Allen Park, MI – The Detroit Lions placed veteran safety Erik Coleman on injured reserve Thursday.
Coleman, in his first season with the Lions after spending the previous three with the Falcons, had only recorded two tackles in four games this season. He was hobbled by an ankle injury suffered during kickoff coverage in Week 3 against Dallas.
The former fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2004 came to Detroit on a one-year contract after the Falcons released him in February.
To fill the roster spot, the Lions signed tight end Joe Jon Finley. Finley spent training camp with the club but was let go during the final roster cut- down.
Finley's signing is likely an insurance policy since Tony Scheffler suffered a concussion in Monday night's win over the Bears and it is unknown how much time he will miss.
