The Lions claimed Thomas Harper off waivers in August of this season. Prior to Sunday, the Notre Dame product had just 23 snaps with the Lions, all of which came on special teams.
However, a dinged-up Lions secondary presented an opportunity for Harper to make a play, and when the bell rang, Harper answered.
As the Lions clung to a 10-6 lead with the Chiefs driving, on fourth-and-1, Patrick Mahomes took the snap, rolled out to his right, and looked for Xavier Worthy.
Instead, Harper broke it up, and the Lions got the ball back.
Lions DB Thomas Harper, thrust into action, came up with a huge 4th-and-1 red zone pass breakup — a big-time moment on a scramble drill in money territory.
The Lions might have another versatile depth piece on their hands; Harper brings slot and free safety flexibility after… pic.twitter.com/yblx5jZEUB
— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) October 13, 2025
Even though the Lions lost, 30-17, Harper recorded his first pass deflection of the season and saw 10 snaps on defense, just his eighth game with a defensive snap count in the double digits.