Lions add LB depth to active roster right before Week 1 game vs. Saints

The Detroit Lions open the new season with a Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. With the contest not taking place until September 13, the franchise managed to find depth at the linebacker position at the last minute.

In a flurry of moves on Monday, the Lions announced that Joe Bachie was added to the active roster. Detroit also revealed that three other players were added to the practice squad, with one offensive lineman dealing with an injury.

“Lions announce roster moves,” the franchise said on X. “Placed OG Mason Miller on Practice Squad: Injured. Signed LB Joe Bachie to the Active Roster. Signed C Seth McLaughlin and RB Jabari Small to the Practice Squad.”

Bachie is entering his seventh season in the NFL. He’s been a career-long backup, and that shouldn’t change now that he’s in Detroit. The 28-year-old played 15 games last season (five starts), five with the Indianapolis Colts and 10 with the Tennessee Titans. He finished the campaign with 29 combined tackles (12 solo) and one pass deflection.

He should add some nice depth to the Lions’ defense, but could have a chance to make most of his opportunities on special teams. Ultimately, Bachie’s role will be determined by Dan Campbell and the coaching staff.

The 2025-26 season was a bit of a disappointment for the organization. While the club did finish with a winning 9-8 record, it wasn’t enough to even make the playoffs. After a long offseason of fine tuning the roster, the Lions aim to bounce back in a big way this year.

First, they’ll have to face off againt a Saints team that has seemingly improved. It’ll be one of the first matchups on Sunday, as the game kicks off at the 1 p.m. EST slate.

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