The Detroit Lions are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their defensive depth.
On Monday, the team announced the signing of Ahmed Hassanein to the practice squad. The former sixth-round draft pick (Boise State) rejoins Detroit after being waived with an injury designation during final roster cuts back in August.
And now, he’s back in the building.
A Smart, Low-Drama Move by Detroit
This one makes sense for both sides.
Hassanein suffered an injury late in the preseason, preventing him from making a final push for a 53-man roster spot. When the Lions trimmed the roster, he found himself on the outside looking in, landing on the waived/injured list.
After reaching an injury settlement, he was free to sign elsewhere.
But instead of exploring other opportunities, he’s now back where he started.
That says a lot.
It speaks to the coaching staff’s belief in his potential and Hassanein’s comfort within the system. Defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and DC Kelvin Sheppard clearly saw something in the rookie’s flashes this summer, and Hassanein showed real juice off the edge before the injury.
Detroit Needs Fresh Pass-Rush Juice
The Lions enter Week 11 with a strong defensive foundation, but there is room for depth improvement at EDGE.
Aidan Hutchinson is playing like an All-Pro, and Al-Quadin Muhammad has stepped up following an injury to Marcus Davenport. But adding a developmental, high-motor piece like Hassanein gives the Lions another body to groom for late-season flexibility.
He’s long. He’s explosive. He plays with effort. And in a system that thrives on variation, stunt packages, and relentless pressure, Hassanein fits the mold.
Even if he isn’t elevated to the main roster immediately, this is the type of move that can pay off long term — especially for a team with playoff aspirations.
One Response
They should have signed Ian Kennelly . With all the injuries in the secondary he was an outstanding defender. Home grown from here