Lions elevate DB ahead of 'Sunday Night Football' vs Panthers

The Detroit Lions have added depth to their defensive backfield by promoting Jalen Mills from their practice squad to the active roster for their upcoming Sunday Night Football game against the Carolina Panthers. This marks the second consecutive week that Mills has been elevated to the active roster, as he was previously added for the Lions' Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets on September 21.

Signed to the practice squad on September 21, Mills, a 32-year-old defensive back, played sparingly in Detroit last season after being claimed off waivers from the Eagles on December 10. Over 122 games, he has recorded 460 tackles, 60 passes defended, and 10 tackles for loss, along with eight interceptions, seven quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, one sack, and one fumble recovery.

One of his notable achievements includes returning an interception for a touchdown. Mills brings valuable experience and versatility to the Lions' defense, having showcased his abilities with various NFL teams before joining Detroit. The Lions' roster adjustments come as they contend with injuries to key players, including defensive back Avonte Maddox, who is out for the season due to a foot injury, and safety Thomas Harper, who is rehabilitating from a torn Achilles tendon.

Both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, the starting safeties, are also sidelined, with Joseph managing a knee condition and Branch recovering from an Achilles tear. With these roster moves, the Lions aim to bolster their defensive unit ahead of their Sunday Night Football showdown.