The Detroit Lions opened up a roster spot for their Week 7 game by cutting linebacker Ty Summers. The team released the experienced defender just hours before their kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Roughly a day later, Detroit reversed course and brought Summers back.
On Tuesday evening, the Lions announced through social media that they had re-signed Summers, this time adding him to their practice squad.
Throughout his six-year NFL journey, Summers has mainly contributed on special teams. In two appearances for Detroit this season, he took part in 26 special teams plays without logging a single defensive snap.
The Green Bay Packers originally selected Summers 226th overall in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He stood out during pre-draft testing, particularly with his 4.51-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
“High-motor defender who organizes the defense and shows solid play strength,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He can set the edge when needed and stays low with a strong base to resist blockers.
“Displays patience when scraping, keeping leverage to stop cutbacks. He’s a sure tackler with compact power and excellent traits for special teams.”
Lions Bring Back LB Ty Summers
Summers started this season on the Lions’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster ahead of Week 5.
He logged 12 special teams snaps in Week 5 and added 14 more the following week.
Detroit released him on Monday to clear space for new additions in the secondary. With multiple injuries among defensive backs, the Lions needed every roster opening they could manage for depth.
Ultimately, Summers finds himself right back where he began the year.
Over 85 career NFL games, Summers has totaled 89 combined tackles, along with two pass deflections, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery.
He has made three career starts, two of which came last season while with the New York Giants.
Before joining Detroit, Summers also spent time with the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints.
Lions Defense Dominates Before Bye Week
Despite several injuries in the defensive backfield, Detroit’s secondary excelled Monday night against Tampa Bay. The Lions’ defense stifled the Buccaneers, limiting them to only nine points.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had entered the game as an early MVP candidate, averaged just 4.6 yards per attempt and threw an interception while being sacked four times.
It was a dominant outing for Detroit’s defense, particularly given their depleted secondary.
The Lions now head into their Week 8 bye. Their next matchup will be a home game against the Minnesota Vikings at 1 p.m. ET on November 2.
