The Detroit Lions are facing several key injuries on defense and have brought in reinforcements to help. With linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (IR), defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (IR), defensive end Josh Paschal (knee), and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) all sidelined, the team signed three players from practice squads. They added defensive lineman Myles Adams from Seattle’s practice squad, linebacker Kwon Alexander from Denver’s, and defensive lineman Jonah Williams from the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad.
When a practice squad player is signed by another team, they receive a guaranteed three-week salary and count against the 53-man roster for at least three weeks, even if they are released before that time is up. Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are familiar with Alexander from their time together in New Orleans in 2020. The former Pro Bowler has started 90 games in his career, recording 639 tackles and 54 tackles for loss.
“We know exactly what he’s capable of,” Campbell said. “A lot of this will be familiar for him. The terminology might differ a little from what he used in Denver, but it’s very similar to what he had in New Orleans. I think he’ll pick it up quickly.”
Adams (6-2, 290) played for Seattle in their Week 4 loss to Detroit, recording three tackles against the Lions. Over four seasons, he’s appeared in 26 games, with 30 tackles, one sack, and a couple of tackles for loss.
Williams (6-5, 275) has played in six games for the Rams this season, capable of lining up both inside and on the edge. Over four seasons, he has 2.5 sacks in 22 starts.
Detroit also added former All-Pro defensive back Jamal Adams to their practice squad. Adams has started 81 games in eight seasons but has played just 13 games over the past three years.
“This will be good, getting Jamal here,” Campbell said Sunday. “We’ll see if there’s a spot for him. It just gives us more options.”
This will be the first time the Lions face a division opponent for the second time this season. Detroit defeated the Packers 24-14 in Week 9 at Green Bay, with the game heavily influenced by the rainy and cold conditions at Lambeau Field on November 3.
“The weather played a role in a few things, but overall, the strategies are clear for both teams,” Campbell said. “I don’t think it will make a big difference. Every week, we see new wrinkles and tendency breakers, so we expect that again.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has praised the physicality his team has shown since their Week 9 loss to Detroit. The Packers have won their last three games and limited their last two opponents—San Francisco and Miami—to just 83 rushing yards combined.
“They are a very physical team, so it should be a great battle on Thursday Night Football,” LaFleur said Sunday of the Lions.