On Thursday, the Lions announced two transactions to their practice squad, officially signing quarterback C.J. Bethard and releasing edge rusher Isaac Ukwu in a corresponding move.
Ukwu signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2024, and while he spent the majority of the season on the practice squad, he was elevated for two games during his rookie season, registering three tackles. He signed a futures contract in the offseason and battled for a roster spot throughout training camp, but was eventually waived during cutdowns and was re-signed to the practice squad.
With Ukwu no longer on the team, the Lions have just five healthy defensive ends on the roster: Starters Aiden Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, reserve Al-Quadin Muhammad, along with Tyrus Wheat, who was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys, and finally, former Vikings pass rusher Andre Carter is signed to the practice squad. Josh Paschal is their sixth pass rusher, but he is currently on the non-football injury (NFI) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season.