The Detroit Lions released cornerback Natrone Brooks from the practice squad and signed undrafted rookie tight end Miles Kitselman to fill the vacancy, a move that underscores the team’s need for depth following a 31-24 victory over the New York Jets. The transaction comes as Detroit continues to manage a depleted secondary, where starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain ineligible to play until at least Week 5.
Brooks, 26, appeared in 26 regular-season games for the Atlanta Falcons before joining Detroit, recording 15 career tackles and three pass deflections. He is now a free agent and can sign with any club. Kitselman, a 6-foot-5 tight end from Tennessee, spent time with the organization earlier this year before an injury settlement removed him from the roster. Kitselman becomes eligible for elevation as early as this week.
Secondary Injury Toll Mounts
The roster shuffle occurs as the Lions’ safety group faces a potential season-ending setback. Harper’s availability for the remainder of the 2026 season after the safety was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Campbell says he doesn’t know if Harper will be back this season, noting the 25-year-old has already missed at least four games. Harper joined Avonte Maddox, who is out for the season with a foot injury, and the injured Branch and Joseph, leaving the unit thin.
Scruggs Forces Line Reshuffle
On the offensive line, a significant personnel decision looms following the return of starting center Cade Mays from a broken wrist. Backup Juice Scruggs has performed well in Mays’ absence, earning a 71.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus that ranks fourth among all NFL centers. Scruggs’ run-blocking grade of 78.7 ranks second at the position, helping the Lions rank sixth in rushing success rate.
When Mays returns around the Week 6 bye, Scruggs will not simply return to a reserve role. Campbell was asked if Scruggs would slide into left guard once Mays returns and emphatically answered, “Absolutely”. This creates a competition for the left guard spot currently held by Christian Mahogany, who started in Week 3 but has been inconsistent. Scruggs has 14 career starts at left guard, providing the versatility to upgrade the interior line upon Mays’ return.
Rakestraw Earns Rotation Spot
Defensively, rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. received a boost in his standing after a solid performance against the Jets. Campbell told reporters that Rakestraw has “earned” more chances to stick in the regular cornerback rotation moving forward. The 2024 draft class is showing signs of redemption, with Rakestraw looking sticky in coverage and guard Christian Mahogany posting an 88.5 pass-blocking grade in his return from injury.
Porter Trade Speculation Heats Up
While the roster stabilizes, speculation continues regarding a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. National reporters said the Detroit Lions were among a “handful of teams” who have reached out to the Steelers inquiring about the availability of the 26-year-old. The Steelers are open to listening to offers, though the cost remains a major variable for general manager Brad Holmes.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
