ALLEN PARK -- Alex Barrett wasn't out of work for long.

The Detroit Lions have signed the defensive end to their practice squad after cutting him from the 53-man roster earlier in the week to make room for George Johnson. They released Earl Okine in the corresponding move.

Barrett came out of nowhere to turn in a strong training camp this season. An undrafted rookie out of San Diego State, the undersized end played his way onto the 53-man roster and even won a role as the team's de facto fullback.

But he managed just one tackle and no sacks in the first two games on defense, and Detroit elected to replace him with Johnson.