The Detroit Lions have brought Arthur Maulet back to their active roster.

Maulet, who originally signed with the Lions in October and appeared in six games with the team, was released Nov. 25. But with Brian Branch recently suffering a season-ending Achilles injury and Avonte Maddox now in line to start at safety, the Lions needed more depth at nickel cornerback, which is where 81 of Maulet’s 105 defensive snaps this season have come.

In a corresponding move, tight end Ross Dwelley was waived.

A member of the “Legion of Whom” during Detroit’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, Maulet has allowed 13 catches (16 targets) for 144 yards, a touchdown and an interception in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. His takeaway came against the Bucs, as he snatched a pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield intended for tight end Cade Otton.

Maulet is also credited with five stops, which are tackles that result in a failed play for the opposing offense.

Down two starters for the season — Branch (Achilles) and Terrion Arnold (shoulder) — and with another whose availability is in question (Kerby Joseph, who hasn’t played since Week 6 while dealing with a nagging knee injury), the Lions’ secondary will have to rely on its depth down the stretch. Maddox, Thomas Harper, Daniel Thomas and Erick Hallett II are expected to see opportunities at safety, though Harper suffered a concussion versus the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday and may not be ready to play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15.

At cornerback, D.J. Reed and Amik Robertson lead the way, with Rock Ya-Sin filling in on the outside when Robertson gets pushed into the slot as part of Detroit’s nickel packages. Other defensive backs on the active roster include Khalil Dorsey and Nick Whiteside. Hallett is on the practice squad, along with Loren Strickland and Damontae Kazee, the latter of whom has 111 career appearances. Kazee, who once led the NFL in interceptions (seven in 2018), was added Monday.

The Lions on Monday hosted three players for either a tryout or visit: Kazee, defensive lineman Pat O’Connor and veteran safety John Johnson. Kazee and O’Connor were signed to the practice squad. Johnson, who was drafted by the Rams when general manager Brad Holmes was there as the director of college scouting, left unsigned.

rsilva@detroitnews.com

@rich_silva18