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Detroit Lions sign former Commanders DL to practice squad
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- Detroit Lions sign former Commanders DL to practice squad
The Detroit Lions signed defensive lineman Jeffrey M'ba to their practice squad on Thursday.
The 27-year-old signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent out of SMU last spring. The Commanders waived M'ba as part of its 53-man roster cuts ahead of the 2026 season.
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The Lions got a firsthand look at M'ba during the preseason. M'ba registered three tackles and a pass defended in the Lions' 17-13 win over the Commanders in Week 2 of the 2026 preseason on Aug. 22. Across the Commanders' three preseason games against the Dolphins , Lions, and Ravens , M'ba logged 84 defensive snaps, totaling eight tackles, a pass defended, and a quarterback hit.
In his 2025 season at SMU, M'ba started 12 games and totaled 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. He was an honorable mention All-ACC member.
A 6-foot-6, 312-pound rookie, M'ba grew up in Gabon, Africa. M'ba played three years of football in France before coming to the United States
He began his collegiate journey at Independence Community College in Kansas, where he tallied 15 tackles for loss and three sacks across 13 games in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
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M'ba would head to Auburn for the 2022 college football season, appearing in 10 games and registering seven tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. He would transfer to Purdue for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, tallying 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack in those two seasons with the Boilermakers.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks on before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) signals before a play against Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to a referee regarding a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard on the sideline during the first half against Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) celebrates a sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs for a touchdown against Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark (36) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to a referee after a play against Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to a referee after a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) celebrates a first down against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates with quarterback Bryce Young (9) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a touchdown by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (not pictured) against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Detroit Lions huddle before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18 makes a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) celebrates a first down against Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, center, next to pass game specialist David Shaw, left, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunel on the sideline before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) catches a touchdown pass from Carolina Panthers cornerback Akayleb Evans (29) in the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) scrambles with the ball against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) carries the ball after a reception defended by Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark (36) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) next to running backs coach Tashard Rice walks off the field after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) next to wide receiver Tay Martin (17) walk off the field after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hugs Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, left, shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks on before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks on before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) signals before a play against Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to a referee regarding a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard on the sideline during the first half against Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) celebrates a sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs for a touchdown against Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark (36) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to a referee after a play against Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to a referee after a play against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) celebrates a first down against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) celebrates with quarterback Bryce Young (9) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a touchdown by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (not pictured) against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions huddle before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18 makes a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) celebrates a first down against Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, center, next to pass game specialist David Shaw, left, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunel on the sideline before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) catches a touchdown pass from Carolina Panthers cornerback Akayleb Evans (29) in the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on before a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) scrambles with the ball against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Oct 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) carries the ball after a reception defended by Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark (36) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) next to running backs coach Tashard Rice walks off the field after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) next to wide receiver Tay Martin (17) walk off the field after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hugs Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Lions vs Panthers: Best photos from 'Sunday Night Football'
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, left, shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions sign former Commanders DL to practice squad
