Detroit Lions make several back-end roster moves, adjusting to current injury situation as DJ Reed heads to IR

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Allen Park — The Detroit Lions made several roster moves on Wednesday, addressing multiple injury issues in the secondary, as well as with the team’s special teams units.

Already having one roster opening after placing Daniel Thomas on injured reserve over the weekend, the Lions created a second on Wednesday, moving cornerback DJ Reed to IR.

Reed suffered a significant hamstring strain in the second half of Sunday’s game against Cleveland. The transfer to injured reserve means he’ll miss at least the next four games. He’ll be eligible to return for Detroit’s Week 10 game against Washington on Nov. 9.

The Lions filled both of those roster vacancies on Wednesday, promoting safety Loren Strickland and linebacker Ty Summers off the practice squad. Both players are known for their special teams contributions, easing deficiencies there following the loss of Thomas and the lingering injury absences of running back Sione Vaki (groin) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring).

At cornerback, Detroit got some positive news, with Terrion Arnold participating in practice after exiting Sunday’s game with a shoulder concern.

Still, with Reed out for an extended period of time and backup Khalil Dorsey in concussion protocol, the Lions needed depth at the position.

To address the issue, the team signed Tre Flowers and Nick Whiteside to the practice squad.

Flowers, an eight-year veteran, has appeared in 95 games, including 44 starts, since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. The 6-foot-3, 203-pounder has broken up 22 passes and intercepted four passes during his career.

Whiteside, the local product who played at Auburn Hills Avondale and Saginaw Valley State, spent part of this offseason with the Lions, joining the team in the middle of training camp.

Finally, as coach Dan Campbell hinted at earlier in the week, the team started defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s practice clock on Wednesday.

Returning from last year’s ACL tear, McNeill has a 21-day acclimation window before the Lions are required to either add him to the active roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

He’s in line to make his season debut after the bye, Nov. 2, against Minnesota.