The Detroit Lions have bolstered their defensive line by signing veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu, according to his agent Kenny Zuckerman. The move comes as the team looks to add depth and address the absence of injured interior lineman Alim McNeill.

At 36 years old, Alualu brings a wealth of experience to the Lions' roster. He spent the last six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and proved his resilience by returning to the field after recovering from a fractured ankle early in the 2021 season. Despite the setback, Alualu played in all 17 games, starting two, and contributed 13 total tackles, along with half a sack and two quarterback hits. He played in approximately 27 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps.

Originally the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Alualu spent the first seven years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Steelers. Throughout his impressive career spanning 191 games, he has started in 113 of them, accumulating 25.0 sacks, 46 tackles for loss, and 70 quarterback hits.

The addition of Alualu to the Lions' roster comes at a critical time, with McNeill facing an injury. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that McNeill is "banged up" and his availability for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears in Week 14 remains uncertain. Alualu's signing will provide the team with much-needed depth on the defensive line, ensuring they have a capable replacement if McNeill is unable to play.

As Alualu joins the Lions, he will begin his tenure on the team's practice squad, allowing him to acclimate to their system and provide valuable contributions during practice sessions. This move signifies the Detroit Lions' focus on strengthening their defense and their commitment to developing a well-rounded roster capable of competing at a high level.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Alualu integrates into the Lions' defensive scheme and how he contributes to the team's overall performance. With his vast experience and proven ability to make an impact on the field, the defensive tackle's presence is sure to bolster the Lions' defensive line and provide a valuable asset in their quest for success.