The Lions placed running back/special teams ace Montell Owens on injured reserve with the designation to return early this season because they thought he’d be able to help them down the stretch this season.
That’s not going to happen. Owens aggravated the knee injury in the first quarter of his first game back two weeks ago, missed last Sunday’s loss to the Steelers and was placed back on injured reserve on Tuesday. It’s the season-ending variety this time, so Owens won’t be on a field again until offseason work starts next spring.
Owens signed a two-year deal with the Lions before this season, leaving Jacksonville after seven seasons and two trips to the Pro Bowl honoring his work on special teams.
The Lions signed tight end Dorin Dickerson to take Owens’ spot on the roster. Dickerson spent five days with the Lions earlier this season and didn’t play in any games.