The Detroit Lions bolstered their linebacker depth on the practice squad ahead of their Week 6 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
On Monday, reports emerged that the Lions are signing outside linebacker Cam Gill to the practice squad. The team later confirmed the move, along with the signing of outside linebacker/defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to the practice squad.
In corresponding moves, the Lions announced the release of safety Erick Hallett and kicker Matthew McCrane from the practice squad.
Both Muhammad and Gill are potential SAM linebacker options, having played similar roles during their careers. Muhammad has been with three organizations since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Gill entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after his college career at Wagner. He made the Buccaneers’ active roster and stayed with the team for the season, recording a half-sack on Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl.
The Wagner alum has played in 40 NFL games, most recently appearing in 15 games with the Buccaneers in 2023. He signed with the Carolina Panthers for the 2024 season but was released on Sept. 5.
Gill also has special teams experience, with 768 career snaps in that area. He has 29 career tackles, a forced fumble, and 2.5 sacks.
The Lions have faced linebacker injuries this season. Alex Anzalone missed the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals due to a concussion, and Derrick Barnes is on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Without Barnes in Week 4, several linebackers played rotational roles for the Lions. Malcolm Rodriguez, Ben Niemann, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Trevor Nowaske all saw defensive snaps alongside starters Anzalone and Jack Campbell.
To address these injuries, the Lions signed linebacker Abraham Beauplan to the practice squad earlier this season. Beauplan played with the Lions during the preseason.
