The Detroit Lions have announced that they have re-signed reserve offensive lineman Andrew Donnal.
“Donnal returns to Detroit after spending last season on the team’s active roster and appearing in two games”, the team stated in a press release. “He has previously spent time with the Baltimore Ravens (2017) and Los Angeles Rams (2015-16). Donnal originally entered the NFL with the Rams as a fourth-round selection (119th overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Iowa. He has appeared in 29 career games with six starts.”
With Lions starting offensive tackles Taylor Decker and Rick Wagner staying relatively healthy all of 2018, and Tyrell Crosby filling in when a starter missed time, opportunities were limited for Donnal to see the field, often being named a healthy scratch on Sundays.
Despite the lack of activity on Game Day, Donnal was a fixture on the Lions roster, illustrating coaches confidence in him to step in if needed.
With the Lions set at their starting offensive tackle spots, and Crosby a very attractive third option, Donnal’s familiarity with the coaches and organization rounds out the position group and gives the team options moving forward.
If Crosby moves inside to challenge for the open starting right guard position, the addition of Donnal allows the team to not force another move at offensive tackle in the draft or free agency. If Crosby stays on the outside, Donnal gives the team a consistent depth option to protect against injury.
Overall, Donnal gives the team flexibility and reliability, something winning teams have at the backend of their rosters.
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