The Detroit Lions improved to 11-1 with a fortunate 23-20 win against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, but several members of their front seven suffered injuries during the contest.
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez suffered a season-ending torn ACL, while defensive linemen Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike and Mekhi Wingo also left the game.
With their forces depleted on defense, the Lions reportedly are signing a player off an NFC rival’s practice squad.
“The Lions are signing DL Jonah Williams off the Rams practice squad, per source. More reinforcements after injuries mounted on Thursday,” NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero wrote on X.
The #Lions are signing DL Jonah Williams off the #Rams practice squad, per source. More reinforcements after injuries mounted on Thursday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 29, 2024
Williams has spent almost all of his four NFL seasons with the Rams, and as a rookie won a Super Bowl championship with Los Angeles.
In six games with the Rams this season, he has posted three total tackles (one solo), one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. Last season, he had 49 total tackles (20 solo), four tackles for loss, four QB hits and 2.0 sacks.
The one player Detroit is truly missing on its defensive line is Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a broken fibula and tibia in Week 6 but could be back if they make it to the Super Bowl.
He was seemingly on his way to a monster year at the time of his injury with 7.5 sacks, 17 QB hits and seven tackles for loss in just five games.
Somehow, the Lions’ defense has held up, ranking tied for third in points allowed per game, tied for third in passing touchdowns allowed and second in defensive third-down conversion rate.
With upcoming games against the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, that defense will need to continue to play at a high level to strengthen the Lions’ chances of winning their first Super Bowl championship.
NEXT:
Lions Sign Former Pro Bowl Linebacker
