The personnel shuffle along the Detroit Lions defensive line continues in earnest. The Lions added two new players to the mix on Saturday and also placed defensive tackle Nick Williams on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Lions signed tackles Michael Barnett and P.J. Johnson. Fans should recognize Johnson’s name from his prior stint in Detroit. He was a seventh-round pick in 2019 out of Arizona but failed to make the team as a rookie. He’s bounced around several practice squads and rosters since, most recently the Carolina Panthers.
Barnett is in his second season but did not play in 2020. He was originally an undrafted rookie free agent out of Georgia for the New England Patriots.
#Lions have signed free agent DTs Michael Barnett and P.J. Johnson and have placed DT Nick Williams on Reserve/COVID-19.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 7, 2021
The Lions have had some health issues on the defensive front prior to Williams’ trip to the reserve/COVID-19 list. Second-round rookie Levi Onwuzurike has only been a full participant in practice once. Veteran Michael Brockers has taken few reps in team drills throughout camp, and nose tackle John Penisini is battling an injury that kept him out on Friday and Saturday. The Lions have added Bruce Hector and Miles Brown in recent days and released Reggie Gilbert, too.
