Bruce Irvin saw just 11 defensive snaps in his Detroit Lions debut last Sunday against New Orleans, but the former first-round pick had a notable impact, recording one of the team’s two sacks, on a third down, to force a punt, as well as a second quarterback hit that knocked red-hot Derek Carr from the game in the fourth quarter.
The Lions have been looking for a reliable source of pass-rush production opposite Aidan Hutchinson all season, and even if the 36-year-old Irvin wasn’t the expected solution, the team isn’t going to ignore the initial results. Coach Dan Campbell said the team saw enough in Sunday’s sample size to want to carve out a bigger role for Irvin going forward.
“Yeah, I think we’d like to work him in more,” Campbell said. “That was the plan last week, to give him some opportunities and then see where he’s at, see how he handled it, see how his body is and then potentially get him some more. So, we’re looking into that. But yeah, I would say he’s earned that.”
How Irvin’s body handled his 2023 debut remains to be seen. He was one of two players absent from Wednesday’s practice, the first in preparation for this weekend’s matchup against Chicago. Because he’s on the practice squad, he isn’t required to be on the team’s injury report. During open locker room later in the day, he had his left ankle wrapped. He said he tweaked it during the sack, but anticipates returning to the field on Thursday.
What’s clear is Irvin’s ability to affect the pocket remains desperately needed. After Sunday, Detroit’s other edge rushers not named Hutchinson had accounted for just 4.5 sacks this season. Irvin, who has never posted huge sack numbers during his 12-year career, peaking at 8.5 in 2019, arguably might be their best option down the stretch.
Injury update
Beyond Irvin, only center Frank Ragnow missed Wednesday’s practice. He’s dealing with knee and back injuries that forced him out of the game against the Saints in the first half. He’s not expected to play this week against the Bears. Additionally, linebacker/fullback Malcolm Rodriguez was limited by an ankle injury.
In positive news, linebacker Alex Anzalone returned to practice after missing last week’s game because of a hand injury. The veteran leads the Lions with 87 tackles and has already established a career-high with 3.0 sacks.
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