The Detroit Lions are facing a number of key injuries on defense and have brought in reinforcements ahead of their upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup. Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (IR), defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (IR), defensive end Josh Paschal (knee), and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) have all been sidelined, prompting the Lions to sign three players off practice squads. These additions include defensive lineman Myles Adams from Seattle, linebacker Kwon Alexander from Denver, and defensive lineman Jonah Williams from Los Angeles Rams.
Players signed from practice squads are guaranteed a three-week salary and must remain on the 53-man roster for at least that time, even if released before the three weeks end. Alexander, who played for New Orleans in 2020, has 639 tackles and 54 tackles for loss in his 90-game NFL career. Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are familiar with Alexander from their time in New Orleans and expect him to adapt quickly to the Lions’ system.
Adams, a 6-2, 290-pound defensive lineman, recorded three tackles in Seattle’s Week 4 loss to Detroit. Over his four-year career, he has appeared in 26 games, accumulating 30 tackles, one sack, and several tackles for loss. Williams, who stands 6-5 and weighs 275 pounds, has played six games for the Rams this season and can play both inside and on the edge. He has started 22 games over four years and has 2.5 sacks.
In addition to these three signings, the Lions have added former All-Pro defensive back Jamal Adams to their practice squad. Adams, with 81 career starts in eight seasons, has struggled with injuries in recent years, playing only 13 games in the last three seasons. Campbell expressed optimism about Adams’ potential, saying it would provide the team with more options moving forward.
This Thursday will mark the second matchup of the season between the Lions and the Packers, following Detroit’s 24-14 victory in Green Bay during Week 9. The game was heavily affected by poor weather conditions, but Campbell believes the team’s blueprint remains effective, despite any external factors. He expects both teams to adapt and adjust their strategies as they face off again.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has been pleased with his team’s physical play since their loss to Detroit, and his team has won three consecutive games since then. The Packers’ defense has particularly impressed, limiting opponents San Francisco and Miami to just 83 rushing yards combined in their last two games. LaFleur anticipates a tough, physical contest on Thursday night.
As December begins, the playoff race is heating up, with the Lions (11-1) holding a slim lead over the Packers (9-3) in the NFC. The top four NFC teams are separated by just two games, making this Thursday’s game crucial for playoff positioning. Campbell, however, is embracing the pressure, enjoying the competitive nature of the stretch run as the team aims for a postseason spot. He remains focused on the present, stressing the importance of taking it one game at a time.
