Before the season even started, the Detroit Lions had two players on injured reserve: running back Mikel Leshoure and offensive tackle Johnny Culbreath. The two rookies had their seasons ended before playing in a regular season game.
↵So far during the season, the Lions have only had to put two players on injured reserve. One of them, linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba, had his season ended a couple weeks ago because of a shoulder injury. The other, safety Erik Coleman, was placed on IR on Thursday because of an ankle injury.
↵Since the Lions signed safety Vincent Fuller a week ago, they didn't need to fill Coleman's spot on the roster with another safety. Instead they opted to sign tight end Joe Jon Finley, who spent training camp and the preseason with the Lions. Because Tony Scheffler is unlikely to play this Sunday due to a concussion, Finley can step in for him since he already knows the offense.
↵Interestingly enough, Finley spent the first two years of his career on the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers, the team the Lions will play on Sunday.