Campbell on Timing of Muhlbach's Release: 'I'm an A**hole'
The Detroit Lions organization took some criticism from supporters of the team after releasing long snapper Don Muhlbach on the day of his 40th birthday.
When asked by the media his reaction to some criticism the team has received, head coach Dan Campbell shouldered the blame for the timing of the surprising announcement of Muhlbach's release.
"There's no way to sugarcoat that. I'm an a**hole. That's about the best way to put it. There's no way around it, really," he said. "Ultimately, it falls on me. That's my fault."
Campbell also provided updates on whether significant offensive weapons would suit up Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Campbell expressed that he is leaning toward sitting a few more veterans against Pittsburgh, including quarterback Jared Goff.
For running back D'Andre Swift, he will likely increase his workload at Thursday's practice, but he isn't likely to suit up.
The same rule will likely apply to tight end T.J. Hockenson. The third-year tight end will not play Saturday, after missing the team's first preseason contest against the Buffalo Bills.
Whatever the Lions' plan is for this week, Campbell said the plan for next Friday's game against the Indianapolis Colts would be similar, in terms of the players that would be held out for precautionary measures.
Notes
- Backup quarterbacks Tim Boyle and David Blough are both expected to suit up and play on Saturday.
- Bruce Hector has impressed Campbell and the rest of the coaching staff. "It's hard not to notice," Campbell told reporters.
- The plan is for Hockenson to ramp up his workload beginning next week.
