Facing the prospect of being down two safeties for Sunday’s game at Carolina, the Lions promoted one from the practice squad Saturday, signing veteran Nate Ness to the 53-player roster, according to the NFL’s transactions.
Ness (6-1, 190) was signed to the Lions’ practice squad on August 31, one day after the team pared its roster to 53 players. With Don Carey (hamstring) out and James Ihedigbo (neck) doubtful, it’s possible Ness could be active for against the Panthers. He has not appeared in an NFL regular season game since 2011 with St. Louis. Overall, he’s played in eight regular season contests (one start), making seven tackles.
The 28-year-old Ness first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Cleveland in 2009. The University of Arizona product has also had stints with Miami, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis and Carolina.
