With injuries all over the defense, the Detroit Lions continue to make adjustments with their player usage, and the return of Ifeatu Melifonwu led to some fun new wrinkles. Here’s a closer look at the Lions’ snap counts in their 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears.

That role hasn’t really been used much by the Lions in the 2024 season. Linebacker Ezekiel Turner has served in that sort of capacity for the last two weeks. The only reserve safety on Detroit’s active roster is Brandon Joseph, who plays primarily on special teams. Undrafted rookie Loren Strickland is on the team’s practice squad.

As the Lions navigate the final stretch of the season, Melifonwu’s activation is a positive sign. For the team, it’s a chance to solidify a defensive backfield that has struggled at times to contain dynamic offenses. For the player, it represents an opportunity to prove he can be a consistent contributor when healthy.

Additionally, the team activated Ifeatu Melifonwu from injured reserve and signed wide receiver Tom Kennedy, outside linebacker Mitchell Agude and defensive lineman Chris Smith to the active roster.

The Detroit Lions suffered massive injury casualties in Sunday's loss ... They laid it on the line for us." DBs Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Campbell said he expects the Lions to open Melifonwu's 21-day return-to-practice window this week ...

The Detroit Lions watched Washington beat Philadelphia on their cellphones following a 34-17 bounce-back win at Chicago that helped them keep pace with Minnesota in the race for the NFC North title and top seeding in the conference.

Here’s everything we know about the Lions Week 16 win in Chicago, including stats, stars, game takeaways and more.

The Detroit Lions have activated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu off the injured reserve and waived safety Brandon Joseph following his arrest early Saturday morning. According to the Detroit Free Press, Joseph was arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence, per the Dearborn Heights Police Department.

They also did not place running back David Montgomery on injured reserve. Another positive sign as they wait to decipher a timeline for the veteran.

Long helped fill the void at linebacker over the last five games. But he's out with Pittman back in the fold, not to mention Reeves-Maybin nearing a return.

With two games remaining in the NFL season, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows there's still room for improvement if they want to make it to the Super Bowl.