Detroit Lions add veteran C.J. Beathard to practice squad as third quarterback

The Detroit Lions have signed veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard to their practice squad, making him the team's third quarterback behind starter Jared Goff and backup Kyle Allen. This move comes after the release of defensive end Isaac Ukwu and developmental quarterback Hendon Hooker from the practice squad. Beathard, a 31-year-old former Iowa standout drafted in 2017, brings significant NFL experience with 32 games played and 13 starts, having previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 60% of his passes for 3,886 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and also added 266 rushing yards with four touchdowns in his career. Beathard has been active in workouts this season with multiple teams before joining the Lions, filling a need for a reliable QB3 after Hooker's departure. The Lions, two-time defending NFC North champions, open their season Sunday at Green Bay with Beathard as an emergency option at quarterback.