Alexander suffered a torn Achilles last season while playing with the Steelers and has played in just three regular-season games this year. The former Pro Bowler has totaled eight tackles and a force fumble on just 65 defensive snaps, this season, per PFF, and will now be tasked with filling the role vacated by Malcolm Rodriguez, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 13’s game against the Bears. A 10-year veteran of the league, Alexander brings plenty of experience to a Lions linebacking corps that’s been ravaged by injuries this season.

Alexander will start on the Denver practice squad, with a chance to be activated to the game day roster in the coming weeks. He’s coming off an Achilles injury he suffered last November and would likely be a rotational player for the Broncos. Alexander, 30, had 41 tackles and an interception for the Steelers in 2023 before his injury.

Alexander would be a depth piece focused on coverage for the Broncos, who have been unsatisfied with their linebacker depth so far this year. Alexander tore his Achilles last November and has not been connected to any teams since. The 30-year-old had 41 tackles and one interception for the Steelers in nine games last year.

That’s a brutal blow for a Pittsburgh team that is relying heavily on its defense to win games. The Steelers have been outgained in six straight games, but they continue to pull out wins with defense and controlling the clock. Now they might have to do it without one of their key defenders. Coming into Sunday, Alexander was 5th on the team in tackles and 2nd in tackles for a loss while also forcing a fumble and intercepting one pass. 2022 7th-round pick Tariq Carpenter figures to take over for Alexander.