The Detroit Lions are heading into Sunday’s matchup with the New England Patriots with a fresh linebacker addition, and this one will be a debut.
Detroit elevated veteran Owen Pappoe from the practice squad for the game, giving the Auburn product his first chance to suit up for the Lions. Pappoe was signed to the practice squad last week after injuries hit linebackers Jack Campbell and Jimmy Rolder.
The Lions also brought in veteran K.J. Britt from the New England Patriots’ practice squad, and because Detroit poached him, Britt is on the active roster. For Pappoe, though, this is the first time the Lions have used one of their elevations on him.
Pappoe has already seen game action this season, though it came in a different uniform. He played in one game for the Tennessee Titans, appearing in their Week 2 meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He opened the season on Tennessee’s practice squad, was waived in October, and stayed a free agent until Detroit signed him on Nov. 4.
Now in his fourth NFL season, Pappoe spent his first three years with the Arizona Cardinals. Over his career, he has played in 50 games with two starts, recording 66 combined tackles, one forced fumble and two passes defensed.
Detroit’s linebacker room took a major hit when Campbell and Rolder both landed on injured reserve. Campbell’s injury was especially alarming, with the second-year linebacker carted off on a backboard and taken to a local hospital, where he has remained while being evaluated.
Lions linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton spelled out what Campbell means to the defense and to the communication on the field, where he works with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
"He’s the coach on the field. He’s a branch of Shep," Hamilton said, via Audacy.
The biggest thing wearing the green dot is poise and confidence. Poise in the midst of chaotic situations, and no matter what, if it’s the wrong call, right call, confidence with everyone to make it."
The Lions arrived in Germany on Friday and have been taking in the festivities around the trip. On Saturday, team owner Sheila Hamp greeted Lions fans at a pub in Munich as part of the team’s international visit.
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