Detroit Lions could be 2 safeties down against Carolina

Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) gets away from Detroit Lions defensive back Nate Ness (47) to score a touchdown during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (88) gets away from Detroit Lions defensive back Nate Ness (47) to score a touchdown during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions promoted safety Nate Ness from their practice squad on Saturday while facing the prospect of being without two players at that position when they visit the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

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Starting strong safety James Ihedigbo is listed as doubtful with a neck injury and backup Don Carey already ruled out with a hamstring problem, the Lions could be short-handed on the back end.

According to the Lions’ unofficial depth chart, Isa Abdul-Quddus would be in line to start in place of Ihedigbo. Ness would serve as the backup to Glover Quin at free safety.

Ness joined the Lions’ practice squad after he was waived on the final cutdown day at the end of the preseason on Aug. 31.

An undrafted free agent out of Arizona, Ness has seen action with the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, but has not appeared in a game since 2011.

He has eight career tackles in eight games.

The 28-year-old Ness has bounced around the league since being signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2009, spending time with the New York Jets, Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers in addition to his three active stints in the NFL.