In desperate need of healthy bodies to fill out an injury-ravaged defense, the Detroit Lions are turning to an old friend. The Lions are signing veteran linebacker Anthony Pittman to the active roster, poaching Pittman from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.

Anthony Pittman was all smiles after Wednesday's practice, thrilled to be back with the Lions for a second stint as they chase a Super Bowl berth.

This past offseason, Pittman signed with the Washington Commanders, but was released in late August. He was able to spend the past couple of months on the Jacksonville Jaguars pra

Detroit Lions roster moves: 3 defenders placed on I.R., Anthony Pittman returns and some practice squad swapping

The Detroit Lions are taking action to combat their armageddon of injuries. Detroit announced on Tuesday that they have signed linebacker Anthony Pittman to their active roster. Pittman is joining the Lions off the practice squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pittman joined the Jaguars’ practice squad in October after spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with Detroit, where he signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wayne State in 2019. He spent this past offseason with Washington but was released by the Commanders after the preseason in August.

The Detroit Lions added to their depleted linebacking core on Monday, bringing back linebacker Anthony Pittman.

Pittman, a Detroit native and former Wayne State standout, spent the first four years of his career with the Lions.

With the Lions dealing with a mountain of injuries to their defense, they saw fit to bring Pittman aboard to provide depth at linebacker. His fastest path to playing time may be on special teams, where he's already spent the majority of his NFL career.

Anthony Pittman made 29 tackles in parts of 5 seasons with the Lions in 2019-23, playing primarily on special teams.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be down a practice squad linebacker as the Detroit Lions are set to sign Anthony Pittman.

As the Lions continue to deal with more and more injuries, they’re bringing a familiar face back to the franchise.