The Detroit Lions enjoyed an impressive defensive performance on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite being severely short-handed, especially in the secondary. Missing four starters in the defensive backfield, the Lions had to rely on a group of practice-squad call-ups, backups, and new additions. This patchwork unit held the red-hot Bucs to 58 yards of offense in the first half, and came up big with key defensive plays down the stretch to secure the 24-9 win.
One of the unexpected standout performers was veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet. The 32-year-old defender was initially signed to the Lions' practice squad before Week 6 to provide much-needed depth. He was elevated to the active roster for the Chiefs' game last week, and on Monday, before the Bucs clash, he was signed to the active roster.
Arthur Maulet Shines on MNF but His Lions Stint May Be Short-Lived
Thanks to the decimated secondary, Maulet found himself playing a larger-than-anticipated role. Amik Robertson had to move to the outside corner to start opposite Rock Ya-Sin, and Maulet got the majority of snaps at nickel corner. He played 35 defensive snaps, the most he has played since the 2023 season when he was with the Ravens. He had a key interception for the Lions, only allowed a 48.4 passer rating in coverage, and had five tackles without missing any. As a result, he received a 68.6 defensive and 70.0 coverage grade on Pro Football Focus.
This breakout performance, however, may not be enough for Maulet to hold a long-term role with the Lions. Detroit has entered the bye week, and Avonte Maddox and Terrion Arnold are expected to return when they are back in action in Week 9. Khalil Dorsey and DJ Reed are on the injured reserve list and will return at some point in the second half of the season. With fellow cornerback Nick Whiteside also breaking out on Monday, Maulet may find it hard to break into the active roster when everyone is healthy.
To complicate matters even further, Maulet seemed to suffer an injury midway through the fourth quarter. He was seen slowly walking off the field, but there hasn't been an update on his status since.
The Lions' ability to get the most out of otherwise forgotten or under-the-radar defenders is certainly impressive. Not many other teams around the league can generate contributors out of nowhere the way the Lions can. Maulet is the latest veteran whose career may have been revived by the Lions. Even if he doesn't stick around in Detroit, he should be able to find a new landing spot relatively quickly after his successful addition. Otherwise, the Lions would surely want to bring him back to their practice squad after his inevitable release.