Aug 30, 2012; Detroit, MN, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Derek Hagan (80) is unable to make a catch in the end zone while being defended by Detroit Lions defensive back Justin Miller (43) in the second quarter of a preseason game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire

The Detroit Lions announced a roster move just hours before kickoff against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Free agent cornerback Justin Miller returns to the team after failing to survive the final roster cuts during training camp.

Miller worked out for the team earlier this week with Alphonso Smith. Smith was signed a day later but Miller had to wait a couple extra days to get his call. He helps bolster a cornerback unit ravaged by injuries and also brings kick return capabilities to the team. He will wear number 43, just as he did in preseason play.

The Lions have released linebacker Doug Hogue to make room for Miller on the roster. The Lions were hopeful Hogue would take a big step forward in his development this year but it hasn’t happened for the second-year player.

Jacob Lacey has been ruled out of tonight’s game and Bill Bentley was listed as doubtful. It would seem that this move is a strong indication that Bentley will not play.

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Lions reportedly will not tender a contract to restricted free agent Ashlee Palmer. The move is somewhat surprising since Palmer was a decent special teams contributor and fellow outside linebacker Bobby Carpenter will be an unrestricted free agent.

However, the move does not necessarily mean Palmer will not be back with the Lions. Should Palmer not find the gig he’s looking for elsewhere and the Lions find themselves with a need at outside linebacker, they could turn to Palmer as a player they already have familiarity with. This is the situation that played out with Kevin Smith last year.

Not tendering a contract to Ashlee Palmer also sets up Doug Hogue for a bump up the depth chart. Little was seen of him on the field after being drafted in the fifth round last April but contributed on special teams and is a player the team seems to view quite highly. Not tendering a contract to Palmer can be viewed as a vote of confidence for Hogue.

This is just one step in what will be a multi-step process of filling out the Lions’ linebacker corps. Stephen Tulloch needs a new deal and DeAndre Levy is a restricted free agent. Even if the team looks at Hogue as the primary backup at outside linebacker, that still leaves room for depth to fill out the roster.

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To ensure that everyone has a chance to vote, polls will remain open until midnight on the west coast. At that time, a winner will be declared and the tournament will continue with another matchup the following day.

We’re staying on the defensive side of the bracket today. Who will move on to round two?

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