Detroit Lions fans received mixed news as defensive lineman John Cominsky was placed on injured reserve. However, General Manager Brad Holmes offered a positive outlook, suggesting Cominsky’s placement is strategic and aimed at his return later in the season, potentially for a playoff push.
Cominsky, a key player on the Lions’ defensive line, sustained an MCL tear during a training camp practice in July and has been sidelined since. Despite the injury, the Lions initially kept John Cominsky on the 53-man roster, signaling his importance to the team’s plans. Speaking on Thursday, Holmes clarified the move, emphasizing that this isn’t a season-ending situation for John Cominsky.
“I don’t have a crystal ball in terms of when it will be, but we’ve had enough conversations that we feel good and we know the player well enough how he’s going to attack his rehab that we feel good that hopefully later in the season, that we’ll have him really probably right when we need him,” Holmes stated, instilling confidence in John Cominsky’s recovery and eventual comeback.
This roster move is enabled by a recent NFL rule allowing teams to place two players on injured reserve at the roster cut-down deadline and designate them for return within the same season. The Lions utilized these spots for cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, recovering from a pectoral injury, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin, dealing with a knee issue, in addition to John Cominsky. Teams can ultimately designate up to eight players for return from injured reserve throughout the season, and Holmes confirmed that John Cominsky is indeed designated for return. “It is for return,” he affirmed.
In other roster adjustments, safety C.J. Moore was released from the practice squad. Conversely, the Lions added receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones to their practice squad, indicating a focus on bolstering depth in the receiving corps. Holmes also mentioned the intention to sign a veteran kicker to the practice squad in the near future, addressing another area of potential need.
While the placement of John Cominsky on injured reserve is a temporary setback, the Detroit Lions are clearly optimistic about his recovery and his role in their aspirations for a successful season. The strategic roster management reflects a long-term vision, aiming to have key players like John Cominsky available when it matters most.
