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Yesterday, it was reported that former Scarlet Knight Steve Longa was released by the Detroit Lions.
Lions also re-signed OL Brian Mihalik to practice squad, waived LB Steve Longa & released DE Wallace Gilberry from Reserve/Injured.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) October 11, 2016
The information was discussed in some detail by SB Nation’s Detroit Lions site Pride of Lions. In that article, writer Chis Lemieux explains the complicated roster move. Longa was signed to the practice squad prior to the start of the season. He was activated last week, and another player was signed to the practice squad. After the game against the Eagles on Sunday, Longa was released outright, and the player on the practice squad kept that position. Longa did not register a stat in the game. There are other chess pieces in play in this move, all related to the CBA, which determines how much money the Lions must pay in order to make these moves.
The Lions have had issues this season with a depleted linebacker corps, and this move may be an attempt to move more experienced linebackers onto the roster.
This will be updated if more information becomes available.