Lions to cut veteran OLB

Used as a rotational pass rusher in two Lions games, Bruce Irvin no longer looks to be in the NFC North champions’ plans. Thanking the Lions for his opportunity Wednesday morning, Irvin pointed to heading elsewhere.

The Lions have set in motion plans to use nearly all of their remaining IR activations soon. In addition to C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Alim McNeill moving close to coming off Detroit’s injured list, defensive end James Houston has been practicing since being designated for return last week.

The Lions initially added Irvin in mid-November; he has now been with six NFL teams. Although the 12th-year edge rusher has played in two games with Detroit, the Lions would be cutting him from their practice squad.

Irvin, 36, played in two games as a gameday elevation and was elevated on Dec. 16 — for a game he did not ultimately play in — as well. With teams limited to three elevations before they are forced to use the waiver system to move players on and off the roster, the Lions are cutting Irvin rather than signing him to their 53-man roster. This move will send Irvin directly to free agency, as P-squad players do not pass through waivers when cut.

Irvin played 42 defensive snaps during his two-game run in Detroit. One of those produced a sack against the Saints. The former first-round pick now has 56.5 career QB drops. The Lions designated Houston for return on Dec. 28. He suffered a broken ankle in Week 2. Like Gardner-Johnson, Houston has made it back from an injury that often ends players’ seasons.

The Lions have four IR activations remaining. It certainly appears that number will be at one by the time the team’s playoff game comes around. The returns of Houston, McNeill and CJGJ will strengthen the Lions’ defense ahead of their postseason opener, assuming each defender is given the go-ahead to rejoin the 53-man roster.