Lions sign two players, release two others

After returning from a day off, the Detroit Lions hit the practice field on Thursday with some changes to their roster. Specifically, they signed two players and released two players. Defensive end Spencer Nealy and safety Ricardo Silva were released to make room for defensive tackle Xavier Proctor and safety Trevor Coston.

The most notable name among that group is Silva. He joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2011, and he's been on both the practice squad and the 53-man roster since then. Actually, he played in four games in 2011, and he made six starts in 10 appearances in 2012.

Nealy, who was also released, joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent at the end of May. He wasn't added with the initial group of UDFAs, but he managed to stick around through nearly the entire first week of training camp despite the late start.

The two players the Lions added both took part in the team's rookie minicamp back in May as tryouts. Coston, a former Chicago Bear, was initially believed to have signed with the Lions following the draft, but he merely got an invite to try out for the team. Now he is on the roster, though, as is Proctor.

More from Pride Of Detroit:

• Lions training camp: Thursday open thread
• Want to write for Pride Of Detroit? Now's your chance
• Lions training camp: 40 photos from the first five days of practice
• Twitter feedback: What should Lions do for third uniform?
• Lions notes: Martin Mayhew talks about decision to release Jahvid Best