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admin | December 3, 2023 | Detriot Lions | No Comments

Bruce Irvin: Detroit Lions bolster pass-rush with signing of veteran

NEW DELHI: The Detroit Lions have signed veteran linebacker Bruce Irvin to their practice squad. The move comes as the Lions aim to inject experience and depth into their defensive lineup, particularly in the pass-rush department.
Irvin, a seasoned player with a Super Bowl victory to his name, underwent a workout on Tuesday, leading to the Lions offering him a spot on the practice squad.

Alongside Irvin, the Lions also signed veteran offensive linemanMichael Schofield and cornerback Kindle Vildor.
The Lions’ pass-rush has shown inconsistencies throughout the season, prompting the team to seek additional support for their defensive unit. While rookie Aidan Hutchinson leads the team with 4.5 sacks, the collective efforts of other players have yet to match that production.

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With the absence of talented second-year rusher James Houston, who is sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Lions are hopeful that Irvin’s arrival will bring a much-needed boost to their pass-rushing capabilities.

Head coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of having depth in the pass-rushing department, stating, “You can never have too many rushers in your building.” He highlighted Irvin’s quick first step, power, and bending ability as qualities that could contribute positively to the Lions’ defensive efforts.

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Despite being 36 years old and not having played a down this season, Irvin’s extensive NFL experience and impressive career resume make him a valuable addition to the Lions. The veteran linebacker has accumulated 55.5 sacks since entering the league in 2012.

While acknowledging that Irvin needs to get into football shape after a period of inactivity, Campbell expressed confidence in the veteran’s ability to contribute once he achieves the required conditioning. Irvin’s workout showcased his physical prowess, and the Lions are optimistic about his potential impact on the field.