Lions Claim Safety Jalen Mills from Texans

The Detroit Lions bolstered their injury-depleted secondary on Wednesday by claiming veteran safety Jalen Mills off waivers from the Houston Texans, while waiving tight end Hayden Rucci in a corresponding roster move.

The 31-year-old Mills, a 10-year NFL veteran, adds experienced depth to a Lions defense that has shuffled its backfield throughout the season. Selected in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles out of LSU in 2016, Mills spent five seasons with Philadelphia, including a starting role in their Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots. He later played three seasons with the Patriots, appeared in nine games for the New York Jets last year, and joined the Texans this season, primarily on their practice squad. Mills appeared in four games for Houston, starting one, and recorded four tackles across 48 defensive snaps and 31 special teams snaps. His limited role with the Texans ended after they claimed defensive tackle Naquan Jones off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Lions' acquisition of Mills follows a series of defensive reinforcements amid mounting injuries. Safety Brian Branch underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the...