After seven seasons in Detroit, the Lions cut ties with the veteran linebacker.

Days after promoting a seasoned linebacker off the practice squad for the season opener, the Detroit Lions severed company with him.

In order to make place for the signings, the organization released linebacker Anthony Pittman this week and promoted offensive tackle Devin Cochran and linebacker Monty Rice to the practice squad. Pittman now needs to find a new NFL home after the Lions brought him up for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

Lions Changing Up Their Practice Squad

According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, Pittman had already returned to the practice squad after the team parted ways with him on the final roster cutdown day. He was elevated and dressed for Sunday’s game because the team trusted him enough.

Risdon reported, “The Lions cut veteran linebacker Anthony Pittman from the practice squad to make room for the new additions.” Pittman was supposed to return to the practice squad after being elevated to the practice squad for Sunday’s Week 1 loss in Green Bay, but the Lions cut him. As has been Pittman’s usual role in Detroit for the past few seasons, he played just on special teams. At the roster cutdown deadline, Pittman was previously released by the organization.

After joining the Lions in 2019, the 28-year-old Pittman played in 56 games for the team over the following seven seasons. With 32 total tackles over that time, he has primarily played on special teams.

Rice, a former Tennessee Titans third-round pick, might be the Lions’ successor. Rice has made 129 total tackles in 38 games during his career.

Additionally, Cochran can add much-needed depth to an offensive line that has already suffered injuries this season. Due to a shoulder issue, Lions tackle Taylor Decker was unable to practice on Wednesday and may miss the team’s Week 2 matchup with the Bears.

The Lions Have Another Defense-Related Challenge

The Lions will take against Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears, another gifted signal-caller, after finding it difficult to contain quarterback Jordan Love in last week’s defeat to the Packers. According to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, his team must effectively keep him in the pocket.

“If you watched the Monday night game, it’s heightened emphasis,” Sheppard stated. “Caleb was exceptional; he extended numerous drives, scored points, and gave his team a chance to win last year by running and escaping the pocket.” We will have a plan for that, and we are fully aware of that.

Sheppard claimed his squad did an excellent job of limiting Love’s impact on the ground, even though he passed for 188 yards and two scores against the Lions last week.

Sheppard remarked, “I want to give credit to our guys for not letting this guy out of the pocket.” “We’ve had trouble with that in previous years. Jordan Love’s legs have scorched us in previous years. I believe he had one rush for four yards. I want to focus on the positive aspects of that.