After not picking up a third quarterback following the roster cutdown deadline last week, the Detroit Lions finally filled that spot on Thursday, officially signing veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard to the practice squad.
The Lions worked out Beathard and Nathan Peterman on Wednesday, with the former being the victor. Detroit didn’t have a desperate need for a QB3, especially with Jared Goff and Kyle Allen on the 53-man roster. However, having a veteran QB and not a developmental guy for the scout team isn’t bad.
That said, Lions fans weren’t exactly pleased with the team’s decision to sign Beathard, as they cut defensive end Isaac Ukwu on Thursday to make space for the quarterback.
The Lions’ defensive end depth isn’t in great shape on the active roster heading into Week 1. Detroit Fans remember the turmoil the defense went through last season as the injury bug crushed them. They don’t want another repeat performance of that.
Lions’ DE Depth Significant Issue Heading into Week 1
As things stand, the Lions only have four EDGEs listed on their depth chart. Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport are the starters. Meanwhile, Tyrus Wheat and Al-Quadin Muhammad are the backups.
Hutchinson and Davenport both sustained season-ending injuries, so the Lions are banking on a clean bill of health this season. Wheat has been a backup through his two years in the NFL, spending time on special teams and defense with the Dallas Cowboys.
Finally, Muhammad gave the Lions some much-needed snaps last season, racking up five QB hits, four tackles for loss, and three sacks in nine games (two starts). Due to the injuries on the defensive line, he played 43 percent of defensive snaps.
When you look at the Lions’ practice squad, Detroit only has one EDGE – Andre Carter II. They also have two defensive linemen in Keith Cooper Jr. and Myles Adams.
Simply put, the Lions are playing with fire to start the season, as they can’t afford anyone to get hurt at the EDGE spot. Their depth is not there yet, and they shouldn’t expect Wheat or Muhammad to be Za’Darius Smith 2.0 if needed.
And the idea of depending on a practice squad player to play significant snaps isn’t ideal for a team with Super Bowl dreams. Lions fans have to hope that the team eventually addresses the defensive end depth, as it could make a difference down the road.