Welcome to the active 53-man Detroit Lions roster, Kyle Peko.
The veteran defensive tackle was signed to the Lions roster from the team’s practice squad ahead of Wednesday’s practice session. Peko replaces fellow DT Chris Smith on the roster. Smith was waived earlier this week and is now back on the practice squad.
Peko played 37 snaps in Detroit’s Week 1 win over the Rams, recording one tackle as a practice squad promotion.
The move to swap Peko and Smith in Week 2 was almost certainly a salary cap maneuver designed to keep Peko’s veteran contract form being fully guaranteed. All vested vets who are on the Week 1 active 53-man roster have their deals secured. By waiting a week, it saves the Lions some long-term money.
Detroit also made the practice squad signing of kicker Greg Joseph official. And with that, the Lions roster is once again at capacity.