Veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu to make Lions debut vs. Cowboys

The Detroit Lions are still a week away from getting back defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and it appears their solution to plug the hole in Saturday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys will involve a veteran.

The Lions are planning to elevate 36-year-old Tyson Alualu, who signed with the Lions in early December, from the practice squad to make his Lions debut at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, according to his agent Kenny Zuckerman.

The Lions announced Alualu's promotion to the active/inactive list Saturday afternoon. Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, a fellow 36-year-old who hasn't played since an early-December win over the Saints, was also elevated.

Tight end Anthony Firkser was signed to the active roster from the team's practice squad. The Lions on Friday ruled out second-string tight end Brock Wright (hip).

Alualu played seven seasons in Jacksonville, where he was drafted 10th overall in 2010, and six in Pittsburgh, most recently making appearances in all 17 games for the Steelers in 2022.

In his heydey, Alualu was a big-time contributor for the Steelers in both the run and pass game. He graded out as the No. 6 defensive tackle in the league in 2020, per Pro Football Focus, but lost the momentum the following year after suffering a broken ankle in Week 2 that cost him his season. He started just two games last season and made 13 tackles over 17 games.

Included in the announced moves for Saturday was Chase Lucas' return to the team's practice squad. Lucas, an important player on special teams, was placed on waivers Thursday but cleared Friday, according to the NFL's transaction wire.

nbianchi@detroitnews.com

@nolanbianchi