On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions declared that DL Chris Smith has been re-signed to their practice squad.
In keeping with a trend of similar deals this season, defensive tackle Chris Smith was re-signed to the practice squad after being dismissed by the Detroit Lions on December 23, 2024, to free up roster space prior to Week 17. The Lions typically make this move in order to manage their practice squad and roster in order to preserve depth without compromising the size of their active roster or to accommodate any injury returns. Given the limitations on promoting players from the practice squad each week, the Lions’ approach of using the practice squad to maintain seasoned players accessible for elevation to the active roster as needed is reflected in Chris Smith’s re-signing.