The Detroit Lions have added former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Tyson Alualu to their gameday roster ahead of their Divisional round matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Alualu, 35, joined the Lions practice squad just before the playoffs after being a free agent for nearly the entire regular season. The former first-round pick has played in two games for Detroit since signing with the team, including one start. He's recorded four tackles.
Alualu spent six years in Pittsburgh, playing 81 games, including 26 starts. He recorded 158 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and nine pass deflections during his time with the Steelers.
After his most recent contract, the team decided to go a different direction, drafting rookie Keeanu Benton in the second round. Many believed Alualu would retire, but he made it known coming into the season that he was looking to play.
"I’m preparing like I will play this season," Aluali told The Sick Podcast. "I can’t tell where it’s gonna be."
He now has that opportunity with the Lions, and will get a chance to make an impact on defense in the postseason.
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