The Detroit Lions released linebacker Nick Bellore before Sunday's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals and signed offensive tackle Storm Norton off their practice squad.

Bellore made the Lions at last week's roster down as a sixth linebacker and special-teams player.

More:Lions vs. Cardinals scouting report, prediction

Why Lions fell into championship obscurity; can they recover?

By releasing him before Week 1, the Lions can re-sign Bellore next week or at any time in the future and not have his salary guaranteed for the season.

Bellore was scheduled to make the veteran minimum of $775,000 this fall.

The Lions will use rookie Jarrad Davis and veteran Tahir Whitehead as their top two linebackers this fall. Paul Worrilow appears to be the third starter, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Steve Longa will have backup roles and play on special teams.

Norton could serve as the team's third offensive tackle Sunday. Top backup Corey Robinson is coming off foot surgery and returned to practice this week after spending all of training camp on the physically unable to perform list, and the Lions just added No. 4 tackle Brian Mihalik off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Lions, coming off a 9-7 season, have lost seven straight games to the Cardinals.

Inside ESPN's NFL Countdown shuffle; why Lions have 5 national TV games

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our Lions Xtra app for free on Apple and Android!