Detroit Lions promote WR Mohamed Sanu, DT Frank Herron from practice squad

The Detroit Lions promoted both wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and defensive tackle Frank Herron from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster on Saturday. Both players were added pursuant to the new practice squad rules, meaning they will not take up a roster spot and will revert back to the practice squad after Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Sanu was promoted after spending the past few weeks with the Lions practice squad. Detroit is shorthanded at wide receiver this Sunday, with starters Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola declared out for the Panthers game. Sanu can be a valuable backup and can play both the slot and the outside. However, with Marvin Jones Jr., Marvin Hall, Jamal Agnew and Quintez Cephus all expected to play this week, don’t expect much out of Sanu.

Herron has been promoted to the active roster for the second straight week. Last week, he filled in for defensive tackle Nick Williams, picking up two tackles and a pass defended in the 21 snaps he played. With Da’Shawn Hand already declared out, Herron may see a similar amount of playing time this week.

Since Herron has been called up to the active squad twice now, Detroit will have to sign him to an active contract if they want to bring him up to the 53-man roster a third time.