The Detroit Lions have signed three defenders to their practice squad.
The Detroit Lions have been busy with their roster gymnastics of late, shuffling players between the practice squad, the active roster, and injured reserve. In their latest move, the Lions signed three defenders to their practice squad: defensive tackle Chris Smith, linebacker Abraham Beauplan, and linebacker Ezekiel Turner.
Smith and Beauplan were signed from the practice squad to the active roster last Saturday to help the Lions deal with injuries as they took on the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. On Monday, they were released from the active roster to make room for edge rusher Za’Darius Smith (whom the Lions traded for) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (who was returning from suspension). After clearing waivers, they returned to the practice squad on Wednesday.
Turner is a new addition to the Lions organization and was surprisingly signed instead of tight end Parker Hesse, who was on the 53-man roster all season but was released last Saturday. At the time of this publishing, Hesse remains an unrestricted free agent.
Turner, listed at 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, played defensive back at the University of Washington and went undrafted in 2018. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals, converted to linebacker, and spent the next six seasons as one of the league’s most consistent special team players—including being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team honors for his play on special teams.
Over his six seasons in the desert, Turner played in 81 games, registered 83 tackles, and earned PFF special teams grades of 78.6, 61.0, 86.4, 68.7, 79.7, and 72.8. This season, he has bounced between the 49ers, Seahawks, and Texans practice squads, and was elevated in Week 3 by Houston, playing on 13 snaps and earning a 75.7 special teams grade.
It’s a bit ironic that he signed with Detroit on the same week the Lions play the Texans, but it is worth pointing out that the Lions opened the week with two linebackers unable to practice—so I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.
