2 former Detroit Lions reinstated after gambling suspension

The NFL has reinstated two former Detroit Lions players after serving year-long suspensions for gambling.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Detroit Lions safety/special teamer C.J. Moore and former Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus have been told he will be reinstated to the NFL after serving a one-year suspension following a violation of the league’s gambling policy.

Back in April of 2023, Moore and Cephus were among four Lions players who were suspended for gambling on football games, violating the league’s strict policies. While others, like Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill, were only suspended for six games (eventually shortened to four games) for gambling on non-NFL games, Moore and Cephus were suspended indefinitely because they reportedly gambled on NFL games. Both Cephus and Moore were immediately released by the Lions, terminating their contracts with the team.

Because those contracts are now terminated, both Cephus and Moore are free to sign with any team they desire. Moore, in particular, was highly valued by the team prior to the suspension, as he was a core special teamer. He ranked in the top five in team special teams snaps in each of his four seasons with the Lions. Detroit also happens to have a pretty thin safety room, but it’s unclear if they would be willing to reunite with Moore (or if he’d have any interest in returning) following the suspension and subsequent release.

Cephus had a much more unceremonious Lions career. A fifth-round pick in 2020, Cephus only made 22 game appearances and six starts over three seasons with the Lions. Over that time, Cephus caught 37 passes for 568 yards and four touchdowns.

That said, Cephus is only 26 years old and doesn’t have much tread on the tires, so there may be some lingering interest.

In addition to Moore and Cephus, the NFL has also reinstated three other players: WR Shaka Toney, LB Rashod Berry, and DL Demetrius Taylor. Berry and Taylor were previously on the Lions, but not at the time of their suspensions.