The Detroit Lions may be starting their preparation for the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson a little bit early. According to a report from Adam Schefter, the Lions are signing versatile quarterback/wide receiver Malik Cunningham to their practice squad.
Cunningham is a hyper-athletic quarterback out of Louisville who went undrafted in 2023. After spending a few months with the Patriots, he signed with the Ravens in the middle of his rookie season—reuniting with Jackson, who was his teammate briefly at Louisville. He re-signed with the Ravens this offseason, but did not make their 53-man squad.
Earlier this month, the Lions brought Cunningham in for a tryout. It’s unclear if Cunningham has a long-term role on the Lions roster, but his value this week is quite obvious. With the Lions facing Jackson and the Ravens this week, Cunningham’s speed (4.53 40-yard dash) and athleticism should serve as a pretty good scout quarterback this week, as the Lions try to slow Jackson’s mobility and escapability this upcoming Monday night.
Last time the Lions faced the Ravens back in 2023, Detroit lost 38-6. Jackson threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns, while adding another 36 yards and another touchdown on the ground.
In Week 2, Detroit did a good job bottling Bears mobile quarterback Caleb Williams up, holding the second-year passer to just 27 yards rushing on five attempts. But it appears they want all hands on deck to help slow down the Ravens’ two-time MVP winner.
With the signing not official yet, the required corresponding practice squad move is currently unknown.
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