Lions Announce Three Roster Moves to Address Linebacker Injuries Ahead of Week 9
The Detroit Lions’ 19-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings was important, but it came at a cost.
After rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder suffered a season-ending hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve, and with Jack Campbell still sidelined, Detroit entered Week 9 thin at linebacker.
On Tuesday, the team waived rookie defensive back Bishop Fitzgerald and placed Rolder on IR, creating two vacancies on the 53-man roster. On Wednesday, they filled them.
The Lions officially announced three moves:
• Signed LB K.J. Britt to the active roster from the New England Patriots’ practice squad • Signed LB Joe Bachie to the active roster from their own practice squad • Signed LB Owen Pappoe to the practice squad after a visit on Tuesday
Pappoe, a former fifth-round pick, adds emergency depth and special teams value.
With Fitzgerald gone after the return of Brian Branch and the looming return of Kerby Joseph, Detroit no longer needed extra safety depth.
According to the team’s estimated injury report from Wednesday’s walkthrough, Campbell, Cade Mays, DJ Reed, and DJ Wonnum were listed as non-participants, while Branch, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jacob Saylors, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and Joseph were limited.
Britt and Bachie will likely play limited defensive snaps with an emphasis on special teams, while Trevor Nowaske and Malcolm Rodriguez are expected to take on larger defensive roles against the Dolphins on Sunday.
