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Lions-Rams inactives: DT Mekhi Wingo out, still in Lions' future plans
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- Lions-Rams inactives: DT Mekhi Wingo out, still in Lions' future plans
INGLEWOOD, CA — Mekhi Wingo has played just one game for the Detroit Lions this season – in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears .
But Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers said Wingo, a 2024 sixth-round pick, remains a part of the team's future.
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"It's just this all just comes to a numbers game," Rodgers said this week. "I was watching when the show team was out he's been running some of their reps and his explosiveness, he's just ripping through there. He said, 'Coach, you know I'm just ready when you need me.' So that's kind of it cause the way it is."
The Lions (8-5) made Wingo inactive for the 12thstraight game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams , one of five healthy scratches for the game.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (94) picks up a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) against Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
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Along with Wingo, the Lions deactivated guard Kayode Awosika , defensive lineman Tyler Lacy , receiver Dominic Lovett and cornerback Nick Whiteside . Previously, the Lions ruled out safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Thomas Harper (concussion).
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With Joseph and Harper out, Avonte Maddox likely will start at safety and the Lions could use special-teams ace Daniel Thomas at the other safety spot. The team also claimed Jalen Mills off waivers this week and activated Erick Hallett from the practice squad.
The Lions also placed safety Brian Branch on season-ending injured reserve this week after he underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky , X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions inactives vs Rams: DT Mekhi Wingo out for 12th straight
