The Detroit Lions made a procedural change Saturday ahead of their divisional round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, promoting fullback Jason Cabinda and defensive lineman Tyson Alualu.
Additionally, the Lions announced that they have re-signed Julian Okwara to the practice squad after waiving him earlier in the week.
It’s become a familiar move of late for the Lions, who have relied on the veteran to provide Detroit with more experienced depth options down the stretch.
Alualu has been elevated in each of the last three games (Weeks 17, 18 and Wild Card), making it the fourth time in a row. Although this is Cabinda’s third straight game since being taken off injured reserve in Week 17.
Alualu played 22 defensive snaps against the Rams, and while he wasn’t technically listed as a starter, these were starting-caliber snaps based on the Lions’ game plan.
Alualu had just one tackle in the Wild Card and a below-average PFF grade, but his veteran presence gives the Lions confidence at the center of their young defensive line.
Cabinda played on just seven offensive snaps – including a play-call on Sam LaPorta’s touchdown – but also logged 17 snaps on special teams, an area in which he is routinely good.
His ability to contribute in all phases of special teams – punt and punt returns, punt and kick coverage, as well as field goal and extra point attempts – is a huge luxury, especially after losing reserve James Mitchell to injury .
As a reminder, while practice squad players are limited to three heights during the regular season, there are no height limits during the postseason.
Therefore, as long as the Lions are in the play-offs, Cabinda and Alualu will remain options to augment on match day.
