Lions sign linebacker, Salem product Trevor Nowaske to active roster

The Detroit Lions on Thursday signed linebacker and Canton native Trevor Nowaske to the active roster from the practice squad and waived running back Devine Ozigbo, according to an announcement from the team.

It’s unclear what spawned the transaction, but it’s possible the move could speak to a confidence that injured running back David Montgomery is angling for a return when Detroit gets back from its bye week in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Lions head coach Dan Campbell mentioned this week the team was hoping to get back a few players who’ve missed time while avoiding injured reserve, which includes Montgomery. 

Nowaske, a Salem High School grad, played college ball at Saginaw Valley State before going undrafted and signing with the Lions. While he didn’t get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, he did have a few highly impressive workouts that saw him produce a Relative Athletic Score of 9.85, which ranked 38th out of 2,503 linebackers from 1987-2023.

More:Canton's Trevor Nowaske works to do 'whatever it takes' to make Lions roster

The Lions also fixed their hole at long snapper after Scott Daly endured a season-ending knee injury. Detroit on Wednesday signed two-time Pro-Bowler Jake McQuaide, who signed with the Lions last spring but lost the camp battle to Daly.

Ozigbo was elevated to the active roster for recent games, including Monday’s 26-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, with Montgomery down and Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds battling nagging injuries. He had three carries for five yards in a 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.

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