Lions release Nate Ness

The Detroit Lions signed safety Nate Ness from their practice squad on Saturday. On Sunday, he played nine snaps on special teams in the Lions' game against the Carolina Panthers. And on Monday, the Lions released Ness, per the NFL's official transactions report.

Given that Ness spent all of two days on the Lions' 53-man roster before being released, you could make a few conclusions about this news:

• Perhaps this is a sign that James Ihedigbo and/or Don Carey are going to return to action this week, and the Lions decided they didn't need an extra safety as a result.
  
  
• Considering Ness strictly played special teams against Carolina, perhaps the Lions simply felt that they could get more use out of his roster spot with another player.
  
  
• Given that Nevin Lawson is likely out for the season and the Lions are down to three healthy cornerbacks, perhaps this move is clearing the way for help at that position.

If I had to guess, I'd go with the third conclusion. Chances are Mohammed Seisay will be promoted from the practice squad this week to replace Lawson once he goes on injured reserve. With Ness being released by the Lions for the third time this year, they will be able to bring in outside help as well. Who knows if that means that Champ Bailey will be signed, but it would be wise for the Lions to load up on cornerbacks with the Green Bay Packers up next.

As for Ness, chances are he will be re-signed to the Lions' practice squad in the next 24 hours or so. I can't imagine they are fully cutting ties with him by releasing him on Monday, but that's just speculation on my part.