The Detroit Lions wasted no time adjusting their depth chart this week, announcing a set of roster moves as they prepare for a critical stretch of the 2025 season.
On Monday afternoon, the team revealed that they have released wide receiver Andrew Armstrong from the practice squad. Armstrong had been part of Detroit’s developmental group but hadn’t carved out a path to playing time with the main roster.
To fill the vacancies, the Lions added help on both sides of the ball. Detroit officially signed veteran safety Damontae Kazee and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor to the practice squad.
Lions announce roster moves:
Released WR Andrew Armstrong from the Practice Squad.
Signed S Damontae Kazee and DL Pat O'Connor to the Practice Squad. pic.twitter.com/l5Sgbnb5wy
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 8, 2025
Kazee’s arrival isn’t surprising. With Brian Branch officially out for the season with a torn Achilles, the Lions needed an experienced safety who could step in quickly. Kazee, 32, brings eight years of NFL experience and is expected to be elevated to the active roster once he gets up to speed with Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.
O’Connor, meanwhile, adds depth along the defensive line and brings special teams value—two areas where Detroit has been banged up in recent weeks.
Nothing earth-shattering here, but these are the kind of under-the-radar moves playoff-hopeful teams make in December. Detroit is clearly tightening the screws as the postseason race heats up.
