[REVISION HISTORY]

Detroit Lions defensive roster and performance issues

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-22 21:56 UTC → 2026-10-13 23:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following a poor start to the season where they allowed 71 points through their first two games, the Detroit Lions have intensified efforts to bolster their secondary. After a 41-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard faced scrutiny regarding coverage busts and communication issues. To address injuries to starters Avonte Maddox, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph, the team hosted workouts for veterans Jordan Fuller and Jalen Mills. While the Lions had previously expressed interest in free agent Kenny Moore II, he was ultimately signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. In response to a season-ending foot injury to Maddox, the Lions signed Jalen Mills to their practice ~~squad. Additionally, the team~~ squad and promoted safety Bishop Fitzgerald from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad to ~~their~~ the 53-man active roster ~~to provide depth ahead of their~~ for the Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. By October, the Lions released Mills from the practice squad after he had been elevated to the active roster for three consecutive weeks. The roster stabilization coincided with the return of Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch to practice following time on the physically unable to perform list. Additionally, rookie Keith Abney has begun seeing action at safety, receiving praise from head coach Dan Campbell following his first NFL start.

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