The Detroit Lions have officially elevated linebacker Owen Pappoe from their practice squad to the active roster in preparation for their international matchup against the New England Patriots. The move, announced ahead of the Sunday, Nov. 15, contest in Munich, Germany, provides head coach Dan Campbell with a crucial depth option at a position group that has faced recent injury concerns. Pappoe, 26, was originally signed by Detroit on Nov. 4, marking his first stint with the Lions after stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.
Depth Boost: Detroit Adds Seventh Linebacker Ahead of Munich Showdown
Pappoe brings versatile special teams experience to the roster, having played in 50 career games with only two starts. His career statistics reflect a player who has primarily contributed on the edge, recording 960 snaps on special teams compared to 341 on defense. Over his three seasons in the league, the former Auburn fifth-round pick has accumulated 66 career tackles, five pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hit. His elevation ensures the Lions can maintain high-intensity coverage on special teams while providing rotational relief for the defensive unit.
With Pappoe’s addition, the Lions now have seven linebackers potentially available for Sunday’s game: Pappoe, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, Joe Bachie, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and K.J. Britt. This depth is particularly significant following the absence of Jack Campbell (neck) and Jimmy Rolder (hamstring) during the Nov. 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins. In that previous contest, Barnes (57 snaps), Rodriguez (55), and Nowaske (31) shouldered the primary workload, making Pappoe’s availability a timely reinforcement for Detroit’s defensive scheme.
Source: Yahoo Sports
