ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have been active in scooping up players from NFL practice squads to address their injured defense.
They recently signed linebacker Kwon Alexander from the Denver Broncos and defensive lineman Jonah Williams from the Los Angeles Rams. Now, they’ve added defensive lineman Myles Adams from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad.
To accommodate the new signings, the Lions have waived wide receiver and return specialist Maurice Alexander. Additionally, they placed linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) and rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (knee) on injured reserve.
Kwon Alexander, a former Pro Bowler, spent a season in New Orleans under Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. With linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez joining Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the injured list, Alexander is now primed to step into a key role sooner rather than later.
Jonah Williams entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Rams in 2020, during Brad Holmes’ time overseeing their college scouting. With linebacker Mekhi Wingo also heading to injured reserve, and additional injuries to Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), there’s now more opportunity for Williams to contribute.
Myles Adams has spent the past four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, appearing in three games this season, all of which were on special teams. After going undrafted out of Rice in 2020, Adams had a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers before landing with Seattle, where he has earned valuable playing time.
With Wingo, Paschal, and Onwuzurike sidelined, the Lions are left with significant gaps on the defensive line, creating a prime opportunity for Pat O’Connor to take on a larger role.
Brodric Martin, who has recently returned to practice after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the preseason, could also factor into the mix, especially after being activated from injured reserve. The former third-round pick has been out for several months, but the team has been cautious not to rush his return.
On a positive note, Za’Darius Smith has been a strong addition to the Lions’ pass rush, and the interior duo of Alim McNeill and DJ Reader has proven to be a formidable force.