As a result of a catastrophic injury, the Philadelphia Eagles welcomed a player valued over $900 million
Cornerback Craig James is being signed by the Detroit Lions to their practice squad, per a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson. As of the time of publishing, no corresponding move had been reported; the Lions have not confirmed this move. That will be necessary because the Lions’ practice squad currently has 16 players, which is the maximum.
Although James was not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, he has since played for three different teams. Before making three late-season appearances on special teams, he played the majority of his rookie campaign on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. The Philadelphia Eagles would pick him up the next season after he was cut, and he would play for current Lions special teams coach Dave Fipp.
For the following three seasons, he would remain in Philadelphia, appearing in 18 games overall with one start. Under Fipp’s direction, he was an important member of the Eagles’ special team in 2019 with 237 snaps overall, which was fifth most on the team.
For the Eagles, he was frequently used as a gunner, which is especially pertinent to the Lions. Jerry Jacobs was demoted to a special teams position by the Lions last week, although coach Dan Campbell praised his unique abilities as a gunner.
“Now that Jerry is a good special teams player as a jammer and gunner, we get him back on teams as well,” Campbell remarked.
Regretfully, Jacobs did not practice on Wednesday due to an injury he sustained against the Denver Broncos, the extent of which is unknown. It doesn’t look good for Jacobs’ status that the Lions are interested in James and the other two cornerbacks they brought in for a visit this week.
James has some defensive experience as well. He even took on a major role for the New York Jets earlier this season, participating in 41 snaps in a 20-14 victory over the Eagles. He recorded a pass breakup, did not allow a completion, and received an overall PFF grade of 78.9.
