With depth at middle linebacker extremely thin because of injuries, the Lions decided to bring back Vinny Ciurciu. He was let go in the final round of roster cuts, but the Lions re-signed him on Thursday to shore up the depth at the middle linebacker position.

To make room for Ciurciu, the Lions placed Spencer Havner, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Rams game, on the waived-injured list.

The Lions are in dire shape at the middle linebacker position because DeAndre Levy hasn't even been able to practice in a couple weeks and because Landon Johnson, Levy's backup, has missed practice this week due to a concussion. Levy has played only once this season and is again doubtful this week. Johnson needs to pass a series of concussion tests in order to play, so right now his status looks to be doubtful as well. With only Isaiah Ekejiuba and Ashlee Palmer available at MLB, the Lions made the move to sign Ciurciu, who got a lot of playing time in the preseason when Levy was hurt (and after Jordon Dizon went down).