Lions Release Linebacker Joe Bachie, Add Safety Bishop Fitzgerald
The short version
- Lions released linebacker Joe Bachie, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.
- Rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald was signed off the Steelers' practice squad.
- Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain sidelined and are not practicing this week.
- Avonte Maddox is out for the season after foot surgery.
Detroit cut veteran linebacker Joe Bachie to clear a roster spot for rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald, signed off the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.
The Detroit Lions have released linebacker Joe Bachie, per KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, opening a roster spot for rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald, who the team signed away from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.
The move addresses a safety position weakened by injuries. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain out and will not practice this week, while Avonte Maddox is done for the season after foot surgery. Chuck Clark, Thomas Harper and Christian Izien are among the healthy options currently available.
Bachie had offered veteran depth at linebacker and on special teams during his latest stint in Detroit. His release gives the veteran linebacker a chance to catch on with another club.
For the Lions, the transaction reflects short-term roster math as the team reshapes its secondary heading into Week 3. Fitzgerald joins the active roster as a young player the coaching staff can evaluate.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
Read the original report at Yahoo Sports ↗