BREAKING: Detroit Lions sign defensive end, release defensive tackle

By
Don Drysdale
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0
13

It may be Labor Day but that does not mean Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn is not working.

On Monday, the Lions announced they had signed defensive end Earl Okine to their practice squad. In a corresponding move, defensive tackle Derrick Lott was released from the practice squad.

From DetroitLions.com:

“Okine comes to Detroit after spending time with the Kansas City Chiefs this preseason, where he recorded four total tackles (two TFL) and one sack in four games. In 2016 he was a member of the Chiefs practice squad following one season with the Indianapolis Colts (2015).”

Okine, who played his college ball at the University of Florida, originally made his way into the National Football League when he was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2013 by the Houston Texans. He ended up being cut by the Texans before the 2013 season began.

In his NFL career, Okine has played in a total of five games and has five tackles.

It is interesting to note that Okine and Teryl Austin have a relationship that dates back to 2010 when they were together at the University of Florida.

It has been well documented that one of the Lions biggest weaknesses heading into the 2017 season is at defensive end. Even with Ezekiel Ansah coming off the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP), Detroit is short staffed at the position, especially with Kerry Hyder being out for the season after injuring his Achilles tendon in the Lions first preseason game.

As we speak, the Lions will be counting second year DE Anthony Zettel to have a breakout season. Another player who will need to step up his game for the defense is DE Cornelius Washington, though he has done very little in his career to prove that he can be a difference maker.

https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-news/ddrysdale/breaking-detroit-lions-reveal-53-man-roster/95507/