Detroit Lions place 2 on injured reserve before playoff opener

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have moved cornerback Jerry Jacobs and tight end James Mitchell to injured reserve, ending their seasons one day before the playoffs begin against the Los Angeles Rams. In a corresponding move, Detroit has signed cornerback Chase Lucas and tight end Anthony Firkser to the 53-man roster.

The loss of Mitchell could be especially felt against Los Angeles. Star rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is trying to work his way back from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise, and is listed as questionable against L.A. Even if he’s cleared to play, he might not be able to shoulder his regular workload. So losing a backup right now further depletes the resources available at that position.

Detroit still has Brock Wright at tight end, plus has now signed Firkser off the practice squad. The former Harvard star has played in 71 games in his six-year career, and caught 115 passes for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns. He’s appeared in two games for Detroit this season, playing two snaps on offense and another 22 on special teams.

On the other side of the ball, Jacobs’ tough season has hit another snag. He struggled at cornerback, was eventually benched in the second half of the season, then was battling a thigh injury before adding a knee injury to his woes this week. His season is now over.

Jacobs was relegated to a special teams role in recent weeks. Detroit has replaced those contributions by re-signing Lucas, who has played 230 special-teams snaps for the team this year, but was cut last week to help make room for the return of Ceedy Duce and Alim McNeill.

Detroit is also temporarily elevating veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu and fullback Jason Cabinda off the practice squad. Alualu is a 14-year veteran who will be making his third appearance for the Lions this season. He played 67 defensive reps in the final two games of the regular season. He is now out of elevations. Cabina returned to action last week after a long layoff with a knee injury.