Before their matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, the Detroit Lions make roster changes.
The Detroit Lions have made a number of significant roster changes ahead of their Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings. The elevation of veteran defensive end Pat O’Connor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster is the most noteworthy acquisition. The Lions selected O’Connor in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he will finally make his Detroit debut.
Even though O’Connor did not initially earn a position on the Lions’ roster in 2017, he had a successful run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During the offseason, Detroit brought him back, and he has been a member of the team’s practice squad thus far this season. O’Connor, who stands 6’4 and weighs 270 pounds, is a vital addition to the Lions’ defensive line, particularly given the injuries to important players like Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport.
The Lions also promoted tight end Shane Zylstra and EDGE from the practice squad for Sunday’s game in addition to O’Connor. Ukwu Isaac. The call-up to the active roster comes for the second week in a row for Ukwu. The Ole Miss undrafted rookie has contributed significantly to the squad, and his reinstatement to the roster indicates Detroit is in need of edge depth.
However, Shane Zylstra’s elevation is quite unexpected. Due to a significant injury he suffered during training camp in 2023, the tight end has not participated in a game since 2022. Zylstra’s promotion raises the possibility that Detroit is seeking more depth or versatility at tight end for the game against the Vikings, as the Lions now have three tight ends on their active roster.
It is interesting to note that after defensive lineman Kyle Peko was declared out for the season, numerous fans and commentators anticipated that Chris Smith would be called up for this game. The Lions decided against elevating Smith, though, which raises concerns about their strategy for controlling the interior defensive line against Minnesota.
The Lions hope to increase their depth and get ready for a crucial divisional game against the Vikings with these roster adjustments.
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