ALLEN PARK — The Lions are still in the process of coming up with a replacement plan for Golden Tate, but it could involve some snaps from a receiver they haven’t gotten to see yet this season.
Detroit has elevated Andy Jones to the active roster from the reserve/physically unable list. It cut cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc to make room.
Jones has been on the roster for weeks but has been practicing within an open window with time to elevate to the active 53-man group. This turns out to be the week.
The Lions also downgraded linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Vikings. He’s been battling neck and toe injuries.
Jones hasn’t practiced much with the normal offense, and so he isn’t as likely to be a part of the game plan to fill Tate’s void. The Lions dealt Tate to the Eagles this week for a third-round draft pick.
Detroit is more likely to go with either TJ Jones or Brandon Powell in the slot role this week. Jones is likely just to provide depth.
The Lions signed former Giants linebacker Kelvin Sheppard to provide depth for the Reeves-Maybin injury. He has experience at various linebacker spots, and he’s the fourth Giants front-seven defender the Lions have added to the roster this year, joining linebacker Devon Kennard, defensive end Romeo Okwara and defensive tackle Damon Harrison.
