A few days after adding seasoned running back Devine Ozigbo to the active roster, the Detroit Lions parted ways with him as part of their ongoing roster turnover at running back.
Prior to their Monday night matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, the 27-year-old was signed by the Lions; however, on November 2, he was released. His release may indicate that starting running back David Montgomery, who has missed the last two games due to a rib ailment, is getting close to making a comeback, as SI.com’s John Maakaron noted.
Lions Making Moves at Running Back
Ozigbo had been on Detroit’s practice squad but was elevated to appear in two games before being signed to the active roster. He made three appearances total, taking three carries for five yards and making one catch for 8 yards in the team’s October 15 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As SI.com noted, Ozigbo appeared in two snaps on offense and seven snaps on special teams in Monday’s win over the Raiders.
In releasing Ozigbo, the Lions signed linebacker Trevor Nowaske to the 53-man roster. The second-year linebacker was on Detroit’s practice squad last year, but Maakaron noted he had a strong showing in the preseason with seven tackles and a pass defense.
“I’ve still got a lot of work to do,” Nowaske said at the time, via SI.com. “I know it’s an uphill battle from here, being undrafted. I’m happy I could go out there and contribute but there’s still a lot more than can be done.”
David Montgomery Could Be Nearing Return
Ozigbo’s release could be a sign of more stability in the backfield for the Lions, who have been without Montgomery since Week 6. The running back said the team was taking a careful approach to his return, trying not to rush him back before he would be ready.
“We just trying to take it one day at a time,” Montgomery told the Detroit Free Press last week. “We really don’t know right now, but right now we’re just trying to make sure I get back as healthy as I can. The bye week helps a lot, just have a little bit of time, but other than that, we get right.”
Ozigbo’s release could signal that Montgomery is ready to return after the by week.
The Lions have made other moves at running back, promoting former New York Jets running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight to the active roster in September. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said at the time that the team would be working in all the running backs.
“If D-Mo is unable to attend, I still envision it being decided by committee, but Gibbs will undoubtedly have additional opportunities,” Campbell stated. “But then again, he gained a little bit more, and he wrote some plays but omitted a lot as well. And being a rookie comes with some challenges. The more exposure he receives, the better he will recover from those. And he will grow, as we need him to.
Knight played in two games, totaling 13 yards from three carries and 8 yards from one reception. On October 14, he was placed on injured reserve.
