The Detroit Lions have seen a few injuries as training camp and the preseason has pushed on, and the challenge now will be figuring out who will takes over in those situations.
At linebacker, the Lions lost veteran Damone Clark this week. Clark had been signed this offseason to compete at the position, and had been doing a decent job until injury struck. Now, he will be lost for the season.
With this in mind, there will be an opportunity for the Lions to find another player to step in and fill the role that Clark would have this season. There's plenty of players on the roster that can fit that bill, and arguably the next man up could be Joe Bachie.
Without Clark in the mix, the Lions will be searching for a trustworthy depth veteran to not only give them potential defensive snaps, but play on special teams as well. Trevor Nowaske could be that guy, but Bachie has the edge in terms of tangible NFL experience and snaps. That could give him a slight edge in terms of also making the roster.
In Week 3 of the preseason, it will be fascinating to see how much Bachie plays and what type of role they give him. It could provide the final clue as it relates to how much the franchise trusts him, and if they are prepared to let him make a statement about replacing Clark.
Dan Campbell approves of what Bachie brings to the Lions every day
Bachie could have an extra edge in making the roster in the form of Campbell. The head coach knew Bachie from his time in New Orleans, and certainly would understand what he brings to the mix as a player.
This offseason, Campbell has been very impressed by what Bachie has brought to the table for the Lions. Campbell remembered Bachie from his time with the Saints, and saw the same exact traits in him with the Lions when he joined the team.
"(He's) exactly what he was when he was coming out. Smart. Just a smart, crafty, all out linebacker, Can play all the spots as needed, (can play) special teams, and he has picked up where he left off from when I remember him. That's what he's been in this league. He's walked in the door and he's got a great grasp of this defense right now."
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In addition to his traits, Bachie has a willingness to fill in and play any position he is asked to by the coaching staff, and is always willing to pitch in on special teams. Additionally, he's been a playmaker in camp.
"You need him? He can go here. You need him? He can go there, and he gets the job done. He can play on special teams and do anything that (Dave) Fipp asks him to do. He's just pretty dependable. He's reliable and he's made plays in camp."
Add it up and it seems as if Bachie is the kind of player that the Lions would prefer to keep. His abilities on special teams as well as his willingness to step in at linebacker and play a variety of roles could keep him as a fixture. The injury to Clark may have only pushed the door wide open for him to make the team.
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