Lions sign safety Silva, put punter Donahue on IR

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed Ricardo Silva off their practice squad.

He could make his NFL debut Sunday night against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

Silva took punter Ryan Donahue’s roster spot. Donahue was put on injured reserve because of a right thigh.

The Lions can add one more player with a roster exception during Ndamukong Suh’s two-game suspension and it could be another defensive back.

Starting safety Louis Delmas expects to be out a few weeks with an injured right knee. Starting cornerback Chris Houston didn’t practice Tuesday because of an injured left knee and backup cornerback Brandon McDonald was out with an undisclosed ailment.

Running back Kevin Smith says he hopes his right ankle will be healthy enough for him to play the Saints.