Following the unfortunate loss of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson due to a broken tibia, the Detroit Lions quickly moved to bolster their defensive line. To address the void left by Hutchinson, the Lions signed defensive end Isaiah Thomas from the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, as reported by Jeremy Fowler from ESPN.
Hutchinson had been a key part of Detroit’s defense, playing at an elite level and even being considered a contender for Defensive Player of the Year. Losing him to injury created an immediate need for reinforcements, especially for their pass rush. Isaiah Thomas, a former seventh-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, is seen as a player who can provide much-needed support in this area.
Thomas, who had not yet been active this season for the Bengals, previously spent his first two NFL seasons with the Browns. During his rookie year in 2022, he managed to see limited playing time, but his most notable contribution came during what Bengals fans refer to as “The Halloween Massacre,” where he recorded his only career sack, notably taking down Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow. However, after spending all of 2023 on the Browns’ practice squad, he joined the Bengals but had yet to make an on-field appearance in 2024.
Despite his limited experience, Thomas’ signing comes at a crucial time for the Lions, who are seeking ways to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks in Hutchinson’s absence. While he may not replace Hutchinson’s production outright, Thomas will be expected to step up and contribute to Detroit’s defensive efforts moving forward.
As of now, the Bengals have not made any official moves in response to losing Thomas, who had been a depth player on their roster. Detroit will look to see how quickly Thomas can acclimate to his new team and how much of an impact he can make as they navigate the challenging season ahead without their defensive star.
