Proposed Lions signing would add 45-game starter to injury-plagued defensive line

The Detroit Lions have dealt with injuries like no other team in the NFL this season, and that's especially true on the defensive side of the ball. Not only have their starters gotten hurt, but their starters' backups have landed on the shelf, also.

The defensive line has been particularly ravaged by injuries, which has left the Lions extremely short at the position. On top of all the other injured players the Lions have upfront, Detroit now has a concern with its best defensive lineman, Alim McNeill, who left last week's game early due to a head injury.

Detroit has plenty of cap space ($24.7 million) to add more help, but there are slim pickings in free agency this late in the regular season. But Bleacher Report's Matt Holder still wants to see the Lions make a move, and he thinks the Lions should add veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell in free agency.

One negative stemming from Thursday's win is that the Lions are getting thin at defensive tackle. DJ Reader missed the game while Alim McNeill exited early, forcing the defense to dive deep into the depth chart in the trenches.

While Reader and McNeill could return to action soon, it'd be smart to add a veteran like Purcell to the practice squad at least. That would give the team another big-bodied option on the interior defensive line in case the injuries continue to pile up heading into the playoffs.

A former undrafted free agent, Purcell hasn't played a snap in the NFL this season and was last with the New England Patriots before getting cut in late August.

Prior to his brief stint in New England, Purcell spent five seasons with the Denver Broncos, and before that, three with the San Francisco 49ers. He's started in 45 out of a possible 90 games during his career

Purcell isn't a needle-mover by any stretch, but he would offer the Lions another body with starting experience. Detroit could sign him to the practice squad and elevate him as needed.

Detroit's willingness to add more help will depend upon what's up with the other injured defensive linemen they have. Reader, Onwuzurike and Paschal all have a chance to return this week, but McNeill's status remains up in the air.