Lions activate Kyle Van Noy, reinstate C.J. Mosley

On Saturday, the Detroit Lions opened up two roster spots by releasing tight end Jordan Thompson and safety Jerome Couplin. On Monday, the Lions filled those spots by activating linebacker Kyle Van Noy from injured reserve and reinstating defensive tackle C.J. Mosley, who had been serving a suspension.

Van Noy returns after missing the entire first half of his rookie season. Surgery during the preseason led to Van Noy being placed on injured reserve with the designation to return, but now he's healthy and ready to join the NFL's top defense. It's not exactly clear how Van Noy will be used on defense, but it's a good bet that he will cut into some of Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes and Ashlee Palmer's playing time at linebacker.

As for Mosley, he is back after serving a "two-week" suspension. Mosley was sent home from London the day before the Lions took on the Atlanta Falcons, and we found out on Sunday that the suspension stemmed from him being caught with marijuana after trying to disable a hotel smoke alarm. At the time of his suspension, it was unclear if the Lions meant two games or two weeks, but he is back after being suspended for one game and the team's bye week.

Even with Mosley back, there's a good chance that the Lions will call in extra help at defensive tackle with Nick Fairley injured. Jason Jones can slide inside to add some extra depth at the position, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Lions sign someone like Andre Fluellen or Jimmy Saddler-McQueen before this week's game.