Detroit Lions activate DT Nick Williams off reserve/COVID list on Thursday

The Detroit Lions activated Nick Williams off the reserve/COVID list Thursday, adding some much-needed depth to their defensive line.

Williams had been away from the team since Aug. 7, when he tested positive for COVID-19. He said on social media that he was experiencing mild symptoms.

The Lions have been shorthanded on the defensive line much of training camp, with Da'Shawn Hand, John Penisini and Levi Onwuzurike battling injuries, and the team limiting Michael Brockers' workload until the regular season.

CARLOS MONARREZ: I can’t believe the Lions were stupid enough to cut Don Muhlbach on 40th birthday

Onwuzurike returned to practice this week and said he expects to play in Saturday's second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Williams was taking first-team reps alongside Brockers and rookie Alim McNeill before landing on the COVID list. He had one sack and made 23 tackles for the Lions in 2020.

The Lions also waived tight end Hunter Thedford on Thursday, leaving them with four tight ends: T.J. Hockenson, who has missed the past week of practice, Darren Fells, Alize Mack and Brock Wright.

Fullback Jason Cabinda also can handle some tight end duties.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions activate DT Nick Williams off reserve/COVID list