Lions Add Linebacker Owen Pappoe to Practice Squad

The Detroit Lions are bringing in Owen Pappoe, a 26-year-old linebacker who has played for the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. He visited the team’s Allen Park facility before the decision to add him to the practice squad. The move comes as Detroit manages injuries to two linebackers following its game against Minnesota.

Rookie Jimmy Rolder is out for the rest of the 2026 season with a hamstring injury. Captain Jack Campbell remains hospitalized after suffering a neck injury during Detroit’s 19-15 win in Week 8.

Pappoe played at Auburn, where he recorded at least 90 tackles in two seasons and served as a two-year team captain. He ran the linebackers’ fastest 40-yard dash at the combine, clocking 4.39 seconds, and was described as a potential run-and-chase weakside linebacker.

Coach Dan Campbell said Detroit has Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, Derrick Barnes, Amen Ogbongbemiga and Joe Bachie available. He also said the team might need additional help and that he and general manager Brad Holmes would assess the options. The coach said Detroit was balancing concern for Jack Campbell’s health with preparation for its next opponent.