Detroit Lions promote two off practice squad, backfilling one opening with Dan Skipper

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions made multiple move Tuesday to address some of the team's injury issues. Running back Zonovan Knight and guard Kayode Awosika are being promoted off the practice squad to the active roster, while veteran offensive tackle Dan Skipper is being brought back as part of the practice squad.

Knight, who went undrafted out of North Carolina State a year ago, appeared in seven games for the New York Jets as a rookie, making four starts. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder ran for 300 yards and a touchdown on 85 carries and added 13 receptions for another 100 yards.

Knight will help the Lions bridge the gap while starter David Montgomery recovers from a thigh injury suffered in the second half of last Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Dan Campbell said the team will take a committee approach if Montgomery can't go this week, with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs and veteran Craig Reynolds in line to lead that rotation.

Montgomery is one of several Lions players who are currently dealing with injury. In the past few days, the Lions have lost edge rushers James Houston (fibula) and Josh Paschal (knee), as well as safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pec) to long-term injuries.

Houston and Gardner-Johnson were officially transferred to injured reserve Tuesday, while Paschal landed on the list over the weekend.

Campbell, joining 97.1 "The Ticket" on Tuesday morning, confirmed Gardner-Johnson's injury, which was first reported the previous evening. The coach also opened the door for the defensive back to return later this year.

"I hate it for him," Campbell said. "That's tough, but we'll see where this thing goes. There's a chance he comes back this season."

The Lions should be OK with the team's depth at edge rusher and safety to withstand those hits, but needed some extra insurance along the offensive line for Sunday's matchup with Atlanta. Guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is expected to miss this week and potentially more because of a knee injury he suffered against Seattle. Additionally, Campbell wasn't optimistic about Taylor Decker's availability for Sunday after the starting left tackle missed last week because of an ankle injury.

Awosika, who joined the Lions last season, provides help on the inside, while Skipper gives Detroit a veteran presence at tackle. Even though he's not on the active roster, he could be temporarily elevated off the practice squad for Sunday's game. He appeared in 16 games for the last season, including five starts, the first of his career.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

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