Lions bolster defense with four new additions, gear up for Thursday Night Football.
Detroit Lions Bolster Defense Amid Injury Woes
The Detroit Lions are navigating a wave of key defensive injuries and have turned to fresh talent for reinforcements.
Following injuries to linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (IR), defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (IR), defensive end Josh Paschal (knee), and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), the Lions added three players from other teams’ practice squads to strengthen their roster.
Detroit signed defensive lineman Myles Adams from Seattle, linebacker Kwon Alexander from Denver, and defensive lineman Jonah Williams from the Los Angeles Rams.
Under NFL rules, players signed from practice squads receive a guaranteed three-week salary and must be on the new team’s 53-man roster for at least three weeks, regardless of whether they remain with the team beyond that period.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have a history with Alexander from their time in New Orleans in 2020. A former Pro Bowler, Alexander has started 90 NFL games, amassing 639 tackles and 54 tackles for loss in his career.
“We know exactly what he’s suited to do,” Campbell said of Alexander’s readiness for the upcoming matchup against the Packers. “A lot of this is similar to what he was doing in New Orleans, so I think he’ll pick it up quickly.”
Adams (6-2, 290), who played against Detroit in Week 4 with Seattle, recorded three tackles in that game. Over four seasons, he has appeared in 26 games, tallying 30 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss.
Williams (6-5, 275) has appeared in six games for the Rams this season and brings versatility to the defensive line, capable of playing both inside and on the edge. Over four seasons, he has started 22 games and recorded 2.5 sacks.
Additionally, Detroit signed former All-Pro defensive back Jamal Adams to their practice squad. Adams, a veteran with 81 starts across eight seasons, has been limited to just 13 games over the past three years due to injuries.
“This will be good for us,” Campbell said of the addition. “We’ll see if there’s a spot for him. It gives us options.”
As the Lions gear up for their matchup against the Packers, these new additions could provide the boost needed to weather the storm of injuries and stay competitive.
