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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lions acquire defensive tackle Damon Harrison from Giants

In this June 12, 2018, file photo, New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison talks to reporters in East Rutherford, N.J. Harrison is officially headed to the Detroit Lions. The trade for the defensive tackle was announced Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, by the teams. Detroit will send a draft pick to the New York Giants. (Adam Hunger / Associated Press)
By Matt Schoch Associated Press

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Damon Harrison took the field Thursday for his new team, where he will be asked to help solve the defensive woes against the run for the Detroit Lions.

The trade for the defensive tackle was announced Thursday by the teams. Detroit will send a draft pick to the New York Giants.

Just as in New York, Harrison wore his No. 98 with the Lions on Thursday, practicing on the same field as he did during a joint Lions and Giants session in August.

To make room for “Snacks” Harrison, the Lions released defensive tackle Sylvester Williams. Williams was acquired as a free agent this offseason and had six tackles in six games for Detroit.

The 29-year-old Harrison spent the past three seasons with the Giants. He began his career with the Jets in 2012 after being undrafted out of William Penn. He was a 2016 All-Pro selection.

Harrison joined the Giants as a free agent in 2016, signing a five-year, $46 million contract. The seven-year veteran never missed a game in his 2 1/2 years, starting 39 times. He had 31 tackles and a forced fumble this season.

The Lions (3-3) host Seattle on Sunday. They have the 30th-ranked rush defense in the NFL, allowing 139.3 yards per game. The defensive line has been without end Ziggy Ansah for all but the opener.

Harrison will be reunited with two New York defensive teammates from last season, defensive end Romeo Okwara and linebacker Devon Kennard.

This is the Giants’ second trade this week. They sent cornerback Eli Apple, a 2016 first-round selection, to New Orleans for two picks on Tuesday. The Giants (1-6), who have four wins in their past 23 regular-season games, host Washington on Sunday.

New York also waived offensive tackle Ereck Flowers, its 2015 first-round pick, on Oct. 9.