A Detroit Lions helmet on the sidelines of game against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field.
David Reginek-Imagn Images
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Monday that Avonte Maddox will undergo season-ending surgery after sustaining a foot injury during the 41-31 Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Hours after the unfortunate announcement, reports indicate that the club is signing a defensive back who previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
The Lions officially signed Jalen Mills to the practice squad, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Mills will be a familiar face for fans, as he appeared in several games for Detroit last season.
“The Lions are adding defensive back Jalen Mills to the practice squad, per sources,” Fowler reported. “Mills, a 10-year veteran, was with Detroit for part of last year.”
Jalen Mills began his career 10 years ago with the Eagles as a seventh-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 32-year-old has jumped around the league throughout his tenure in the NFL, also playing for the New England Patriots and New York Jets. He played seven total games last season, four with the Texans and three with the Lions.
Mills brings plenty of experience to the table. He's appeared in 122 games (92 starts). Over the years, he's accumulated 460 combined tackles (334 solo), 1.5 sacks, eight interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Jalen Mills joins the Lions' practice squad for now, but considering the number of injuries in the secondary, he may get some opportunities this season to play games. Until then, Dan Campbell may consider starting Thomas Harper at safety to replace Avonte Maddox.
While the club figures out what to do with the secondary, the Lions will prepare for its next matchup. Detroit is scheduled to face off against the New York Jets in Week 3 for its second home game of the campaign.