Lions sign David Ausberry, release Nathan Lindsey

The Detroit Lions brought in some notable players on Tuesday for a workout -- running backs Ben Tate and Daniel Thomas and wide receivers Brad Smith and Robert Meachem -- but none of them ended up signing with the team. The Lions did add a new player to their roster on Wednesday, though, signing tight end David Ausberry.

Ausberry, a former seventh-round pick in 2011, spent the last four seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He only appeared in six total games last season, but that was an improvement after he didn't make any appearances in 2013. Last season, he had two catches for 14 yards.

Why make this move? It seems that the Lions simply need another body at tight end with Joseph Fauria not completely healthy just yet. There's no reason to think that Ausberry will contend for a spot on the 53-man roster or anything like that; the Lions likely just needed some extra depth for their mandatory minicamp next week. They did already have Jordan Thompson and Casey Pierce as depth guys at tight end, but Ausberry gives them another body at the position.

To make room for Ausberry, the Lions released safety Nathan Lindsey. He was signed by the Lions in May after earning a contract during the team's rookie minicamp, but now he's back on the open market.