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Lions Sign Surprise CB in Week 16 to Address Recent Losses

Detroit signed a journeyman corner to the practice squad amid a slew of injuries.

By Joe Summers

Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions winning head coach Dan Campbell walks the sidelines during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions winning head coach Dan Campbell walks the sidelines during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images / David Reginek-Imagn Images
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The Lions announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday to address recent injury losses, among them signing CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver to the practice squad.

LB Anthony Pittman was signed to the active roster from the Jaguars' practice squad, while CBs Carlton Davis, Khalil Dorsey, and DL Alim McNeill were all placed on the Reserve/Injured list. Detroit lost to Buffalo on the scoreboard in Week 15, though these defensive losses may represent a larger defeat.

Thomas-Oliver was most recently with the Giants but hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2022 with the Panthers. In all likelihood, he won't make a legitimate impact on the defense, yet it still makes sense for the front office to take a swing.

Lions Sign Former Panthers CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver to Practice Squad

Originally taken in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft by Carolina, Thomas-Oliver appeared in 25 games over three years before bouncing around various teams. He's been on the street all year long but suddenly, has an opportunity based on the dire circumstances of the Lions' secondary.

He compiled 17 tackles but was seldom used, primarily serving as a special teams player. Thomas-Oliver gave up a 153.2 passer rating when targeted in 2020, then a 135.4 mark in 2021. Simply put, the early returns on his coverage skills weren't promising.

Still only 26 years old at with good size at six-foot tall, Thomas-Oliver's skillset is intriguing and perhaps could be further developed by Dan Campbell and his staff. Aaron Glenn has emerged as one of the better defensive coordinators in the NFL with several excellent assistances, making this a desirable situation for someone trying to get one more shot in the NFL.

DE Isaiah Thomas was released from the practice squad to make room for Thomas-Oliver. If he performs well during practice over these final weeks, maybe the corner will have a spot at Detroit's training camp in 2025.

Luckily for the Lions, they still control their destiny in the NFC and remain the favorite to hold the No. 1 seed. They'll face the Bears this week before closing with the 49ers and Vikings. Only Minnesota is a playoff team though by that point, Detroit could have the top seed locked up pending what happens with Philadelphia over the next two weeks.

This defense needs to avoid further injury. Regardless, trying to find answers at defensive back will be important during these final games.

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