A defensive lineman defensive line in college, Mihalik played the first offensive snaps of his career in the Lions' Week 6 loss to the Saints

Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez | Detroit Free Press

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When Brian Mihalik entered the second half of a Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints as an injury replacement first for Rick Wagner and then for Greg Robinson, Detroit Lions fans everywhere likely let out a collective, "Who?"

Mihalik played the first 27 offensive snaps of his career against the Saints, and two weeks later it looks like he'll start at left tackle when the Lions return from the bye Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Robinson did not practice Wednesday and Thursday because of an ankle injury, and both Lions coach Jim Caldwell and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter indicated Thursday that Mihalik could start this weekend.

"I think he's going to do just fine," Caldwell said.

"We’ll see what we’ve got," said Cooter. "You find out on game day a little bit more than you do in these practices in season a lot of times."

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Mihalik, a defensive lineman in college, converted to offensive tackle with the Steelers in 2016 after spending his rookie season on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.

He joined the Lions' practice squad in October of last year, only to have the Steelers sign him to the active roster days later.

When the Steelers released him at the roster deadline this September, the Lions signed him as a backup swing tackle.

Mihalik played exclusively on special teams during the season's first five weeks, and said his first game action against the Saints "was a little bit hectic." He gave up one sack to Cam Jordan, when he was bull-rushed backwards into quarterback Matthew Stafford.

"I just tried to go in and do whatever I could and give our team the best chance to win," Mihalik said.

Mihalik said his knowledge of the Steelers' personnel and scheme from his time in Pittsburgh should "help out a little bit" as he prepares for a possible starting assignment this week.

And Caldwell said he has faith in Mihalik should he be needed Sunday.

"What we see from him, he’s smart, he’s tough, he’s rugged, and he’s gotten a feel for our scheme. And obviously I think he’s going to do just fine," Caldwell said. "He’ll be able to handle his job, that’s for sure."

Billingsley’s big work ethic

The Lions signed Jace Billingsley off the practice squad Tuesday and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said the undrafted second-year receiver can thank his work ethic for the promotion.

“It’s a cliché that we say all the time but I mean this guy is through the roof work ethic,” Cooter said. “He can work with anybody. Whether it’s lifting, conditioning, mental side of the game, he goes about his business the right way.”

This is the second time the Lions have signed Billingsley off their practice squad. He was on the 53-man roster for the regular-season finale and wild-card playoff game at Seattle last season.

Billingsley, a 5-foot-9 converted running back from NAIA Eastern Oregon, said overcoming hurdles has been a constant challenge for him.

“Me being undersized and being from a smaller school, I need to give a little bit more effort probably,” he said. “So that’s just something I put on myself. In order to improve, that’s what I’ve got to do.”

Briefly

The Lions signed offensive tackle Dan Skipper to their active roster Thursday and waived tackle Bryce Harris. They signed offensive tackleStorm Norton to take Skipper's place on the practice squad.