Ahead of their Monday night battle against the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions have activated defensive tackle John Atkins off the team's practice squad and is expected to suit up. After seeing the performance Packers running back Aaron Jones put on last week against the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit recognized that they were going to need help on that defensive line to try and contain Jones.
With Mike Daniels already ruled out for Monday's game and Da'Shawn Hand and A'Shawn Robinson being listed as questionable after two limited practices, the Lions will be playing with one hand tied behind their back as they already host a bottom 10 run defense.
Atkins does have NFL experience as, per Josh Alper of NBC Sports, he was signed to last year's practice squad and was able to play in two regular-season games towards the end of the season, totaling two tackles in those contests. Jones will have his hands full with the way the Packers have been running the ball in addition to the return of Jamaal Williams, adding another dimension to their rushing attack.
While Atkins received good news regarding his status on the team, wide receiver Tom Kennedy was the casualty of adding Atkins. Although they will have a receiving threat in T.J. Hockenson questionable for Monday's game, Detroit saw more value in trying to stop Green Bay's running attack by adding Atkins.
Nonetheless, with the momentum the Packers have been having on the ground, it will be tough to stop even if Detroit was healthy.
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