Former Penn State LB elevated ahead of NFC championship

Originally posted on Basic Blues Nation
By Morgan Chapman | Last updated 1/28/24

Jason Cabinda was the heart and soul of the Penn State football defense during his college career. But I’m not sure how many Penn State fans saw Cabinda not only lasting seven years (and counting) in the NFL. On top of that a complete position change that he has thrived within. The starting fullback for the Detroit Lions dealt with injuries mid-way through the 2023 NFL season. But before the NFC Championship game today, Cabinda has been called up to the active roster.

Former Penn State LB elevated ahead of NFC championship

The Detroit Lions won their first playoff game in 30 years. Then, they decided that this was the year they were going to win multiple playoff games to advance to the NFC Championship game. They will attempt to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl tonight at 6:30 pm on FOX as they take on the San Francisco 49ers. Penn State fans will see a familiar face on the field when the Lions are on offense. Former Nittany Lion linebacker Jason Cabinda has been called up to the active roster according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

The #Lions elevated FB Jason Cabinda and OL Michael Schofield from the practice squad to the active roster. So, not yet for Zach Ertz.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2024

The journey for Jason Cabinda

Penn State football star linebacker Jason Cabinda was a three-star recruit in the 2014 recruiting class. He has a special place in the hearts of the Nittany Lion faithful for playing through injuries, making big-time plays, and bringing the energy on defense.

His best season at Penn State was in 2015 when he tallied 100 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Although his college career was successful, he went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Oakland Raiders as a linebacker and played in Oakland during the 2018 season.

Eventually, he was waived and the Detriot Lions signed Cabinda. He was initially signed as a linebacker but when the Lions saw his potential as a fullback they moved Cabinda to his new position permentally. The last two seasons have been difficult from an injury perspective. In 2023 he was placed on injured reserve in October and when he was brought back to the active roster he was waived. A few days later, the Lions signed Cabinda to the practice squad which he has been elevated for each playoff game in the postseason. He recorded 1 reception for 0 yards in the NFC Divisional last weekend.

This article first appeared on Basic Blues Nation and was syndicated with permission.

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