The struggles for CJ Anderson to begin the season have become too much for the Detroit Lions to ignore. As a result, Detroit has released Anderson and claimed Paul Perkins off waivers from the New York Giants, per Adam Schefter.
Lions released RB C.J. Anderson to claim RB Paul Perkins off waivers from the Giants.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2019
The Lions signed Anderson earlier this offseason to be their backup running back to Kerryon Johnson. Now, after two weeks into the season, the Lions have moved on from the veteran running back.
Prior to signing with the Lions, Anderson spent the 2018 season with the Los Angeles Rams. The bruising back arrived in Los Angeles after the Rams decided to rest Todd Gurley in the final two weeks of the season.
Article Continues BelowIn those two games, CJ Anderson turned some heads as he rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns on 43 rushing attempts. His impressive play in the backfield carried over into the playoffs; where he totaled 189 yards and two scores for the Rams.
As for Perkins, the fourth-year running back joins the Lions after spending the past three seasons with the Giants. In New York, Perkins gained 756 yards from scrimmage but failed to find the end zone.
New York decided to release Perkins recently due to having Wayne Gallman cementing his role behind Saquon Barkley. For the Lions, Perkins could have a chance to become the team's backup running back ahead of Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic.
Nonetheless, Detroit may be regretting the decision to release Theo Riddick earlier in the offseason.