Detroit Lions Shake Up Defense, Release Defensive Lineman After Victory Over Bears and McNeill Injury
Defensive lineman Chris Smith continues to move between the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, free agency, and main roster.
On Monday afternoon, Smith was waived after participating in 12 defensive snaps during the Lions’ 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears.
The 25-year-old was cut after training camp but returned for Week 1 while DJ Reader recovered. Smith has since been waived, re-signed, and waived multiple times this season.
Despite this, Smith has played in three games, contributing 30 defensive snaps and three more on special teams.
In the win against the Bears, Smith stepped in for Alim McNeill, who was sidelined for the season with an ACL injury. Smith is expected to return to the practice squad as the Lions continue adjusting their roster to accommodate returning players.
Smith was chosen over Brodric Martin and Jonah Williams for the game in Chicago. On Saturday, he was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. Martin and Williams were inactive, leaving Smith to rotate with Myles Adams, Pat O’Connor, and Al-Quadin Muhammad.
