In an attempt to alleviate the defensive line injury situation, the Detroit Lions have made a move to signed edge rusher Isaiah Thomas from Cincinnati’s practice squad.
After being selected by Cleveland in the seventh round of the 2022 draft, Thomas, a former Oklahoma standout who had nine tackles, two quarterback hits, and one sack in 10 games with the Browns that season, was placed on the practice squad in 2023 before joining Cincinnati’s practice squad this season. Thomas hasn’t played in a game since his rookie campaign.
Following the spate of injuries that have shaken Detroit’s pass rush, Thomas will assist add some depth. Aidan Hutchinson, the NFL’s top sacker, suffered a broken left leg during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. He will need four to six months to recover, but the Lions are hoping he will be ready for the Super Bowl—assuming they make it that far without their greatest defense.
While defensive tackle Kyle Peko is “likely” out for the season due to a torn pectoral he suffered in Dallas, and fellow defensive tackle Brodric Martin hasn’t played this season due to an injury he sustained in the preseason, Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky, and Derrick Barnes have also been sidelined by long-term injuries.