Detroit Lions awarded DT Eric Banks off waivers

The Detroit Lions have a new defensive lineman on their 53-man roster. The Lions have been awarded defensive tackle Eric Banks from waivers.

Banks was undrafted in 2020 out of the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA), but joined the Los Angeles Rams for the offseason. Though he did not make their final 53-man roster, he was added to their practice squad in October and spent the rest of the season there. In 2021, he again spent the offseason with the Rams but was cut in the final rounds.

The Chargers then claimed him from waivers and he made three game appearances with them this year. He played in 15 defensive snaps Week 1, seven Week 2, and 12 in Week 3, but only recorded a single tackle (and a 30.0 PFF grade).

With both general manager Brad Holmes and assistant general manager Ray Agnew hailing from the Rams organization, it’s fair to say they’re familiar with Banks

The Lions had a few vacancies on their 53-man roster following the release of veteran linebacker Jamie Collins earlier this week and the move of defensive tackle Kevin Strong to injured reserve. The return of Jashon Cornell from the suspended list on Thursday filled one of those spots, and now Banks will fill another.

Banks’ addition complicates Detroit’s defensive line situation. Cornell was activated from the suspended list on Thursday, and Da’Shawn Hand could be activated from injured reserve soon. Banks may get a shot to compete with both players to hold onto that roster spot, as it seems unlikely that the Lions will carry eight interior defenders (Michael Brockers, Alim McNeill, Nick Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, John Penisini, Cornell, Hand, Banks). In fact, we could see a couple of those players cut in the upcoming days.