Detroit Lions Signed Jalen Mills to Practice Squad
The Lions added defensive back Jalen Mills to their practice squad to replace injured player Avonte Maddox.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your local team's ability to cover roster gaps caused by injuries?
The Detroit Lions have signed veteran defensive back Jalen Mills to their practice squad. Mills was brought on to replace Avonte Maddox, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an injury.
Why it matters
The signing provides the Lions with necessary depth in their secondary following the loss of Avonte Maddox for the rest of the season. Mills brings extensive NFL experience to the roster as the team navigates defensive injuries.
Jalen Mills brings 460 career tackles and 8 career interceptions to Detroit. He played 7 games last season, recording 10 tackles and 1 pass deflection.
The players
Jalen Mills
Jalen Mills is a veteran defensive back who has appeared in 122 career NFL games.
Avonte Maddox
Avonte Maddox is a defensive back who is ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional football team currently managing defensive roster vacancies.
The details
Jalen Mills enters the Detroit system after appearing in 122 career games since being drafted in 2016. He was a member of the 2017 team that secured a Super Bowl title before becoming a free agent in 2021.
Timeline
Jalen Mills was selected by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.
Mills contributed to a Super Bowl title run during the 2017 season.
Jalen Mills entered free agency in 2021.
Roadmap
The addition of veteran depth like Jalen Mills reflects a common strategy for teams facing sudden secondary losses during the season. This move balances the need for immediate production with the long-term goal of maintaining competitive depth across the defensive roster.
Fans in Detroit can expect to see Mills integrated into practice sessions as he acclimates to the team's defensive schemes. His presence provides the organization with a ready-to-play veteran option should further roster vacancies arise in the secondary.
The takeaway
Depth signings during the season are critical for teams looking to remain competitive after major injury setbacks. Integrating veterans allows coaching staffs to maintain performance standards when primary starters are sidelined.
Further reading
For more on the latest team updates, visit Football.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your local team's ability to cover roster gaps caused by injuries?
