The Detroit Lions shook up their roster Thursday morning, making four official transactions ahead of their second joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
New Faces in Allen Park
The Lions signed offensive lineman Zack Johnson and cornerback Allan George in an effort to add depth at two key positions.
Johnson, a 6-foot-6, 301-pound guard out of North Dakota State, has spent time with multiple NFL teams since entering the league in 2020, including a recent stint with the Tennessee Titans. The 31-year-old brings size, versatility, and veteran presence to Detroit’s offensive line room, which has been hit with injuries during training camp.
George, a 26-year-old cornerback from Vanderbilt, appeared in four games for the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2022 season. While he’s still searching for his first career NFL interception, George is known for his physicality and quickness, traits the Lions’ secondary could use as they prepare for the season.
Lions announce roster moves:
Signed OL Zack Johnson and CB Allan George.
Placed CB Dicaprio Bootle and OL Keaton Sutherland on Reserve/Injured. pic.twitter.com/VRGA5h5WnQ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 14, 2025
Players Headed to Injured Reserve
To make room on the roster, the Lions placed cornerback Dicaprio Bootle and offensive lineman Keaton Sutherland on the Reserve/Injured list. Both players will be sidelined indefinitely, opening the door for Johnson and George to compete for valuable preseason reps.
Why It Matters
With joint practices and preseason games serving as crucial evaluation points, roster flexibility is key. The Lions’ moves suggest they’re looking to bolster competition in the trenches and reinforce a banged-up secondary before final roster cuts.