The Detroit Lions signed former Steelers nose tackle Tyson Alualu to a contract weeks ago. Alualu never stopped working out after Pittsburgh did not re-sign him this offseason. On Saturday, Alualu made his NFL return after being elevated from the practice squad by the Lions.

“I’m preparing like I will play this season,” Alualu said on The Sick Podcast. “I can’t tell where it’s gonna be.

Back in the offseason, Alualu noted that he was working out with Cam Heyward and other Steelers in an effort to get healthy and prepared to play once again. Alualu still lives in Pittsburgh. But over last year, Alualu started the year but was demoted to second team in favor of Montravius Adams early in the season, where Adams would start the rest of the remaining games.

It was not an easy year for Alualu given all the circumstances. He was still banged up at times in a room that dealt with more than a few injuries. The Steelers still called on him as a rotational player off the bench, but he never found quite the same fountain of youth he had after the serious leg injury he suffered in 2021.

Alualu was named the Ed Block Courage Award winner for the Steelers after returning from his devastating injury. The award has been given out annually since 1984, honoring one player from each NFL team who is committed to sportsmanship and courage. Players vote for the winner, who has courageously returned from an injury or other life-changing event.

The Lions needed help at nose tackle and Alualu was happy to help give them just that.