Detroit Lions promote linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga to active roster, add wide receiver Lawrence Keys to practice squad in latest transactions
On Sept. 30 the Detroit Lions promoted linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga from the practice squad to the active roster and signed wide receiver Lawrence Keys to the practice squad. The moves followed earlier promotions, including center Seth McLaughlin to the active roster on Sept. 23. They come amid a string of practice-squad signings and releases as the regular season progresses.
The Lions placed safety Thomas Harper on reserve/injured on Sept. 26 and defensive back Avonte Maddox on reserve/injured on Sept. 22. Those moves reduced depth in the defensive backfield and coincided with additions from other teams’ practice squads. Detroit signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald from the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on Sept. 22 and added defensive back Jalen Mills to the practice squad on Sept. 21.
Linebacker Joe Bachie was released on Sept. 22 and then added to the practice squad on Sept. 23, illustrating the quick turnaround in roster management. Defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on Sept. 17 after previously re-signing to the practice squad on Sept. 12. The Lions have shuffled several players on and off the practice squad throughout September to manage depth.
NFL Sports Blog Take
These transactions reflect the Lions managing injuries and depth in the early weeks of the season. Placing Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox on reserve/injured reduced safety and cornerback options, prompting Detroit to acquire defensive backs and elevate contributors from the practice squad. Promoting Amen Ogbongbemiga and Levi Onwuzurike and moving Seth McLaughlin to the active roster provides added depth at linebacker, defensive line and center as the team navigates early-season attrition.