Lions sign LB Josh Woods from the Bears practice squad

In the Detroit Lions’ ongoing movement at linebacker, the team has signed Josh Woods to the active 53-man roster from the Chicago Bears practice squad. Head coach Dan Campbell announced the move in his pre-practice press conference on Thursday.

Woods, 25, is in his third NFL season, all with the Bears. He was active in Week 1 for Chicago, playing 12 reps on special teams. Woods appeared in 15 games in 2020 as a fixture on Chicago’s special teams, but has just 46 reps on defense in his three seasons.

The Bears did not use their practice squad protection on Woods this week. Because the Lions signed him to the active roster, Woods must remain with Detroit through at least three game weeks.

While no corollary move has been announced yet, it’s a safe presumption that veteran LB Jamie Collins will be involved in one form or another. Campbell indicated the team is moving on from Collins and trying to trade the 32-year-old.