The Lions released former starting right tackle LaAdrian Waddle on Tuesday, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. In a related move, the Lions have claimed center Gabe Ikard off waivers from the Browns.
Waddle, signed as a UDFA in 2013, found his way into the Lions’ starting lineup thanks to his own solid play and injuries around him. However, he has struggled with injuries the last two years, including a season-ending ACL injury in 2014. This year, he was bumped from the starting lineup in favor of Michael Ola.
Ikard will add some competition to the center position just after the team’s comeback bid against the Rams was blown on a botched snap. Travis Swanson has started 12 of 13 games at center for the Lions this year with mixed results, so he has now been put on notice.
Meanwhile, Lions have formally placed Brandon Pettigrew on injured reserve while signing a tight end to take his place on the 53-man roster, as Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com writes. The Lions signed veteran tight end Bear Pascoe after a recent workout in Allen Park. Pascoe, 29, spent five seasons with the Giants and was most recently with the Falcons in 2014. Pascoe has played in 82 career games with 34 starts and his blocking will be needed in Detroit for the remainder of the season. When it comes to pass catching tight ends, the Lions have that well covered between Tim Wright and youngster Eric Ebron.