Heading into the week with two open roster spots, the Lions have moved quickly to fill those openings. According to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter), the team has reinstated defensive tackle C.J. Mosley from suspension, and activated linebacker Kyle Van Noy from off the injured reserve list.
Mosley, whose suspension came from the team rather than the league, was banned for two weeks, reportedly for an incident related to marijuana. Since the Lions had their bye in Week 9, the penalty only cost the defensive tackle one game — the club’s victory over the Falcons in London.
Meanwhile, Van Noy, the 40th overall pick in this year’s draft, has yet to make his regular-season debut for the Lions, having been placed on IR with the designation to return prior to Week 1. While an abdomen injury cost Van Noy a portion of his rookie season, and the club may ease him back in slowly, the BYU alum had initially been penciled in as a three-down starter for the Lions, so we could see him take on an increased role down the stretch. I identified Van Noy last week as one of the returning players for contending teams who could have an impact in the second half of the season.
Following the pair of transactions, the Lions now have a full 53-man roster.