By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions are proving that loyalty — and a good memory — still have a place in the NFL.
Months after parting ways with rookie edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein, the Lions have followed through on their promise to bring him back once he was healthy. And true to their word, the 6-foot-2 Boise State product is back in the fold, officially rejoining Detroit via the practice squad.
A Promise Kept
When Hassanein went down with an injury late in the preseason, the Lions had to make a tough call — releasing him with an injury settlement. But even then, general manager Brad Holmes was clear: this wasn’t goodbye, just a “see you soon.”
“He’s going to be a Detroit Lion, he’s going to be back on the football field playing this year,” Holmes said at the time.
That day has arrived.
It’s a subtle move on paper, but one that speaks volumes about Detroit’s culture of development and the trust between front office and players. Hassanein’s return adds depth to the defensive front and brings back a player the Lions see genuine potential in.
Raw Potential Meets Opportunity
Coming out of Boise State, Hassanein wasn’t the flashiest name on draft boards — but scouts saw something special in his effort and physicality.
Pre-draft reports described him as a “coach’s favorite type” — the kind of lineman who fights every snap, holds the line against the run, and grinds to earn his reps.
That fits right into Dan Campbell’s gritty DNA for this team. The Lions love high-motor players, and Hassanein’s blue-collar edge could make him an ideal fit once he’s fully game-ready.
The Youth Movement Rolls On
While Hassanein gears up for a second chance, Detroit’s defense continues to be anchored by emerging young talent. Cornerback Terrion Arnold has been turning heads, embracing the physical brand of football that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard demands.
“If you really want to preach you’re a tough defense, you’re a physical outfit, show me your corners in run support,” Sheppard said — echoing lessons from his mentor, Aaron Glenn.
Between Arnold’s rise and Hassanein’s return, the Lions’ defensive identity looks stronger than ever: young, aggressive, and unapologetically physical.
The Bottom Line
This reunion might not make national headlines, but it’s another reminder of how the Lions are building — patiently and intentionally. In a league where “next man up” often means “next man out,” Detroit’s decision to bring Hassanein back feels like a rare kind of rethink — one rooted in faith, follow-through, and the long game.