The Detroit Lions have been active in reshaping their defense by signing players from NFL practice squads to fill key roles, especially with the team dealing with injuries.
Recently, they added linebacker Kwon Alexander from the Denver Broncos and defensive lineman Jonah Williams from the Los Angeles Rams.
Now, they’ve signed defensive lineman Myles Adams from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad.
To make room for these new additions, the Lions have waived wide receiver and return specialist Maurice Alexander.
Additionally, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) and rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (knee) have been placed on injured reserve.
Kwon Alexander, a former Pro Bowler, previously spent a season with the New Orleans Saints, working under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Rodriguez’s move to injured reserve creates an opening for Alexander to contribute sooner, joining linebackers Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the injury list.
Williams, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Rams in 2020, has a connection to Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who was with the Rams at the time.
With several defensive players injured, including Wingo, Paschal (knee), and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), Williams could see significant playing time.
Adams, who has been with the Seahawks for the past four seasons, has seen limited action this year, participating in three games and playing 12 snaps on special teams.
He originally went undrafted out of Rice in 2020 and had a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers before joining Seattle.
Adams’ arrival helps fill the void left by injured defensive linemen like Wingo, Paschal, and Onwuzurike, with Pat O’Connor likely to take on a larger role.
Brodric Martin, activated from injured reserve, could also get involved after recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the preseason.
On the positive side, Za’Darius Smith has been a strong addition to the pass rush, while Alim McNeill and DJ Reader have provided solid play in the interior of the Lions’ defense.