Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley of the Detroit Lions will take the field for the first time against the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 season.
The 27-year-old is eagerly awaiting his chance to put on a uniform and support Detroit’s defense after a prolonged recovery process that involved multiple surgeries.
“It’s been a long time since I was able to get out there. It’s a blessing to be able to touch the field again, after the injury that I had,” Moseley told a small group of reporters after practice Thursday. “I appreciate everyone around this building for sticking around me and sticking with me. Definitely excited to get out there.”
A ferocious, aggressive, and swarming defense has emerged as one of the team’s strengths this season, the veteran has observed from the sidelines.
The defense of Aaron Glenn has been strong against the run and has put the quarterback under a lot of pressure to open the season.
Moseley expressed, when asked about joining a successful unit, “Oh, 100 percent. When you see the defense out there swarming around, doing their thing, of course you want to be a part of it.”
Moseley is eager to play at Ford Field in front of his supportive home crowd after missing the first four games of the season due to injury. Early opponents have been forced to commit many false starts, which has benefited the Lions.
“I had a little thud out there, so kind of used to it by now. Made a couple plays out there. Definitely got my confidence,” Moseley commented. “Right now, it’s just getting on the field and doing it in the game. It might’ve been Sam (LaPorta). Sam’s a big boy. So, he’s getting me ready.”
As the coaching staff frequently eases returning players back into the lineup at a sensible rate, it is anticipated that Moseley’s snap count against the Panthers will be keenly watched.
“They’ve been doing such a great job,” said Moseley. “I’m just happy I can be a part of it. Just continue to do what they’ve been doing, so when I get out there, I can do my job. Do my job at a fast pace and do it confident. Just excited to get out there and put on a show.”
