Lions sign veteran LB off Patriots’ practice squad

Coach Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions are 5-2 on the season and nipping at the heels of the Minnesota Vikings for first place in the NFC North amid a rash of injuries, including to a key offensive lineman, Cade Mays. Detroit got a positive Jack Campbell update after the star linebacker suffered a scary injury against Minnesota, but depth remained a concern with a November 8 tilt against the Dolphins up next.

Detroit added a former Patriots practice squad player according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.

“Linebacker KJ Britt is signing to the Lions’ active roster from the Patriots’ practice squad,” Schefter wrote.

Britt is a native of Oxford, Alabama who was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Auburn University by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played in one game with Mike Vrabel’s Patriots this season against the Las Vegas Raiders and recorded one solo tackle. At 6-foot, 240 pounds, he will provide the Lions with a stout physical presence that can help Kelvin Sheppard’s unit to stop the run and defend against the pass.

Britt won’t replace the production, leadership, and presence of Jack Campbell, but he has the skills to contribute with Dan Campbell’s team. The Lions have had good luck with mid-to-late season pickups in recent years and Britt appears to be willing and able to contribute to the team.

An emotional Campbell addressed his team following Jack Campbell’s injury, one that will stick with his team for quite some time. Brian Branch entered the league’s concussion protocol in Week 8 along with DJ Wonnum, as part of another injury-plagued week for the Lions.

Britt can help bolster Detroit’s depth as Campbell’s team prepares to take on a Dolphins team with nothing to lose this coming week in Miami.