Isaiah Buggs has been missing from the middle of the Detroit Lions defense in the first two weeks. His punitive benching from head coach Dan Campbell appears to be over.
Buggs will play in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.
[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]
“He’s going to get an opportunity, Campbell said of Buggs before Friday’s practice.
Buggs has been held out of the first two weeks for an undisclosed disciplinary reason. The projected starting nose tackle handled the benching without complaint and has worked to get himself back into the good graces of the coaching staff and the lineup.
“He’s been good. Buggs has been a pro,” Campbell continued. “He’s been a pro and right before the Kansas City game, he told me – came to me and said, ‘Hey, Coach, I’m going to do whatever I’ve got to do and I’m going to keep working. And I know the deal and I’m going to show you guys.’ And he’s going to get an opportunity.”
The Lions run defense has been strong, but the interior pass rush has been very unproductive. Buggs isn’t known for his pass rush, but simply taking some reps should help the entire defensive front.