On Thursday, the Lions announced two transactions to their practice squad, officially signing quarterback C.J. Bethard and releasing edge rusher Isaac Ukwu in a corresponding move.
Earlier in the week, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell explained that the team was looking for an experienced quarterback to fill out their room. On Wednesday, it was reported that the Lions planned to sign Bethard to their practice squad to fill their third quarterback role, with the move now becoming official. Bethard provides the Lions with veteran insurance at the quarterback position, serving as a backup to starter Jared Goff and established QB2 Kyle Allen.
Ukwu signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2024, and while he spent the majority of the season on the practice squad, he was elevated for two games during his rookie season, registering three tackles. He signed a futures contract in the offseason and battled for a roster spot throughout training camp, but was eventually waived during cutdowns and was re-signed to the practice squad.
With Ukwu no longer on the team, the Lions have just five healthy defensive ends on the roster: Starters Aiden Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, reserve Al-Quadin Muhammad, along with Tyrus Wheat, who was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys, and finally, former Vikings pass rusher Andre Carter is signed to the practice squad. Josh Paschal is their sixth pass rusher, but he is currently on the non-football injury (NFI) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season.
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