Detroit
Lions

The Detroit Lions have added rookie defensive back Bishop Fitzgerald from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad, placing veteran linebacker Joe Bachie on waivers. This move directly addresses the secondary's need for depth following the season-ending foot injury to Avonte Maddox, who has been officially placed on injured reserve. Coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the team's requirement for a shake-up in the defensive backfield, with Fitzgerald, a promising former USC standout, set to compete for a role. Fitzgerald, known for his ball-hawking abilities, spent time with the Titans and Steelers after going undrafted. Despite the personnel move, the Lions are still grappling with significant defensive challenges. A 41-31 Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills highlighted these issues, contributing to mixed reactions in national power rankings. While some outlets see the Lions as a top-10 team capable of recovery, others point to a defense that ranks near the bottom in key statistical categories, particularly against the pass. This defensive struggle has prompted discussions about internal personnel changes. Coach Campbell indicated a willingness to shake up the lineup, with speculation focusing on potential adjustments at linebacker and in the secondary. PFF grades suggest Malcolm Rodriguez is outperforming Devin White, and concerns remain about Rock Ya-Sin's play. Compounding the defensive concerns is the uncertain future of safety Kerby Joseph, who remains sidelined with a lingering knee injury. Coach Campbell offered no assurances regarding Joseph's return, acknowledging the management of the injury will dictate his availability, casting doubt on his participation this season. Meanwhile, quarterback Jared Goff continues to reach individual milestones, extending his NFL-best streak of consecutive games with a passing touchdown to 25 and surpassing 40,000 career passing yards. The offense, though generally more consistent, has also drawn scrutiny for slow starts. Both opening drives against the Saints and Bills resulted in three-and-outs, stalling potential momentum. Film study revealed issues with blocking assignments and scheme execution on critical early downs, demonstrating areas where the offense must improve to support the defense. Despite the recent setbacks and ongoing defensive questions, the Lions are still favored by advanced models to win their Week 3 matchup. Coach Campbell publicly defended his defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, asserting belief in his ability to turn the unit around, emphasizing the coaching staff's collective responsibility for performance and the belief that the current group can improve.