The Detroit Lions bolstered their defensive line ahead of their game against the Minnesota Vikings.
They promoted veteran defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (Eastern Michigan) from the practice squad to the active roster, and elevated defensive end Isaac Ukwu and tight end Shane Zylstra to the gameday roster.
The Lions face the NFC North-leading Vikings in their first game since Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg in last week’s win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions also lost defensive end Marcus Davenport and tackle Kyle Peko to season-ending injuries and have been without lineman John Cominsky all season.
Hutchinson, who leads the NFL with 7½ sacks, is likely out for the season.
O’Connor, drafted by the Lions in 2017, has played 68 games, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He plays end or tackle and has been with the Lions since training camp.
#Lions sign Pat O’Connor to the 53-man roster, elevate two practice squad players https://t.co/WHKgfn3tEj via @PrideOfDetroit
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) October 19, 2024
Ukwu replaced Hutchinson in the Cowboys game, recording two tackles in his NFL debut over 36 snaps.
Zylstra, who had 11 catches for the Lions in 2022, hasn’t played since a knee injury in last year’s training camp.
