Detroit has downgraded rookie cornerback Darius Slay to "out" for Sunday's game after he suffered a knee injury on Thursday in practice. Chris Greenwood has been promoted from the practice squad to replace Slay for this game, and return man Michael Spurlock has been released from the 53-man roster.
What does it mean? It means that the Lions are thin at cornerback, with five dressing for this game, including Greenwood, who took no meaningful reps with the defense in practice during the week, and veteran Chris Houston, who is listed as questionable for the game with a foot injury.
Greenway is in his second season with Detroit and has good size (6 feet 1, 190 pounds) and athletic ability.
With Spurlock gone, the Lions turn to Jeremy Ross in the return game. Ross has been an explosive element in the return game, averaging 14.7 yards on six punt returns and 27.2 yards on six kickoff returns.
Slay, a rookie from Mississippi State, ranked seventh on the team with 30 total tackles as a reserve cornerback. He had five passes defensed and Slay started three games among his 12 game appearances.
