Lions promote LB Zaviar Gooden from practice squad

Justin Rogers, The Detroit News
Zaviar Gooden

Allen Park – The Detroit Lions addressed the team’s shallow depth at linebacker on Saturday, promoting Zaviar Gooden off the practice squad. To clear room on the roster, the Lions released wide receiver Aaron Dobson.

Gooden, who spent the entire offseason with the Lions, was re-signed to the team’s practice squad on Wednesday.

A former third-round draft pick, Gooden spent his first two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He’s appeared in 24 regular-season games, including three starts. He played in three of the Lions’ four exhibition games this year.

The Lions needed depth with DeAndre Levy (quad) and rookie Antwione Williams (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Starter Kyle Van Noy (calf) is also still battling through injury and was limited in practice this week, leading up to the  NFC North showdown.

Dobson’s departure comes after a brief stint with the Lions. The former New England Patriots receiver signed with the team on Wednesday. His release leaves the Lions with four wide receivers: Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, Anquan Boldin and Andre Roberts, who has served as the team’s primary return man.

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