The Detroit Lions have taken several injury hits to their defense over the last two games. With the recent injuries to cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, the Lions are attempting to improve their depth at the position.
Reed was recently placed on IR after suffering a hamstring injury in the Lions' 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in week 4. Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey was also placed on IR with a wrist injury he suffered in practice.
Arnold, at first, it looked like he was going to be out for the season after being carted off with a shoulder injury in Sunday's 37-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Following further evaluation of his injury, the young cornerback could return sooner than expected.
Lions attempt to sign veteran cornerback Michael Davis
The Lions' latest effort to improve their depth at the cornerback position with the signing of veteran Michael Davis was denied by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, who need all the help they can get with a 1-4 record, were originally intending to sign Davis to the practice squad, but extended their offer to add him to their 53-man roster.
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While the Lions would be considered a better landing spot for Davis than the Saints, the veteran cornerback had a reason for choosing to play football in the Big Easy. Davis's familiarity with Brandon Staley's defense during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately won him over.
Michael Davis is signing to the #Saints’ active roster. He agreed to sign with the team’s practice squad and then the #Lions called to sign him, so up to the active roster the veteran corner goes in New Orleans. https://t.co/DpWN2AHkMz
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 7, 2025
Staley is currently the defensive coordinator for the Saints, after being the coach of the Chargers from 2021 to 2023. Staley was also an assistant for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024.
As an undrafted free agent out of BYU has played nine seasons in the NFL, seven with the Chargers and one with the Washington Commanders. In his career, Davis has made 362 total tackles, eight interceptions (one pick six), and one sack.
Where do the Lions go from here?
With Davis now unavailable, the Lions will have to search elsewhere to add depth to their cornerback room. They've already added one veteran, Arthur Maulet, to their practice squad ahead of Sunday Night Football. But, the team also didn't elevate any cornerbacka from the practice squad to the active roster as of Wednesday.
This suggests they're either still waiting to see who they will bring up from the squad, or they're trusting in other defensive backs like Avonte Maddox and Amik Robertson to step up alongside Rock Ya-Sin.