Nov. 7, 2010; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith (27) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

The Lions left Philadelphia as winners but did so awfully thin at cornerback. With just Chris Houston and rookie Jonte Green left as the healthy members of that group, the Lions brought Alphonso Smith and Justin Miller in for workouts yesterday and signEd Smith this morning.

To make room on the roster, the Lions waived running back Keiland Williams who contributed on special teams but carried the ball just twice through five games.

Smith spent the previous two season with the Lions but was cut during training camp prior to this season. With an immediate need at cornerback it makes sense that he has returned. Smith’s familiarity with the team and coaches make him a prime candidate to step in and contribute immediately. In fact, it was somewhat surprising that the Lions didn’t turn to Smith when Bill Bentley suffered a concussion earlier in the year. Instead they claimed Jerome Murphy off waivers from the New Orleans Saints.

Dec 11, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive back Alphonso Smith (27) celebrates after intercepting a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber- US PRESSWIRE

Who would step in as the starter is one of the biggest question marks that needs to be resolved during training camp. But if running with the other starters on day one is any indications, Alphonso Smith appears to have the inside track to claiming the starting role.

It makes sense considering Smith is the remaining corner with experience and a familiarity with the coaching staff. Smith has made big plays in the Lions’ secondary before, albeit with maddening inconsistency and seemingly just as many lowlights as highlights (Thanksgiving 2010, anyone?).

Jacob Lacey has experience but is still new to the team and appears penciled in as the nickel back after spending considerable time there during OTAs.

It would have been a surprise had the Lions opened camp with starter’s reps for either of their three rookie corners – Bill Bentley, Chris Greenwood (who is not participating yet due to his place on the PUP list) and Jonte Green. The Lions haven’t made a habit of plugging in young players from day one. Even Matthew Stafford had to beat out Daunte Culpepper before the Lions truly became his team. Still, with a solid camp, one could supplant Alphonso Smith by the time the regular season arrives.

The cornerback battle for roster spots was set to be a fierce one, that has only intensified now that a starting spot is also up for grabs. Will Alphonso Smith keep his grasp on the job or will one of the youngsters step up and snatch it away?

December 18, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith (27) recovers a fumble against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Lions defeated the Raiders 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

While Greenwood impressed early this off season, an abdominal injury has sidelined him for most, if not all of training camp which all but eliminates his chances of starting this season. Greenwood was a long shot to start this season anyway due to playing division three football in college, although he is one of the more athletic players on the entire roster and perhaps the most intriguing. Although Greenwood has had a minor setback he is still confident about competing for playing time this season. Greenwood had this to say after Berry was cut for the Lions:

“I’m still going to approach it the same way that I would have if he was here. It’s still a competition for that spot. You got to work hard and grind.”

With Greenwood out for now, and Jonte Green viewed as a developmental player, it looks as if it’s a three man race for the final starting spot between Lacey, Bentley and Smith.

Bentley has impressed early with his physical style of play, but Jacob Lacey and Alphonso Smith have NFL experience which could ultimately win one of them the job.

If Bentley doesn’t appear ready to start this season the Lions will likely look to get him on the field as much as possible to help speed up his development.

Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has been reluctant to start rookie defensive backs in the past. With that said, look for Bill Bentley to see most of his minutes as a nickle corner early on in the season while he gets acclimated to the NFL and earns Cunningham’s trust. I see Lacey starting for the Lions this season as the number two corner, but Smith should see a fair amount of reps as well.

Veterans will be reporting to training camp Thursday with the first practice beginning on Friday. Let’s hope training camp provides the Lions with the answer they are looking for at corner.