News Now: Detroit Lions expectations before Christmas Day.

The division crown is definitely within the reach of the Detroit Lions (10-4), who are slowly but surely securing a postseason berth. And it looks like more players are on their way for the postseason run.

Dan Campbell anticipates fullback Jason Cabinda and safety Ceedy Duce (C.J. Gardner-Johnson) returning to practice this week. Prior to the Week 16 travel to play the Minnesota Vikings, the organisation will open the pair’s 21-day window and see how they perform in practice before making a decision.

Hendon Hooker, a rookie quarterback, will be added to the 53-man roster, the head coach of the Lions announced.

Campbell stated, “I believe the plan will be to start C.J.’s clock and probably start Cabinda’s clock, too.” “And we’re going to try to add (Hendon) Hooker to the roster, I believe.”

Since rupturing his pectoral muscle in Week 2, when he managed to play through the injury to win the game, the safety has remained out. Due to his extended absence, it seems that he officially changed his name to “Ceedy Duce.” Campbell still refers to him as “C.J.”, and his name on X or the roster hasn’t changed, so perhaps this week we’ll receive the official update in that area.

In three games, Cabinda (knee) played 26 offensive snaps and another 54 on special teams. In his absence, the team’s tight ends and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez have taken over the fullback responsibilities.

Late last month, Hooker made his practice debut. He is accomplishing an increasing amount. However, he has continued to recover from the ACL damage he sustained while still at Tennessee by being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

Fans will be excited by Hooker’s addition to the squad and Cabinda’s potential position on special teams. Duce’s comeback might be crucial for a defence that lacks offensive punch.

Tracy Walker has been replaced by Ifeatu Melifonwu at the starting safety position across from Kerby Joseph. Additionally, the Lions would want to keep sensational youngster Brian Branch at slot cornerback rather than back at safety, which may allow Duce to have a big influence.

One of the team’s greatest free agent splash moves, if not the largest, was the safety. Aaron Glenn’s defence may have some serious gaps filled by Duce, who leads the league in interceptions last season and has the energy to take over the building.

Last Monday, Campbell declared, “It’s great news.” He is an X-Men member. He must have mutant genes since he recovered from his injuries quite rapidly, regained his strength, and his muscle is stable. He will thus be prepared to come here very soon.

“I need to discuss it with Brad Holmes, but it’s good news, and let’s get him going as soon as possible,” That would be the strategy. Make him practise. Get his limbs underneath him. Get him in football-ready shape. But the good news is that. Now that’s a compliment to him as well. He has been employed.