The Detroit Lions have made several roster moves in preparation for their crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Here’s a complete rundown:
Released TE Parker Hesse
Signed LB Abraham Beauplan to the 53-man roster
signed DL Chris Smith to the 53-man roster
Elevated TE Shane Zylstra from the practice squad
Elevated DL Al-Quadin Muhammad from the practice squad
**Let’s break down these moves:**
**Released TE Parker Hesse, Elevated TE Shane Zylstra**
For the third week in a row, Zylstra has been promoted from the practice squad, clearly moving ahead of Hesse, who has been inactive for the last two games. Zylstra even stepped into the fullback role, a first for him.
“Tight ends coach Steve Heiden said, ‘What we love about Shane is that no matter where you put him, he gives it his all and does what’s asked of him.
Zylstra has now been elevated to the maximum of three times this season. If the Lions want to keep him active, they will need to sign him to the 53-man roster. Hesse, a veteran, may return to the practice squad next week since he is not subject to waivers.
**Signed DL Chris Smith and LB Abraham Beauplan to the 53-Man Roster**
With Mekhi Wingo and Malcolm Rodriguez unavailable this week, the Lions needed reinforcements on the defensive line. Smith, at 6-foot-1 and 316 pounds, serves as a near replacement for Wingo, who is out due to an ankle injury. An undrafted lineman from Notre Dame, Smith has only played briefly in one game this season.
Beauplan is set to make his NFL debut. After going undrafted in 2023, he spent his rookie year recovering from an injury with the Vikings. The Lions signed him during mid-training camp, and he has been on the practice squad since roster cuts. Beauplan performed well at the end of the preseason and is expected to be an emergency option due to injuries at linebacker.
**Elevated Al-Quadin Muhammad from the Practice Squad**
Muhammad made his Lions debut last week and recorded six pressures, demonstrating a solid performance in relief of Josh Paschal.
“Coach Dan Campbell praised Muhammad, saying, ‘He did exactly what we expected. He brought his lunch pail to work, played aggressively, and finished his plays. He’s experienced and has good awareness at his position.’”
The Lions have utilized two of Muhammad’s three practice squad elevations so far.
Expect more roster adjustments early next week as Jameson Williams is set to come off the reserve/suspended list after the game against the Packers, but there currently isn’t a spot available for his activation.
