Detroit Lions sign two players to the 53-man roster and call up two from the practice squad

The Detroit Lions have made numerous roster changes to prepare for their important matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Here is a complete list;

• Approved by TE Parker Hesse
• Signed LB Abraham Beauplan to the 53-man roster
• DL Chris Smith was added to the 53-man roster
• TE Shane Zylstra called up from practice squad
• DL Al-Quadin Muhammad called up from the training group

Let's break down each move:

TE Parker Hesse released, TE Shane Zylstra called up from practice squad

For the third time in a row, Zylstra was called up from the practice squad. It's clear that he has overtaken Hesse on the depth chart as Hesse has been inactive in the last two games. Zylstra even stepped in for the full-back role, something we had never seen from him before.

“I think that’s what we love about Shane. No matter where you put him, he will give it his all and do whatever is asked of him,” tight ends coach Steve Heiden said this week.

Zylstra has now been increased as many times as possible in a season (three). This means that if Detroit wants to use him in the future, they will have to sign him to the 53-man roster. As for Hesse, don't be surprised if they bring him back to the practice squad next week. Because he is a veteran, he is not subject to waivers.

DL Chris Smith and LB Abraham Beauplan were added to the 53-man roster

With no Mekhi Wingo or Malcolm Rodriguez this week, the Lions needed serious reinforcements on their defensive line. Smith, at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, is about a one-for-one replacement for Wingo, who was demoted to retirement because of an ankle injury he suffered during the week of practice. Smith, an undrafted defensive lineman out of Notre Dame, played just one game – in the season opener against the Rams (eight snaps).

Beauplan is about to make his NFL debut. Beauplan went undrafted in 2023 and spent his rookie season with the Vikings with an injury. This year, the Lions signed him in the middle of training camp, and he has been on the practice squad since roster cuts. Beauplan had a strong finish to the preseason and will likely step in as an emergency option given Detroit's injuries at the linebacker position.

Al-Quadin Muhammad called up from the training group

Muhammad made his Lions debut last week and produced six pressures for Detroit. It was a promising performance, replacing Josh Paschal.

“I thought Muhammad did exactly what we expected him to do and what we wanted him to do,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on the radio after the game. “Man, bring your lunch pail and come to work. Play violent, play physical, finish plays, and I thought he did that. So that was good. And he is experienced. He played in this league and is therefore known in this position.”

The Lions have used two of Muhammad's three practice squad increases so far.

There will likely be more roster maneuvering early next week as Jameson Williams will be removed from the reserve/suspended list following the Packers game and there is currently no roster spot available to activate him.