The Detroit Lions have added veteran safety Jalen Mills back to their practice squad after losing Avonte Maddox to a season-ending foot injury.
Maddox suffered the injury during Detroit's Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills and will undergo surgery that will end his 2026 season.
Jalen Mills returns to Detroit
Mills, 32, is familiar with the Lions after appearing in three games for Detroit last season.
The veteran safety is entering his 11th NFL season and has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets and Houston Texans.
His experience gives Detroit another veteran option as the Lions work to adjust their secondary following Maddox's injury.
Avonte Maddox is out for the season
Maddox suffered the injury during the second quarter of Detroit's loss to Buffalo. He will require foot surgery and will not return during the 2026 season.
The injury creates another challenge for the Lions as they look for additional depth in the secondary after the first two weeks of the season.
Lions prepare for the Jets
Detroit will return home to host the New York Jets on Sunday, September 27.
The coaching staff will have several days to evaluate Mills and the rest of the secondary before determining how to replace Maddox's experience and production.