The Detroit Lions are coming out of the bye week ready to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers have a fairly young roster, but there are some former Lions players who are now contributors for them. Here are some old friends and fan favorites from the Lions who will now be opponents for Detroit in Week 9:
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TE Donald Parham
Despite only being on the roster for two days of rookie minicamp in 2019, the 6’8” tight end was a fan favorite during that short time. Parham was cut and bounced around the NFL and XFL before settling in with the Chargers in 2020.
Parham is now on the path to having the best season of his career. The former Lions undrafted free agent has started five of seven games for the Chargers and has been a redzone and short-yardage weapon, hauling in four touchdowns on 13 receptions. His skills as a blocker have also been an asset for LA. Paired with veteran Gerald Everett, the young tight end opens some possibilities for the Chargers’ offense.
DL Nick Williams
Oct 31, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) gets wrapped up by Detroit Lions defensive end Nick Williams (97) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
A two-year starter for the Lions from 2020 to 2021, Williams is playing in his tenth NFL season for the Chargers. While he is no longer a full-time starter, he is still earning significant playing time on Los Angeles’ 3-4 defensive front.
Williams has 14 total tackles this season, four of which went for a loss of yardage. He has also recorded a sack and a fumble recovery for the Chargers.
DL Christian Covington
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Christian Covington (52) warms up during minicamp at Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Covington’s tenure with the Lions only lasted from May to August of 2023. Despite a strong preseason showing in Detroit, he was a surprise cut and signed quickly with the Chargers’s practice squad.
He has not been elevated to the game day roster yet this season, meaning he is eligible for a call-up on Sunday versus Detroit.
DB Dean Marlowe
Dec 26, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Lions safety Dean Marlowe (31) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Marlowe is another former Lions defensive starter who is now playing in Los Angeles. The veteran safety played one season in Detroit in 2021 and started nine games while there. Due to injuries in the Chargers’ secondary, he is now taking reps with their first-team defense.