Lions elevate 2 players for Bucs game, sign Julian Okwara to practice squad

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have elevated fullback Jason Cabinda and defensive lineman Tyson Alualu from the practice squad for their divisional-round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also signed edge rusher Julian Okwara to the practice squad, after cutting him from the 53-man roster this week.

Alualu, 36, is a veteran defensive tackle who has worked his way into the rotation down the stretch this season. He’s played in each of the last four games, including the wild-card win against the Los Angeles Rams. He logged 22 defensive snaps in that game, the most of any interior lineman not named Alim McNeill, and finished with one tackle.

Cabinda has played in each of the last three games since returning from a knee injury that cost him most of the season. He contributed in all phases of special teams against Los Angeles and finished with 17 snaps. He also provides extra muscle on offense while tight end James Mitchell recovers from hand surgery.

Okwara was cut this past week to make room for the return of James Houston, the young edge rusher who has missed most of the season with a broken ankle. Houston is listed as questionable to play against the Bucs.