Lions release practice squad OL Darrin Paulo, protect 4 players

The Lions released Darrin Paulo and protected the same 4 players on the practice squad, which is a sign of an ongoing position battle

Tuesdays are typically practice squad transaction day, and this week was no exception. The Lions did a little tinkering with the practice squad on the players’ day off.

Offensive lineman Darrin Paulo was released by the team. Paulo has been with the Lions off and on since the start of training camp. His release is a good sign for the injury status of reserve OT Matt Nelson, who has missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury.

The Lions also opted to issue the weekly protection on the same foursome of practice squad players they have for the last three weeks.

  • Bruce Hector, defensive lineman
  • Steven Montez, quarterback
  • Aldrick Rosas, kicker
  • Shayne Zylstra, tight end

The ongoing protection of Rosas indicates the team isn’t yet sold on rookie Riley Patterson. Rosas started ahead of Patterson in Week 11 but the rookie handled his business in Week 12. It’s also a sign that regular kicker Austin Seibert is unlikely to return anytime soon from the injured reserve list.