The Detroit Lions have made recent moves to strengthen their defense, signing three players to their practice squad. The new additions are defensive tackle Chris Smith, linebacker Abraham Beauplan, and linebacker Ezekiel Turner. This move is part of the Lions’ ongoing roster adjustments, as they shuffle players between the active roster, practice squad, and injured reserve to manage injuries and other roster needs.
Smith and Beauplan had been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster just last week to help the Lions handle injuries ahead of their Week 9 game against the Green Bay Packers. However, both were released from the active roster on Monday to clear space for two new arrivals—edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, acquired via trade, and wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was returning from suspension. After passing through waivers, both players were re-signed to the practice squad.
Turner, a new face in Detroit, is a surprising addition given that tight end Parker Hesse, who had been on the 53-man roster all season, was released last Saturday. At the time of writing, Hesse is an unrestricted free agent. Turner, listed at 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, was originally a defensive back at the University of Washington before going undrafted in 2018.
Turner’s professional career began with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was converted to linebacker. Over six seasons, he became a key contributor on special teams, earning PFWA All-Rookie honors in 2018. He played in 81 games for the Cardinals, recording 83 tackles, and consistently earned solid grades from Pro Football Focus for his special teams play.
Before signing with the Lions, Turner spent time on the practice squads of the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans. He was elevated to the Texans’ active roster in Week 3, playing 13 snaps and earning a solid 75.7 special teams grade. It’s noteworthy that his signing with Detroit coincides with the Lions’ matchup against his former team, the Texans, though his arrival seems more related to the Lions’ current linebacker depth issues than any specific game-week strategy
