Lions Add ‘Athletic Big Man’ for Key Defensive Boost
The Detroit Lions have finalized their 53-man roster by promoting defensive tackle Kyle Peko from the practice squad to the active roster on September 11. The Lions also bolstered their depth by adding kicker Greg Joseph and defensive lineman Chris Smith to their practice squad.
Peko, who has already made his 2024 debut, started in Week 1 for the Lions after being elevated from the practice squad. In the team’s 37-34 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Peko played 37 defensive snaps, recording 1 combined tackle, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 quarterback hit.
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This move reunites Peko with Lions’ first-year defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who coached him during his stints with the Tennessee Titans in 2021 and 2023. Peko, who also played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, where he played from 2016 to 2019.
Known for his athleticism and work ethic, Peko has built a reputation as a high-motor player. His cousin, Domata Peko, also plays in the NFL as a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, adding to the football pedigree in his family.
Depth Move as Lions Prepare for D.J. Reader’s Return
The Lions promoted Peko to help fill the void left by veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who is expected to return from injury for Week 2. Reader, who was activated off the PUP list in August, missed Week 1 as he continues to recover from a quad injury sustained last season.
Head coach Dan Campbell said Reader is expected to make his season debut “barring any setbacks,” but the Lions are exercising caution with his snap count. Peko will provide valuable depth along the interior defensive line as Reader eases back into the lineup.
Last season, Peko posted career highs with 22 combined tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 quarterback hits in 13 games for the Titans, including 10 starts.
Lions Add Veteran Kicker Greg Joseph and DL Chris Smith to Practice Squad
Detroit also strengthened its special teams unit by signing veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad. Joseph, who has 67 games of NFL experience with the Browns, Titans, and Vikings, joins the team after a solid 2023 season with Minnesota. He converted 80% of his field goals (24-for-30) and 94.7% of his extra points (36-for-38) last season.
While rookie kicker Jake Bates performed well in Week 1, going 2-for-2 on field goals and extra points, Lions GM Brad Holmes had previously hinted at the team’s intention to add a veteran kicker.
Additionally, the Lions re-signed Chris Smith to the practice squad after elevating him to the active roster for Week 1. Smith played 8 defensive snaps against the Rams, contributing with 1 tackle assist.
