The Detroit Lions announced they have signed linebacker Anthony Pittman to practice squad and released punter Matt Wile in a corresponding move. This all but guarantees Sam Martin is healthy enough to return to the field for this week’s game against the Chicago Bears.
The short-term news is that Martin (abdomen) is healthy enough to play this weekend, in a game where special teams figures to play a prominent role. Martin has had an up and down season, even seeing his contract renegotiated to be more performance incentive-based, but he’s played well when the team has needed him.
Wile was able to help the team out in a pinch this week, which the Lions will likely keep in mind moving forward. This will likely be especially true if Martin’s injury creeps back up again, or if they need competition for him in the offseason.
From a long-term view, re-signing Pittman to the practice gives coaches back a young developing player they have raved over after he had an excellent training camp. He has shown the positional flexibility to play all four linebacker spots and has the skills coveted in this scheme. Pittman still has a long road to the active roster, after playing his college ball at Wayne State, but there’s upside that is worth rostering.
