The Detroit Lions enter their Week 8 bye riding high after a commanding 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. For Lions fans, it was exactly the type of performance they hoped for, as the team now takes the week to rest and recover before facing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.

Before Monday night’s matchup began, the Lions made a handful of roster adjustments, including the release of veteran linebacker Ty Summers. With Zach Cunningham returning to full health from his hamstring issue, Detroit didn’t require Summers on the active 53-man roster.

Still, the Lions ensured the experienced linebacker remained close by, re-signing him to their practice squad on Tuesday.

Although the Lions are on bye in Week 8, the decision to retain Summers makes plenty of sense. He played 26 special teams snaps across Weeks 5 and 6, and Detroit lacked a linebacker on its practice squad going into Monday’s contest—leaving them exposed if an injury had occurred.

Recently, the Lions have devoted both roster and practice squad space to the secondary, which is understandable given their ongoing cornerback injuries. Now, with Summers added back, the Lions have the option to elevate him on gameday should extra depth at linebacker be needed.

Detroit already knows what Summers contributes, particularly as a reliable special teams piece. The 29-year-old first joined the Lions last preseason after being cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars and impressed enough to stick through camp.

Summers performed well in two preseason outings, recording 12 total tackles, one sack, and a quarterback hit. However, his strong showing wasn’t enough to crack the 53-man roster, and the Lions ultimately released him before the regular season began.

Even though Summers’ first stint in Detroit didn’t last long, it’s evident he left a lasting mark on both the coaching staff and front office, paving the way for his 2025 return to the team.