Allen Park, Mich. –The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed WR Jace Billingsleyto the active roster from the practice squad and placed RB Theo Riddickon Reserve/Injured. In addition, Detroit signed TE Kennard Backman to the practice squad.
Billingsley originally signed with the Lions this season as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Eastern Oregon. He led the Lions in the 2016 preseason with 12 receptions for 146 yards (12.2 avg) and one touchdown before joining the team's practice squad in September.
Backman comes to Detroit after most recently spending time as a member of the New England Patriots practice squad. A sixth-round draft selection (213th overall) by Green Bay in the 2015 NFL Draft out of UAB, Backman appeared in seven games for the Packers last season.