Lions Promoted Jalen Mills to Active Roster
The team elevated the defensive back from the practice squad ahead of this week's game against the Carolina Panthers.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football
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The Detroit Lions elevated defensive back Jalen Mills to the active roster on October 3, 2026. Mills will be eligible to play in the team's upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Why it matters
The move addresses critical depth issues in the Detroit secondary following a series of defensive injuries. The team currently ranks last in passing yards allowed through three weeks of the 2026 season.
Jalen Mills started 74 games between 2018 and 2024, including appearances for the Patriots, Eagles, and Jets. He played in four games for the Houston Texans and three for the Lions during the 2025 season.
The players
Jalen Mills
He is an experienced defensive back who has started 74 games across multiple NFL franchises since 2018.
Detroit Lions
This professional football organization is based in Detroit and is currently navigating significant injuries in its defensive backfield.
Carolina Panthers
This is the opposing professional football team facing the Lions in their Week 4 matchup.
Avonte Maddox
He is a defensive player who is out for the remainder of the 2026 season due to a foot injury.
The details
After signing with the practice squad on September 21, 2026, Mills was called up to provide reinforcements for a secondary missing Avonte Maddox for the remainder of the season. The Lions also remain without Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, who have been sidelined since the middle of the 2025 season.
Timeline
Jalen Mills started 74 games for three different teams between 2018 and 2024.
Mills re-joined the Lions on the practice squad on September 21, 2026.
The Lions elevated Mills to the active roster on October 3, 2026.
The Lions play the Carolina Panthers on October 4, 2026, at 8:20 PM.
Season Trajectory
This roster move follows the established NFL practice of using practice squad elevations to mitigate sudden defensive attrition. It directly impacts the team's depth chart as the Lions attempt to stabilize a secondary that has struggled significantly in the first three weeks of the season.
Jalen Mills is unlikely to start the game on Sunday despite his elevation to the active roster. Fans should monitor the final injury report to see if Mills will be active for the 8:20 PM kickoff against Carolina.
The takeaway
The addition of an experienced veteran like Mills highlights the Lions' urgent need to bolster their secondary coverage through the current injury crisis. While he provides immediate emergency depth, his long-term impact on the defensive unit remains to be seen.
What happens next
The team is expected to determine the active roster for Sunday's game by Sunday evening, with healthy scratches to be announced ninety minutes before kickoff.
Further reading
For more on the team's current standings and roster changes, visit the Detroit Football section.
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