Lions Announce Intriguing Signing of 7-Year NFL Veteran

The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie to the active roster from the practice squad on Wednesday, adding a veteran presence at a position thinned by injuries.

The move came hours after star linebacker Jack Campbell issued a statement on his condition following a neck injury in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell said he has full movement in his lower body and is progressing with full movement in his upper body.

The Lions announced the transactions in a social media post: “Lions announce roster moves: Signed LB K.J. Britt to the Active Roster from the NE Practice Squad. Signed LB Joe Bachie to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad. Signed LB Owen Pappoe to the Practice Squad.”

Bachie, a 28-year-old undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, has appeared in 66 NFL games and recorded 77 total tackles, including 38 solo stops, along with two passes defended.

He began his career with the New Orleans Saints in 2020 before brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bachie then spent four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he dealt with a knee injury that included time on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.

In 2025, Bachie signed with the Indianapolis Colts and made five starts, amassing 26 tackles before a toe injury ended his season. He later joined the Tennessee Titans, spending time on their practice squad before a promotion to the active roster.

Bachie first signed with Detroit in April 2026. He was released during final roster cuts but returned to the practice squad the next day. The Lions elevated him to the active roster in September for the first two games before releasing him later that month and re-signing him to the practice squad.

In those two appearances this season, Bachie played exclusively on special teams. His return to the 53-man roster provides depth behind players such as Derrick Barnes amid the absences of Campbell and rookie Jimmy Rolder, who was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending hamstring injury.

The Lions also signed K.J. Britt, 27, from the New England Patriots’ practice squad. Britt has appeared in 77 career games with 16 starts and recorded 162 total tackles. He played all 17 games for the Miami Dolphins in 2025 with 35 tackles and saw action in one game for New England this season.

Owen Pappoe was signed to the practice squad to fill the spot opened by Bachie’s promotion. The Lions, who entered Wednesday at 5-2, created roster space earlier in the week by placing Rolder on injured reserve and waiving safety Bishop Fitzgerald.

Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed Campbell’s statement during his Wednesday press conference.

“I think anytime that you know, especially being able to hear it from him, that means a lot,” Campbell said. “That’s powerful in itself, more than hearing it from me or anyone else. Those are him and his family’s words. That always helps, to know that he’s improving. That’s all you’re looking for, to know he’s improving. Because at this point, that’s all you’re looking for, to know that he’s improving. The status is changing every eight hours, ten hours, in a good way. It’s always going to help.”

Campbell, a 2025 first-team All-Pro, was injured on the first play of the fourth quarter in the Lions’ 19-15 victory over the Vikings at Ford Field. He was placed on a backboard and carted off the field. The team has reported that he remains hospitalized but is improving.

Bachie’s experience as a special teams contributor and occasional defensive contributor could help stabilize the linebacker group as Detroit prepares for its next matchup. The Lions face the Miami Dolphins on the road this weekend.

The additions reflect general manager Brad Holmes’ approach of looking to practice squads for immediate depth when injuries strike. Britt’s prior special teams work and Bachie’s familiarity with the organization give the club options without major external moves.

With the trade deadline approaching, further roster adjustments remain possible if Campbell’s recovery timeline extends. For now, the promotions of Bachie and Britt address the most pressing need at linebacker.