The Detroit Lions announced on Friday afternoon that veteran defensive lineman Pat O’Connor has been placed on injured reserve.

The news comes after O’Connor missed last week’s game against the Washington Commanders with a knee injury. It appeared he was progressing after practicing on Wednesday this week. However, he was absent from both Thursday’s and Friday’s practices, suggesting a setback.

O’Connor’s role in the Lions’ defense had waned in recent weeks. As someone who could play both the interior and outside of the defensive line, O’Connor has been valuable depth. But Detroit has leaned more on Tyler Lacy on the edge, and a combination of Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, and DJ Reader on the inside. Prior to his injury, O’Connor had been averaging just 7.5 defensive snaps o

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