The Detroit Lions strengthened their defensive line ahead of Sunday night’s season opener at Ford Field.
In a series of roster moves, the Lions added two defensive lineman and a wide receiver in preparation for their Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions promoted defensive tackle Chris Smith from the practice squad to the regular 53-man roster.
Detroit had an open slot on the roster and filled it with Smith, an undrafted rookie in 2023 who performed well this summer.
The Lions have announced they’ve elevated DT Kyle Peko & signed DL Chris Smith to the active roster for tomorrow’s game.
There was optimism that DJ Reader was going to get some playing time vs the Rams but we may have to wait until week 2 #OnePride pic.twitter.com/GJiQM7VlmO
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) September 7, 2024
Signing Smith to the active roster was not an expected move. During training camp, veteran DT Kyle Peko received the majority of first-team work, while youngster DJ Reader remained sidelined. Peko was promoted from the practice squad for the Rams game.Reader is doubtful for Sunday night’s game.
The Lions also promoted wide receiver Tom Kennedy for the game. That’s also an unexpected turn in a situation where a practice squad relocation had been generally anticipated.
Veterans Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson, and Donovan Peoples-Jones all have greater size and outside talent at wideout, but Kennedy gets the nod.
