Niemann recorded five total tackles (two solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Bills. Niemann played a season-high 43 defensive snaps in Week 15 with Trevor Nowaske (concussion) unavailable, amongst others. The five tackles were Niemann's highest total of the year and with the amount of injuries Detroit is dealing with, he'll likely operate in a similar role in Week 16 against the Bears.
Niemann signed with the Lions on Monday. The veteran linebacker played in seven games and on 131 special teams snaps for Denver in 2023, but he did not play a down on defense. Niemann did record a career-high 70 tackles the year before with the Cardinals, and he finished with at least 44 tackles every year from 2019 through 2021 with the Chiefs. In Detroit, Niemann should have a chance to compete for playing time behind outside linebackers Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell.