Lions release former Tennessee lineman ahead of NFL Week 1

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Lions release former Tennessee lineman ahead of NFL Week 1

Dan Harralson, Vols Wire · Vols Wire

Sat, Sep 12, 2026 ·

1 min read

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Detroit will kick off its NFL regular season on Sept. 13 versus New Orleans . The season opener between the Lions and Saints is slated for 1 p.m. EDT at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan (Fox).

Ahead of the Week 1 contest, Detroit released defensive lineman Tyre West from its practice squad on Friday.

The Lions signed the former Vol to their practice squad on Aug. 31. West was waived by Detroit on Aug. 30 following the preseason.

Detroit also released defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike on Friday.

West was selected by the Lions in seventh round of the NFL draft in 2026 (No. 222 overall) after playing at Tennessee from 2022-25.

He appeared in 48 games, including five starts, and recorded 65 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and one safety with the Vols.

West appeared in 12 games (two starts) in 2025, totaling 23 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. His 7.5 tackles for a loss were tied for a team lead in 2025.

West competed in both the 2026 Senior Bowl and the 2026 American Bowl. He went to Tennessee from Tift County High School in Tifton, Georgia.