For the second time this year, the Lions have lost their sixth-round rookie.

For the second time this year, the Detroit Lions have lost their sixth-round pick, quarterback Brad Kaaya, to another team. On Tuesday night, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that the Indianapolis Colts have signed the former Hurricanes quarterback away from the Lions’ practice squad:

Earlier in the year, the Lions lost Kaaya after waiving him with the intention of bringing him back on the practice squad. The Carolina Panthers put in a claim for him, leaving Lions general manager Bob Quinn a bit frustrated. “I’m disappointed that he’s not with us because I think he does have a future,” Quinn said back in September.

But Quinn was able to bring Kaaya back after the Panthers waived him in mid October.

However, this latest poaching of Kaaya by the Colts shows that Quinn may not be that tied to the rookie quarterback anymore.

Last year, the Lions faced an almost identical situation. In late November, the Lions signed Jake Rudock from the practice squad so that the Chicago Bears didn’t snatch him from their practice squad. The Lions could have done the same for Kaaya—they even had the extra roster spot after sending Don Barclay to injured reserve. The Lions ended up using that roster spot on a fourth tight end, a move so inconsequential that it shows Kaaya was no longer a part of Bob Quinn’s plans.

UPDATE: According to the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett, the team actually did try to keep Kaaya, but it was Kaaya who wanted to move on:

The move has yet to be confirmed by either team, but if the Lions confirm the story, expect them to announce a subsequent addition to their practice squad.