The Detroit Lions’ training camp injuries are beginning to pile up. The defense took another blow yesterday with the loss of veteran defensive lineman John Cominsky who was carted off the field with an MCL injury. Acquired in 2022 from the Atlanta Falcons, Cominsky appeared in 30 games with 66 tackles, six sacks, and defended four passes. Viewed as a utility defender, capable of playing multiple positions, he will be difficult to replace on the Lions’ roster.
Detroit Lions Possible Replacement for John Cominsky
In addition to the loss of Cominsky, guard Netane Muti went down yesterday with an upper-body injury, and kicker Michael Badgley was lost for the season the week before. A key goal for athletes at NFL training camps is to train hard, push yourself but don’t get injured. That’s not easy when you’re fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster and the adrenalin kicks in. All too frequently, players go down hard with season-ending injuries.
But as the Detroit Lions search for free-agent defensive players to fill the roster, one possible replacement for Cominsky might already be close by and he regards Ford Field as his home stadium. Having already acquired kicker Jake Bates from the Michigan Panthers, the Lions should consider signing his former teammate defensive end Breeland Speaks. He could be the ideal candidate to replace the injured Cominsky.
Defensive Player of the Year
Speaks was voted to the All-UFL team and named the “Defensive Player of the Year.” In ten games, he recorded 32 tackles, 9.5 sacks for 75 yards, 2 broken passes and 1 forced fumble. In week nine against the Houston Roughnecks, Speaks was recognized as the UFL “Defensive Player of the Week” for his performance. He led the Panthers’ defense and was all over the field, contributing six tackles, three sacks, and one broken-up pass.
The Early Years
A native of Jackson, MS, Speaks was drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. He appeared in all 16 games recording four starts with 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks. After being placed on injured reserve by the Chiefs on August 31, 2019, Speaks was waived the following year.
Before his standout season with the UFL Michigan Panthers, Speaks made the rounds of several NFL practice squads. Although he had brief stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers, he remained on the practice squad and was waived each time without actual game experience. It wasn’t until he signed with the USFL Michigan Panthers in 2022, that Speaks found success. During his initial USFL game, Speaks recorded three sacks, seven tackles, and one forced fumble.
Success in Spring Football
After briefly tasting the thrill of playing in the NFL, Speaks proved he is a dominant defensive force in the UFL. Spring football provided a consistent opportunity to play each week in an environment where he could continue to hone his skills and shine.
Rumor has it that Speaks loves playing at Ford Field and would prefer to stay in Detroit. With his smothering presence, Speaks can replace Cominsky and fulfill that defensive utility role for the Lions. Returning to the NFL is his dream and he’s ready. Having matured as an athlete, he understands the discipline and mindset it takes to play this game at the highest level.
Brad Holmes, if you’re listening, your search may be over. Speaks seems ideally suited to being signed as a replacement for John Cominsky on the Detroit Lions roster.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
