The Detroit Lions have elevated two practice squad players—one on offense, one on defense—for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday afternoon the elevation of two players from their practice squad: defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and tight end Shane Zylstra. Both players are now eligible to play in Sunday game against the Tennessee Titans.
Neither player’s elevation comes as much of a surprise. With Muhammad, coach Dan Campbell spoke all week about how this game could be an opportunity to see his first NFL action since 2022. Not only do the Lions remain shorthanded in the wake of Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, but they’ll also be without Josh Paschal, who is dealing with a short-term health concern following a cancer check-up.
“He’s going to set an edge, he’s going to play hard, he is competitive, he’s a finisher, and he’s got a little bit of rush ability,” Campbell said of Muhammad. “He’s more of a kind of push-the-pocket power, and then plays off of that, but it’s more about him coming in to do some of the dirty work and just bring your hard hat, bring your lunch pail type guy. He’s going to give us a good day’s work is really what we’re anticipating, really all we need out of him.”
In addition to Muhammad, the Lions plan to play Isaiah Thomas at the edge position after singing him from the Bengals practice squad two weeks ago. Like Muhammad, Thomas hasn’t seen the field since 2022, but Campbell expressed excitement to see him play this week.
“He’s in a good place and we’re excited to see him play,” Campbell said Friday. “(DL coach) Terrell (Williams) and I were talking about it this morning because he’s got length, he’s got size, strength, he’s smart and plays hard. So, it’ll be exciting to see how he does.”
For the first time in the past three games, the Lions chose not to elevate Isaac Ukwu. He’ll remain on the practice squad this week and is ineligible to play vs. the Titans.
For the second straight week, Zylstra joins the active gameday roster. Last week he saw his first action of the season, while fellow tight end Parker Hesse was inactive. Against the Vikings, Zylstra played just three defensive snaps, including two at full back.
