The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday that rookie defensive lineman Isaac Ukwu has been temporarily promoted from the practice squad for this week.

He will join the active roster and is set to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Following the game, he will return to the practice squad.

Ukwu joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent after a strong season at Ole Miss.

He impressed during training camp and the preseason, recording a sack in each of the three preseason games. Despite his performance, he did not make the initial 53-man roster.

Ukwu’s elevation comes at a critical time, particularly for the Lions’ SAM linebacker position, which has faced challenges since the injury of Derrick Barnes, who is likely out for the season.

The team experimented with various players at that position in the previous week, including Alex Anzalone, Ben Niemann, and Trevor Nowaske, who all saw action against the Seattle Seahawks.

Ukwu now has the chance to contribute against the Cowboys.

When asked on Friday if Ukwu or Mitchell Agude would play due to injuries on the edge, Coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in both players.

“I would have no problem playing either one of those guys if we need them,” he stated.

This marks Ukwu’s first elevation of the season. NFL teams can elevate practice squad players up to three times in a season, giving Ukwu the potential for two more opportunities.

Currently, the Lions have an open spot on their 53-man roster. Campbell mentioned the advantages of having this flexibility, indicating that while it provides options, the team is not in a rush to fill that position.

“It gives us options. I don’t want to say that we’ll necessarily use that or we’re in a hurry to fill that,” he explained.

This flexibility allows the Lions to consider various strategies moving forward.