The Detroit Lions on Wednesday signed former Cal defensive lineman Tyson Alualu to the 53-man active roster after he had been on the Lions’ practice squad since December 5.
From a practical standpoint, it was somewhat of a formality because Alualu had been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for each of the past four games, including both playoff games.
He had significant playing time in each of those games, and Alualu was a starter in Saturday’s victory over the Buccaneers, recording one tackle and one quarterback hit from a defensive tackle spot. He no doubt would have been elevated from the practice squad for Detroit’s NFC championship game against the 49ers on Sunday, but Wednesday's move makes that transaction unnecessary.
There’s a decent chance the 36-year-old Alualu will again be the starting lineup for Detroit against the 49ers's in Santa Clara, California.
Whether this promotion affects Alaualu’s salary is unclear. He signed a one-year, $370,800 practice-squad deal with the Lions on December 5.
Officially, Alualu takes the spot on the 53-man roster that had been occupied by tight end Brock Wright, who suffered a forearm injury in Saturday’s victory and was placed on injured reserve.
The more significant aspect of Wednesday’s transaction was the signing of former Stanford tight end Zach Ertz to the Lions' practice squad. The Lions have not stated officially that Ertz will be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's contest, but it seems likely. He has been practicing with the team this week, and it’s a matter of whether he can pick of the offense quickly.
"I know he's in shape. We have to gauge this and see where he's at. He's played at a high level — it's just a matter of, is this the week to use him," Lions coach Dan Campbell said, according to Deadspin.
Ertz played in seven games for the Cardinals this season and caught 27 passes for 187 yards with one touchdown. He had six receptions for 63 yards against the 49ers on October 1.
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