We noted Thursday that the Detroit Lions were down to two healthy cornerbacks as they prepare for Monday night's game at Soldier Field. They've now addressed the issue by re-signing cornerback Alphonso Smith, who was released Aug. 31 during the Lions' final roster cutdown.

Smith's arrival suggests the Lions aren't certain they will have rookie Bill Bentley (shoulder) or veteran Jacob Lacey (concussion) Monday against the Chicago Bears. If not, they'll enter the game with veteran Chris Houston, rookie Jonte Green and Smith as their top three cornerbacks. (Rookie Chris Greenwood, activated this week from the physically unable to perform list, hasn't yet been added to the 53-man roster.)

That doesn't necessarily mean that Green or Smith will be the Lions' nickel back. After losing Bentley and Lacey last Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Lions tried a number of lineup combinations. Among them, safety Amari Spievey slid to the nickel spot -- Spievey was drafted as a cornerback in 2010 -- and Erik Coleman played at safety for 13 snaps.

The Lions released running back Keiland Williams to make room for Smith on the roster. Williams had only two carries this season, and the Lions are moving forward with a rotation of Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell in their backfield.