Injuries are piling up, and the Detroit Lions are scrambling to fortify their once-dominant offensive line—but their latest move might raise a few eyebrows. With the NFL trade deadline looming, the Lions made a surprising roster adjustment that has fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. But here's where it gets interesting: instead of a high-profile trade, Detroit opted for a quieter, yet potentially impactful, addition.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions have signed undrafted offensive lineman Jack Conley to their practice squad. Conley, a former Boston College standout, brings a unique blend of size (6-foot-7, 325 pounds) and versatility to the table. During his college career, he not only anchored the offensive line at both tackle positions and left guard but also saw action as a tight end—a rare skill set that could prove invaluable in Detroit’s evolving offensive scheme. And this is the part most people miss: Conley was a college teammate of injured Lions guard Christian Mahogany, which could provide an unexpected chemistry boost.
While it’s unlikely Conley will see regular-season action anytime soon—he’s yet to play a single NFL snap—his preseason performance with the New England Patriots is worth noting. In 76 snaps at right tackle, he earned a respectable 68.3 grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed just one pressure on 28 pass-blocking snaps. But here’s the controversial part: Is adding an unproven, undrafted player enough to address Detroit’s mounting injury concerns? Some argue it’s a low-risk, high-reward move, while others believe the Lions should have pursued a more established option. What do you think?
Shortly after the Conley signing, the Lions announced two departures: tight end Kenny Yeboah and offensive lineman Justin Herron. Yeboah, signed to a one-year deal in March, was placed on injured reserve after an undisclosed training camp injury and never played a game for Detroit. Herron, who joined the team in August, suffered a similar fate, landing on injured reserve just over a week after signing. Neither player saw regular-season action with the Lions, leaving fans to wonder about the team’s injury management strategy.
As the Lions navigate this challenging season, one question remains: Are these roster moves a sign of strategic planning or desperation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to stay tuned for more updates as Detroit prepares for Week 10, where they’re favored to win despite their recent setbacks.
