Dec 26, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda (45) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau (22) after a catch by Cabinda during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Cabinda has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, but the Detroit Lions fullback has been cleared to practice.
The Detroit Lions have an open spot on the 53-man roster after trading tight end T.J. Hockenson on deadline day. On Wednesday, head coach Dan Campbell said fullback Jason Cabinda has been cleared to practice.
Cabinda has been on the PUP list all season to this point due to an ankle injury. His return to practice on Wednesday will start a 21-day clock for the Lions to put him on the active roster, and based on what’s happened this year with other players coming off the PUP list it may be a couple weeks before that’s done.
But more of Campbell’s words, via Pride of Detroit, suggested there’s some chance he could play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
We’ll look at Cabinda, too,” Campbell said. “See how he practices through the week.”
Jason Cabinda’s impact on the Lions is mostly intangible
A young 1-6 team can use some veteran leadership. Cabinda is not going to light up the stat sheet or play a ton beyond special teams. But Campbell mentioned him, a converted linebacker and now a fullback who has worked with the tight ends regularly, possibly in the mix at tight end with the departure of Hockenson.
And then there’s a chance we bring Zylstra, or we’ll look at Cabinda, too. See how he practices through the week, so we have some flexibility here to decide what we’re going to do.”
Cabinda signed a two-year deal to stay with the Lions during the offseason, and despite not being able to practice he has remained with the team for practices and meetings. He has continued to do great work in the community as well. He was named NFLPA Community MVP in Week 7 for what he’s doing with Detroit-area schools.