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The Detroit Lions announced a pair of moves on Wednesday evening that make for an odd combination. Defensive tackle Justin Bannan has been released from the 53-man roster, while wide receiver Charles Hawkins has been signed to the practice squad.
Bannan joined the Lions in mid-August. He was brought in to be the Lions' fourth defensive tackle, and he served in that role during the first three weeks of the season. He only had 1 tackle in three games, and he only played 5 defensive snaps last Sunday. With the addition of Andre Fluellen earlier this week, the Lions decided to let Bannan go.
As for Hawkins, he is an undrafted free agent out of Southern University. He spent time this past offseason with the Arizona Cardinals, and he worked out for the Lions earlier this week (along with wide receivers Anthony Armstrong and Lavelle Hawkins). His addition means that the Lions now have a full practice squad again after losing Chris Greenwood to the Dallas Cowboys earlier on Wednesday.
It's unclear right now why the Lions decided to release a player from their 53-man roster. It seems like a safe bet that they are planning to bring in help at the wide receiver position, but it's unknown right now why they created the open roster spot.
UPDATE: The Lions released Bannan because they claimed a defensive tackle off waivers.