Lions make a swap at linebacker on their practice squad ahead of Week 2 vs. Bears

General manager Brad Holmes is continuing to evaluate and retool the roster amid injuries and poor play going into Week 2. After signing offensive tackle Devin Cochran late Monday night, the Lions made a swap of linebackers on their practice squad.

After working out Monty Rice, Joshua Miles, and Brandon Parker, the team opted to sign Rice, a 2021 3rd round pick out of the University of Georgia. Rice was recently with the Patriots during training camp. But, he was released on August 22, prior to final cuts. As a result, the team also released Anthony Pittman from the practice squad.

Rice brings a decent amount of experience to the Lions who are dealing with special teams linebacker Trevor Nowaske's injured elbow. Rice could push for an elevation if Nowaske remains sidelined or based on how the Lions' track record with injuries have gone, with players tending to end up on injured reserve.

Lions sign new linebacker to practice squad after releasing Pittman

Rice has appeared in 38 NFL games since 2021, including 11 starts. His most extensive action came in 2022, where he made 6 starts (13 appearances), recording 66 tackles and 4 TFLs. Overall, Rice has totaled 129 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and 5 TFLs.

Rice's signing comes after the Lions released Pittman, a 2019 UDFA from Wayne State. Pittman was in his second stint with Detroit after spending 2019 to 2023 with the team. Pittman spent 2024 bouncing around with the Washington Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars, before being re-signed by Detroit in December of 2024.

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After getting released during the final cuts, Pittman signed with the Lions' practice squad for this season, receiving an elevation prior to the Lions' Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. He played in 20 special teams snaps, prior to his release.

Currently, the Lions roster six linebackers on their active roster with Rice as the lone linebacker on their practice squad. With Pittman gone, it's extremely possibly that Rice may need to make an impact immediately for Detroit sooner rather than later.