Lions Make Roster Move After Unfortunate News

The injury halts what had been a strong campaign from the second-year defensive back, who started every game through Week 14 and totaled 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

His absence leaves a substantial gap in Detroit’s secondary, making depth an urgent concern as the postseason approaches.

In response, the Lions moved quickly, finalizing plans to sign veteran safety Damontae Kazee to the practice squad, according to NFL .com’s Ian Rapoport.

“Veteran S Damontae Kazee, most recently with the #Browns, is signing with the #Lions practice squad,” Rapoport reported on Monday. “The plan is for a quick elevation when he's ready, as Detroit recently lost Brian Branch for the season with a torn Achilles.”

Kazee, 32, appeared in four games for the Browns this season, logging 48 total snaps (11 on defense, 37 on special teams) before his release in November. A former fifth-round pick from 2017, he played for multiple teams over an eight-year NFL career, including the Atlanta Falcons , Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with Cleveland.

Kazee tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions in 2018, and Detroit views his ball-hawking ability and veteran presence as timely reinforcement with Branch unavailable.

The Lions now shift focus to Week 15, where they will travel to face the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) on Sunday. With Branch sidelined and other defensive backs managing injuries, Kazee could be elevated to the active roster sooner than later.

Regardless of his immediate role, Detroit will need contributions across the secondary to stay competitive. A win in Los Angeles would help keep their postseason hopes intact and show that the defense can withstand one of its toughest losses of the season.