ALLEN PARK -- Devon Kennard is back. Back again. Devon Kennard is back. Tell a friend.

After giving players the day off Tuesday, the Detroit Lions returned to action Wednesday morning with a few roster moves, most notably activating Kennard from the non-football injury list. They also signed a new cornerback, Josh Okonye, and released another, Amari Coleman.

Kennard hasn't practiced since minicamp while dealing with an injury he sustained away from the team. With Ezekiel Ansah (PUP) also sidelined, Detroit's pass rush has lacked some bite in the early days of camp.

The centerpiece of Detroit's free-agent class, Kennard's return should change that. He was excellent as a pass-rushing linebacker for the Giants and is expected to shoulder an expanded role in the Matt Patricia defense. He lined up both with his hand in the dirt and as a stand-up linebacker in the spring, and the Lions are expected to use him at both levels as they try confuse opposing quarterbacks with this versatile defense.

Although Kennard hasn't practiced since the start of camp, he has attended every practice so he wouldn't fall behind. He's also done some light work on the side with a trainer.

As for Okonye, be returns to Detroit after originally signing with the club as an undrafted rookie in May. He played his college ball at Purdue, and Wake Forest before that, where he appeared in 37 games and had 45 solo tackles.