Lions sign DL Pat O'Connor from practice squad for first game without Aidan Hutchinson

MINNEAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions have added reinforcements for their defensive line ahead of Sunday's showdown against the Minnesota Vikings .

The Lions signed veteran defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (Eastern Michigan) from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, and elevated defensive end Isaac Ukwu and tight end Shane Zylstra from the practice squad to the gameday roster.

The Lions play the NFC North-leading Vikings in their first game since Aidan Hutchinson broke his left leg in last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Along with Hutchinson, the Lions have lost starting defensive end Marcus Davenport and backup defensive tackle Kyle Peko to season-ending injuries, and have played all year without backup defensive lineman John Cominsky.

TRENDING: Cleveland Browns DE entertains trade idea to Detroit Lions

Hutchinson, who leads the NFL with 7½ sacks, is expected to miss the rest of the season .

O'Connor, a Lions draft pick in 2017, has played 68 career games, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He can play end or tackle and has been with the Lions since training camp.

Ukwu finished the Cowboys game at defensive end after Hutchinson's injury. He had two tackles and played 36 snaps in his NFL debut.

REQUIRED READING: It's malpractice if Lions don't try to trade for high-end Aidan Hutchinson replacement

Zylstra, who caught 11 passes with the Lions in 2022, has not played in the regular season since suffering a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year.

Dave Birkett will sign copies of his new book, " Detroit Lions : An Illustrated Timeline" at 7 p.m., Monday at 24 Seconds Bar & Grill in Berkley, and from 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday at Stadium Cards & Comics in Ypsilanti. Order your copy here .

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

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions sign DL Pat O'Connor from practice squad for first game without Aidan Hutchinson