeared he was trying to make a return to action last week, this is an indication that he is further away than originally anticipated.
