The Lions swapped out one injured reserve guy for another Wednesday.
To clear the space needed to activate running back Montell Owens from injured reserve/designated for return, the Lions placed wide receiver Ryan Broyles on the season-ending version.
Broyles suffered a torn Achilles last week, leaving them short on receiving options other than expecting Calvin Johnson to go for three bills every week.
Owens injured his knee in the preseason, and his return should provide a boost to the Lions in the kicking game. He made the Pro Bowl twice for special teams with the Jaguars, and signed with the Lions in May.