Lions claim return specialist Yamon Figurs from Ravens

Lions claim return specialist Yamon Figurs from Ravens
John Niyo The Detroit News
September 08, 2009 00:13 AM

The Lions made another waiver claim Sunday, picking up return specialist Yamon Figurs, who was among the Baltimore Ravens' final cuts Saturday. Figurs' agent, Vann McElroy, said his client was on his way to Detroit Sunday night.

The team won't confirm that move -- or the waiver claim of cornerback Marcus McCauley from Minnesota earlier today -- until the players pass their physicals.

But the Lions did confirm the trade of quarterback Kevin O'Connell to the New York Jets earlier Sunday, as well as announcing the release of three players: defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis, receiver Adam Jennings and cornerback Cletis Gordon. That still leaves two spots open on the 53-man roster even with the addition of McCauley and Figurs.

Figurs, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound receiver entering his third NFL season, had only a limited role as a receiver while handling the return duties and serving as the gunner on special-teams coverage. Figurs returned both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns as a rookie third-round pick out of Kansas State in 2007. But the offseason addition of Chris Carr -- a player the Lions also pursued in free agency -- made Figurs expendable.

The Lions also announced seven of the eight players they've signed to their practice squad. All three of their seventh-round picks -- offensive tackle Lydon Murtha, linebacker Zack Follett and tight end Dan Gronkowski -- are staying, along with running back Tristan Davis, center Dan Gerberry and tight end Carson Butler. Also joining the practice squad is receiver John Broussard, who was waived by Chicago on Saturday.

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(Image: Getty Images)
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