The Detroit Lions are confident that their existing depth will cover some of the linebacker losses. David Long, an accomplished linebacker, was added to the practice squad to help the team’s depth.

Long will join the practice squad after appearing in eight games with the Miami Dolphins this season. His signing was revealed after the Lions placed linebacker Alex Anzalone on injured reserve and activated Ifeatu Melifonwu.

Melifonwu’s activation is likely a procedural move. Dan Campbell said the team expects to be without the hard-hitting safety for a while due to a new injury.

He had been working through an ankle injury but had a finger injury added to his list last week, with the Lions head coach saying that resets his situation.

Long has 75 games and 49 starts through six seasons under his belt. He started 17 games for the Dolphins last year and retained that role for six games this season. He had a career-best 113 total tackles, including nine for loss and the lone sack of his career in 2023.

The 28-year-old was released last week after losing his job in the starting lineup. He signed a two-year, $11 million deal with Miami just one year ago. Long spent the first four years of his career with the Tennessee Titans, so he has experience playing behind a Terrell Williams-coached defensive line.

He joins Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, Ben Niemann and Ezekiel Turner in the linebacker room as the Lions try and replace Anzalone.