The Detroit Lions have finally added reinforcements to their thin cornerback group, signing veteran Arthur Maulet to their practice squad. This addition, first reported by NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, comes just a day after the team received encouraging news that Terrion Arnold’s shoulder injury won’t require surgery and that he could return within a month.

Maulet entered the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints. Since then, he’s appeared in 84 games across eight seasons, spending most of his career in the AFC with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Jets. While he hasn’t consistently stuck on a roster, Maulet has enough experience and physicality to be a useful defensive pickup.

Arnold’s outlook marks a significant improvement from the early fears that his season was over after getting hurt in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Though he still needs time to recover, Detroit can breathe easier knowing he should return in the coming weeks. The timing is ideal, as the Lions also have a bye week approaching.

Detroit finally secures cornerback depth for the practice squad

Maulet could be elevated for this weekend’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Lions have several other options to consider. Rock Ya-Sin has been a strong performer since the preseason, while Amik Robertson and Avonte Maddox remain available if needed. And the Lions’ depth is certainly being tested.

Beyond those two, Detroit can also promote Nick Whiteside from the practice squad. Whiteside, who impressed during the preseason, has remained on standby since roster cuts. Don’t be surprised if he’s activated along with Maulet, given that Khalil Dorsey is also nursing an injury heading into Week 6.

According to Pride of Detroit’s Al Karsten, Maulet is a tough, physical defender who can at least make things difficult for Kansas City’s receivers on Sunday night. Replacing Arnold’s talent in the starting lineup won’t be easy, but adding a gritty, experienced cornerback should help stabilize Detroit’s secondary until he returns.