The Detroit Lions (2-1) elevated defensive back Jalen Mills from their practice squad to the active roster ahead of their "Sunday Night Football" date at the Carolina Panthers (1-2). It marks back-to-back weeks where the Lions have elevated Mills to their active roster, as Mills was available for Detroit's Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets.
The Lions signed Mills to their practice squad on Sept. 21. Mills, 32, spent the end of last season in Detroit after the Lions claimed Mills off waivers on Dec. 10.
Originally a seventh-round pick out of LSU by the Eagles in 2016, Mills has played in 122 games and started 92, registering 460 tackles, 60 passes defended, 10 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, seven quarterback hits, three forced fumbles,
1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. He has also returned one interception for a touchdown.
Lions have elevated DB Jalen Mills from the Practice Squad to the Active/Inactive list
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 3, 2026
Mills played in three games with the Lions at the end of last season, logging 65 defensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Mills has spent time with the Eagles, New England, the Jets, Houston Texans, and the Lions.
Detroit inked Mills after defensive back Avonte Maddox suffered a season-ending foot injury. The Lions are also without safety Thomas Harper, who the organization placed on injured reserve.
Detroit starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch both remain sidelined with injuries as Joseph navigates a degenerative condition in his knee and as Branch recovers from a torn Achilles.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions elevate DB ahead of 'Sunday Night Football' vs Panthers
