The Detroit Lions have called up some serious size from their practice squad just in time for their Week 5 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On Saturday, the team announced the elevation of offensive lineman Devin Cochran and cornerback Tre Flowers to the active roster. Cochran stands an imposing 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, while Flowers brings a 6-foot-3, 203-pound frame to the secondary.
Cochran has spent nearly a month on Detroit’s practice squad, and this will be his first elevation of the season. Before joining the Lions, he spent three years with the Bengals — including the latest training camp and preseason — where he appeared in nine games and earned one start last year.
There’s still some uncertainty surrounding veteran Taylor Decker, who remains listed as questionable due to a lingering shoulder injury. Despite limited practice time since Week 1, Decker has continued to play through the pain and is expected to suit up again. With Giovanni Manu already serving as the top backup tackle, Cochran adds much-needed depth should the Lions’ front line require reinforcement.
As for Flowers, the 30-year-old cornerback was added to Detroit’s practice squad earlier this week and wasted no time making an impression. His size has been noticeable during practice sessions, standing tall among the team’s defensive backs.
A fifth-round selection in 2018, Flowers has spent time with Seattle, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati during his seven-year career. Though he hasn’t been a consistent starter since his early years in Seattle, he’s provided valuable veteran experience and special teams versatility wherever he’s played.
The Lions’ secondary depth has been tested recently. Cornerback D.J. Reed (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve after getting hurt last week and will miss at least four games, while Khalil Dorsey (wrist/concussion) is also sidelined for the Bengals matchup.
Flowers’ presence helps patch that gap, offering both coverage and special teams support. Across his career, he’s logged 95 games and 44 starts, though he’s tallied just one interception since 2018 — a sign of his evolving role as a rotational defender and core special teamer.
With Reed and Dorsey unavailable, rookie Terrion Arnold will assume the top cornerback duties, while Amik Robertson should see more action on the perimeter. That could shift Avonte Maddox into more slot reps, with Rock Ya-Sin expected to rotate in for situational packages.
Go Lions!!