Once roster cuts and subsequent moves had taken place last week, the Lions had just two quarterbacks in the fold. That is no longer the case. 
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C.J. Beathard signed to Detroit’s practice squad Thursday, per a team announcement. The 31-year-old represented one of the top quarterbacks left on the market this deep into the offseason and worked out with Detroit yesterday . He will give the Lions an option for gameday elevations or a promotion to the active roster in 2025.
Jared Goff will again handle starting duties this season, but Detroit has a new backup in the form of Kyle Allen . Allen drew praise for his work during training camp and the preseason, to the point where he overtook incumbent Hendon Hooker on the depth chart. In a move which came as little surprise as a result, Hooker was waived ahead of the cutdown deadline.
The 2023 third-rounder quickly found a home on the Panthers’ practice squad, meaning a stay in Detroit was not an option after he cleared waivers (not that one was expected). After a few days without a signal-caller on their taxi squad, the Lions will move forward with Beathard. The former UDFA has totaled 32 regular season appearances and 13 starts, his most recent coming with the Jaguars in 2023. If Goff or Allen suffer an injury, Beathard will be counted on to fill in.
In a corresponding move, the Lions released second-year defensive end Isaac Ukwu from their practice squad. Ukwu made two appearances for Detroit last season while the team dealt with a slew of injuries on defense. He will now look for another opportunity in time for the start of the season.