Lions Add Former Bears Defensive Back as Secondary Injuries Pile Up
Ahead of their Week 5 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Detroit Lions are shoring up their cornerback depth in response to mounting injuries in the secondary.
The team has signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers to the practice squad after both starting outside corners suffered injuries in Week 4.
D.J. Reed is expected to miss several weeks due to a hamstring injury, though it isn’t considered season-ending. Terrion Arnold, a second-year player, also left the game against the Browns with a shoulder injury, and his status for Week 5 remains uncertain.
Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that the team might need immediate reinforcements. With safety Daniel Thomas also on injured reserve following forearm surgery, Detroit is addressing depth in both the secondary and special teams.
“I don’t think T.A. [Arnold] is dealing with anything major,” Campbell said postgame. “But again, it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for next week. Reed’s injury is more significant.”
Tre Flowers’ Career Journey Before Joining the Lions
Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, Flowers transitioned from college safety to NFL cornerback. His best season came in 2019, when he recorded 82 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups.
After being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, Flowers developed into a reliable sub-package defender, often tasked with covering tight ends. He later had brief stints with Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis, contributing mainly on special teams and as depth at cornerback.
Most recently, he spent the 2024 offseason with the Chicago Bears before being released during final roster cuts. Over eight seasons, Flowers has played in 95 games (44 starts), bringing size (6’3”, 203 pounds), physicality, and versatility.
Potential Immediate Role for Flowers in Detroit
With uncertainty surrounding Arnold’s availability, Flowers could be elevated to the active roster as early as this weekend. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard values versatility in his secondary, and Flowers’ experience in press and quarters coverage, along with his tackling ability, makes him a potential fit.
If Arnold is unavailable, Flowers could serve as depth behind Rock Ya-Sin and Amik Robertson. Even if Arnold plays, Flowers is expected to contribute on special teams.
Detroit’s defense has allowed big plays at an alarming rate through four games — and that was before losing Reed and Arnold. While Flowers won’t fix the entire problem, he provides a stopgap option and gives the Lions some breathing room as they consider longer-term solutions before the trade deadline.
Even if the secondary heals quickly, Flowers is a reliable insurance piece the team can lean on if needed.
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