Lions re-sign Alex Barrett to practice squad

For the first two weeks of the season, three of the Lions’ five defensive ends (Alex Barrett, Jeremiah Valoaga and Anthony Zettel) were in their first or second season in the NFL. The Detroit Lions decided earlier in the week their defensive line needed a more veteran presence. So they went out and signed George Johnson.

The six-year veteran reportedly signed with the team after they asked him to lose some weight during a tryout a few weeks prior. Apparently, Johnson cut that weight and now finds himself as part of the Lions’ defensive line rotation.

To make room for Johnson, the Lions cut ties with Barrett, who had garnered 26 defensive snaps in the first two games, along with three plays as the team’s “fullback.”

On Friday, the team re-signed Barrett to the practice squad. Barrett only had one tackle in his two NFL games, but now he can hone in his skills on the practice squad until the Lions need him again.

To make room for Barrett, the Lions released defensive end Earl Okine from the practice squad. Okine was added to the practice squad two weeks ago after Detroit parted ways with Derrick Lott, whose short-lived time on the practice squad lasted just one week.

Here’s how the Lions’ practice squad currently looks:

WR Jace Billingsley
WR Noel Thomas
OT Storm Norton
C Leo Koloamatangi
TE Hakeem Valles
DT Christian Ringo
DE Alex Barrett
LB Thurston Armbrister
CB Adairius Barnes
S Rolan Milligan