The Lions made a linebacker shuffle on Wednesday, and the moves point to a group that’s getting thinner by the day.
Detroit signed Joe Bachie from the practice squad to the active roster, added K.J. Britt from the Patriots’ practice squad to the active roster, and brought Owen Pappoe onto the practice squad.
The roster math worked out cleanly because the Lions had already created two openings on Tuesday by placing rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder on injured reserve and waiving rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald. Bachie’s move up from the practice squad then opened the door for Pappoe.
Bachie has been part of this story since April, when he arrived and spent camp giving the Lions veteran depth at MIKE linebacker and on special teams. He played well enough in the preseason to stay in the mix right up until cutdowns, and even after Detroit let him go, the team brought him back to the practice squad the next day. When Rolder’s injury made it clear he wouldn’t be able to start the season, the Lions elevated Bachie for the first two games, then released him in late September and signed him back to the practice squad.
Now he’s back on the 53-man roster again, and the need is obvious. With Bachie functioning as the team’s LB7, injuries to Jack Campbell and Rolder have opened the door for a bigger role. He’ll almost certainly keep his place on special teams, but his experience and flexibility could push him into LB4 territory behind Derrick Barnes, Trevor Nowaske, and Malcolm Rodriguez, who are the three presumed starters.
Britt and Pappoe are newer pieces, and both will need time to get comfortable in Detroit’s defensive system. Britt does bring a track record on special teams, though, and with the Lions usually keeping six linebackers active on game days, there’s a real chance he could be up and available as soon as this Sunday against the Dolphins.
In Other News...
Lions Defense Is Already Feeling Jack Campbells Absence
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The emotional reach of the injury has stretched beyond Detroit, too, with Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley offering support for Campbell and the Lions. For a defense that leans on Campbells presence and steadiness, the immediate task is as much about keeping the unit grounded as it is about filling snaps. The Lions now have to manage the football side of the absence while carrying the human side of it, which is never easy in a week like this. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Could Get A Needed Linebacker Boost Sooner Than Expected
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White has said he feels good about where his recovery stands, and the next checkpoint should provide a clearer picture of how close he is to getting back on the field. For a defense that has had to keep patching holes, even the possibility of adding him back into the mix this month is a welcome development. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Face A Tough Reality In Miami Despite Their Winning Streak
The Lions head into Week 9 with momentum from a three-game winning streak, but the trip to Miami comes with a clear dose of caution. Detroit has been dealing with multiple injuries on defense, and that reality is shaping how this matchup is being viewed as the team tries to keep its run going against a Dolphins offense that can stress a defense in a hurry.
The betting market has already reflected some of that concern, with the total climbing even as the spread has stayed put. It points to a game that could stay tight and carry more scoring than usual, but for Detroit the bigger question is whether a battered defense can hold up long enough to let the winning streak survive another week. [Read more 🡒]