Detroit Lions sign Barry Richardson to take Tony Scheffler’s spot

Detroit Lions tight end Tony Scheffler (85) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions saw a couple of tackles go down with injuries in yesterday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and they had just one healthy tackle on the roster prior to signing Barry Richardson. Lions official site beat writer Tim Twentyman reports that the team has signed Richardson in order to add depth to the tackle position, and they will announce a corresponding roster move later. The Detroit Free Press’s terrific Dave Birkett replied that Richardson will take Tony Scheffler’s spot on the roster.

The Lions have yet to decide if they will outright release Scheffler or merely place him on the injured reserve, so keep an eye out for that. Adding Richardson is a necessary evil due to the injuries at tackle, and Detroit Lions fans can only pray that Richardson doesn’t have to see any game action this season.

Richardson was one of the worst tackles in the NFL in 2010 and 2011 while with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he wasn’t much better as a starter on the St. Louis Rams either. He’s just deep depth at this point, and the 27-year-old was unable to crack the Tennessee Titans roster out of training camp. Once the Lions offensive line is healthy again, then Richardson will likely find himself right back on the free agent market.

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