Jalen Mills Detroit Lions
Getty
Veteran cornerback Jalen Mills is set to make his 2026 NFL debut with the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
The Lions announced Saturday afternoon they have elevated Mills from the practice squad to the active roster for their matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. The Lions will visit the Panthers on Sunday.
Mills played three games for the Lions last season. He re-joined the team on the practice squad on September 21.
Mills also played in four games for the Houston Texans last season. The veteran started one of those contests. From 2018-24, Mills started 74 contests for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets.
The cornerback is unlikely to start Sunday for the Lions, but he could provide valuable depth and experience. Mills played 36% of Detroit’s defensive snaps in his three games last season.
The Lions have dealt with poor coverage and injuries in their secondary throughout the first three weeks of this season. They will enter Sunday’s matchup ranked last in passing yards allowed.
The Lions-Panthers matchup will kick off at 8:20 pm ET on NBC.
Jalen Mills Set to Make 2026 Lions Debut
Jalen Mills Detroit Lions
GettyThe Detroit Lions elevated cornerback Jalen Mills from the practice squad to their active roster for the Week 4 matchup versus the Carolina Panthers.
Detroit added Mills to its practice squad a day after the team announced fellow defensive back Avonte Maddox would miss the rest of the season because of a foot injury. The team also remains without star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both of whom haven’t played since the middle of last season.
Mills will enter the Lions defensive back rotation with D.J. Reed and RockYa-Sin likely to start. Former second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw made his debut last week and could play more as well. The Lions also have veteran Khalil Dorsey to play outside.
In the slot, the Lions have Roger McCreary and rookie Keith Abney II. With Mills promoted to the active roster, though, it’s not clear that all of those defensive backs will dress Sunday night.
Detroit will announce its healthy scratches Sunday evening an hour and a half prior to kickoff versus the Panthers.
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Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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