The Detroit Lions are adding a familiar receiver to their practice squad, with several roster openings still available.
Last week, the Lions had to make roster adjustments, leading to the release of rookie receiver Isaiah Williams, who was waived and then claimed by the Cincinnati Bengals before Detroit could bring him back to the practice squad.
On Tuesday, Detroit signed a new receiver to fill the gap. According to Aaron Wilson, the Lions are bringing Maurice Alexander onto the practice squad.
Alexander has had a back-and-forth history with the Lions over the past two seasons, appearing in four games for them in 2022, primarily as a kick returner. In those appearances, he averaged an impressive 24.3 yards per return. Alexander participated in the Lions’ receiver competition this offseason but didn’t make the final roster and was not re-signed to the practice squad. Since then, he hasn’t been picked up by another team.
Additionally, the Lions announced on Monday they had waived linebacker Abraham Beauplan. Beauplan was added to the active roster on Saturday as an emergency linebacker option, with both Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Texans. Beauplan contributed on 11 special teams snaps. It’s possible he could rejoin the practice squad, and his release might suggest Rodriguez could return this week after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
This leaves the Lions with two practice squad vacancies and one opening on the 53-man roster. Notably, Isaiah Thomas, waived last Thursday, cleared waivers on Monday, and Beauplan might do the same on Tuesday. Both could potentially return to the practice squad.
For the open spot on the 53-man roster, several players currently on injured reserve could be activated. This includes defensive tackle Brodric Martin, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who have all returned to practice.
