Detroit Lions resign Teddy Bridgewater ahead of playoff run

Detroit Lions press conference: Campbell talks Teddy Bridgewater signing

Teddy Bridgewater, a former quarterback for the Lions has been resigned by the team ahead of the playoffs. Dan Campbell talked about the advantage of having a player that makes everyone around him better on the team before a run into the postseason.

(FOX 2) - The Detroit Lions have resigned Teddy Bridgewater, bringing back the team's former backup quarterback ahead of a playoff run that is fast approaching.

Head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Bridgewater's return meant bringing back a level of professionalism and experience that will be invaluable ahead of the postseason.

"You know, veteran presence - somebody that's great for our team, is great for the position," he said. "Doesn't mean we're disappointed in (Hendon) Hooker, that's not what this means."

The team's current backup was drafted last year and has had minimal playing time as Jared Goff has continued to thrive in Detroit.

"It just means, this gives us a guy - somebody that's played a lot in the NFL. We're getting ready for the playoffs," Campbell said.

While Bridgewater's first stint with the team was brief, it did reunite him with Campbell after the two had been part of the New Orleans Saints years earlier.

During his retirement, he was named head coach at his old high school in Florida. Campbell said he had been in contact with the former quarterback about a possible return.

Lions Vs. 49ers: NFC Championship Rematch

Months earlier, this game was likely circled as a possible preview of a late playoff game.

San Francisco pulled out a come-from-behind victory over Detroit in the NFC Conference Championship, helping them book their ticket to the Super Bowl.

But much has changed and as Detroit has bloomed into one of the best teams in football, San Francisco has been hit hard by injuries and was eliminated from the playoffs.

That doesn't mean the Lions' return to Levi's Stadium will be any easier. Campbell said on Thursday he believes his team has matured a lot since their last game in California and they'll be ready for the challenge they face.

"There was a number of things we did wrong and a number of things they did right and I think you understand how the game can go and where it can swing," he said.

He added making the most of every play and rep could be the difference in the game - and that his team is "much more prepared" to seize that opportunity.

"That experience, as difficult as it was, served us well moving forward into this year," he said.

While the 49ers have a mostly-healthy defense, their offense has been gashed with injuries, especially in their running back and receiver positions.

Detroit has dealt with the opposite, staying healthy on offense but managing their way through struggles on the defensive side. While it's too soon to tell, the Lions could potentially get back Jalen Reeves-Maybin back.

His last game was against Green Bay in November before injuring his neck.

Meanwhile, the Lions have also moved wide receiver Kalif Raymond into their injury evaluation window, allowing him to start practicing after a hamstring injury in Week 12.

While he's unlikely to play on Sunday, he could return to playing form for the playoffs.