Detroit Lions place special teams ace Montell Owens on injured reserve
By Brad Rowland
When the Detroit Lions inked former Jaguars running back/special teams ace Montell Owens to a 2-year deal in the offseason, I’m positive that the team expected Owens to see the field for more than one game during the 2013 season, but unfortunately, that’s all they are going to get.
The #Lions have placed Montell Owens on season-ending IR and have re-signed TE Dorin Dickerson.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) November 19, 2013
The Lions announced on Tuesday that they have placed Owens on season-ending injured reserve, and that caps a disastrous debut in Detroit. Earlier in the year, Owens spent time on the “IR – Designated to Return” list, but his return against Chicago was short-lived, and Owens’ knee injury (sustained during a preseason game against New England) was the culprit for ending his season.
Stats have never been what make Owens shine, as he is best known for being a 2-time Pro Bowler for special teams while in Jacksonville, but he clearly was expected to make an impact for Detroit. That point is clear by the fact that Detroit even elected to use the “designated to return” tag on him in the first place, as it is normally reserved for heavy hitters.
The loss of Owens won’t be felt by anyone but diehards, but I can guarantee that it’s a blow in the Detroit Lions locker room.