How Has Bob Quinn’s Roster Moves Been So Far?
The Detroit Lions roster has shaken up this season. Injuries have affected this team greatly and forced Bob Quinn to make some moves to keep Detroit in contention. How has Bob Quinn done with these signings? Not as great as you would have expected.
Aaron Dobson was signed by the team, cut, re-signed then cut again as other players have been treated the same way. These five players listed have at least made their debut (or will on Sunday) and so far none have blown anybody away. Take a look inside the roster moves by Bob Quinn.
Armonty Bryant
You could say Bryant has been the best move by Quinn so far. Bryant came off a four game suspension for PED’s and was cut by the Cleveland Browns to go on waivers. Detroit needed help at the defensive end spot and picked him up. In his debut last week against the Eagles, Bryant was able to get a sack. With Ziggy Ansah returning this week most likely, Bryant may see a decrease in playing time. Wallace Gilberry did get released, so Bryant may be able to take his spot on the roster, but we will have to see how things play out.
Thurston Armbrister
The next best player has been linebacker Thurston Armbrister. Again, injuries made Detroit look for a linebacker. DeAndre Levy has been out since week two and for a week Detroit had Antwione Williams and Kyle Van Noy out, so Thurston Armbrister had to step up. So far in the four games he has played in, he has only gotten six tackles. Armbrister seems to be an average backup, but as a starter he didn’t blow anybody away.
Justin Forsett
Now Forsett has yet to hit the field as a Lion, but this week will be his first test. Theo Riddick is missing from practice as of Thursday and with him and possibly Dwayne Washington out, Forsett may be the workhorse on Sunday. Forsett probably won’t re-sign with the Lions after this year, but for the rest of the year this was a good move by Bob Quinn. Now all that is left is to see how Forsett can do, will he produce and help Detroit run the ball or will he be a bust?
Khari Lee
Tight end has been a tough position for Detroit this season. First the third string Tim Wright tore his ACL before the season started, meaning Detroit was down to two tight ends. Brandon Pettigrew was put on the PUP list, so he can’t return at least until next week. Eric Ebron is dealing with injuries as well and he is out.
That leaves Cole Wick as the lone tight end. Bob Quinn needed help badly and took Khari Lee. Lee hasn’t done anything for the team. He made his debut last week and had one target. Lee might lose his spot once Pettigrew comes back but Lee only has one catch in his two years in the league, so his chances are slim of staying on the roster.
Clay Harbor
Another tight end, but one with more experience. Clay Harbor has been on three other teams before arriving in Detroit. Harbor, like Lee, didn’t do anything last week. With Eric Ebron now out this week, you could expect Harbor to possibly start for the team. Not only can Harbor block, but he an catch as well. He has 111 catches in his career for 1,151 yards and eight touchdowns. Quinn would be smart to keep Harbor even when Ebron and Pettigrew return. Harbor could be a good third string tight end for Detroit and if he can perform well enough, maybe Quinn might reconsider Pettigrew as being the backup.
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