Detroit Lions sign kicker Greg Joseph to practice squad, add Kyle Peko to 53-man roster

The Detroit Lions made a trio of transactions before practice Wednesday, adding a kicker to their practice squad and signing defensive tackle Kyle Peko to the 53-man roster .

Peko started at nose tackle in last week's win over the Los Angeles Rams, with D.J. Reader inactive while still nursing a torn quad tendon. He played 37 snaps and made one tackle for loss as a gameday elevation from the practice squad .

Reader is expected to return to the lineup for this week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

"We're excited to get him back," Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams said. "I mean, we still got to get through the week of practice but things are trending up for him. It's a good, physical group and when you add him, D.J., the neighborhood gets a little tougher, so we're excited to get him."

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As a vested veteran, Peko's contract would have been guaranteed for the season had he been on the active roster in Week 1. By signing him in Week 2, the Lions retain for financial flexibility should they decide to release him later in the year.

The Lions also signed kicker Greg Joseph and defensive tackle Chris Smith to the practice squad Wednesday. Smith signed to the active roster from the practice squad last week and was waived Monday.

Joseph spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and has made 82.6% of his field goals for his career.

The Lions had Jake Bates as the only kicker on their roster after Michael Badgley suffered a season-ending injury. General manager Brad Holmes said after cut day he intended to sign a more veteran kicker as insurance for the practice squad.

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Bates made both of his extra points and was 2-for-2 on field goals Sunday, making kicks of 25 and 32 yards. His 32-yarder tied the game with 17 seconds left in regulation, and the Lions went on to win on the first possession of overtime .

Dave Birkett is the author of the new book, " Detroit Lions : An Illustrated Timeline." Preorder it now from Reedy Press .

Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett .

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions sign kicker Greg Joseph to practice squad, add Kyle Peko to 53-man roster