The Lions have signed and enhanced their roster with a new superstar.
After being on the practice squad since December 5, Tyson Alualu, a former defensive lineman for Cal, was added by the Detroit Lions on Wednesday to the 53-man active roster.
As it happened, it was essentially a formality because Alualu had been added to the active roster for all four of the previous games—including both playoff contests—after previously being on the practice squad.
Alualu started Saturday’s game against the Buccaneers and saw substantial playing time in each of those contests. From a defensive tackle position, he recorded one tackle and one quarterback hit.
It’s likely that Detroit will start the 36-year-old Alualu in the starting lineup when they play the 49ers in Santa Clara, California.
It’s unclear how Alaualu’s pay will be impacted by this promotion. On December 5, he agreed to a practice squad contract worth $370,800 for a year with the Lions.
Officially, tight end Brock Wright, who sustained a forearm injury in Saturday’s triumph and was placed on injured reserve, lost his position on the 53-man roster to Alualu.
Zach Ertz, a former tight end for Stanford, was signed to the Lions practice squad, which was the more noteworthy part of the Wednesday transaction.
It appears likely that Ertz will be moved from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game, even if the Lions have not made this official statement. It is up to him to swiftly pick up the offense, as he has been practicing with the team this week.
“I’m certain he’s fit. We must evaluate this and ascertain his current state. According to Dead spin, Lions coach Dan Campbell stated, “He’s played at a high level; it’s just a matter of whether this is the week to use him.”
This season, Ertz appeared in seven games for the Cardinals, hauling in 27 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown. On October 1, he recorded six receptions for sixty-three yards against the 49ers.
