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Lions Make 2 Additions to the Defense Ahead of Commanders Showdown

By Cem Yolbulan

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Chris Smith (90) and defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) tackle San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the first half at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Chris Smith (90) and defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) tackle San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the first half at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions host the Washington Commanders on Saturday evening with the hopes of booking their ticket to the NFC Championship game. After a much-needed first-round bye, the Lions were able to get a few of their injured contributors back before the game. Unfortunately, however, they will still be missing a couple of key veterans.

Standout offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler will miss the game with a hamstring injury, and veteran defensive end Pat O'Connor will not be available due to a calf injury.

On Saturday, the Lions also announced that cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. will also not suit up against Washington due to a hamstring/illness designation. The second-round selection of the Lions hasn't played since Week 11.

Therefore, the Lions elevated a few backup options from the practice squad ahead of the divisional-round clash. Defensive tackle Chris Smith and cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver will be active for Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Lions Make Two Roster Moves Ahead of Commanders Game

Since going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith has been with the Lions, going back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster. Amidst all the injuries on the defensive side of the ball this season, Smith suited up for the Lions in five games, appearing in 47 defensive snaps and three special teams snaps.

Thomas-Oliver first signed with the Lions practice squad in December 2024 before signing to the active roster before the Week 18 matchup against the Vikings. He saw a few special teams snaps in that game and didn't register any stats. He has some prior NFL experience, playing in 25 games for the Panthers between 2020 and 2022.

Smith and Thomas-Oliver will likely be used as emergency backups on Saturday. If another injury occurs on the depleted interior defensive line during the game, Smith could be relied upon to step in. DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, and Myles Adams will receive the lion's share of snaps there with Brodric Martin likely seeing some snaps as well.

Thomas-Oliver, on the other hand, will be behind Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Kindle Vildor in the cornerback rotation. That trio will play every defensive snap that they can handle against the Commanders attack.

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