Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

Still searching for help for their underperforming linebacking corps, the Detroit Lions are bringing in James Laurinaitis for a visit today, according to ESPN.

Laurinaitis had seven straight 100-tackle seasons for the St. Louis Rams before he was released in a cost-cutting move this off-season.

He signed with the New Orleans Saints and appeared in five games this season before landing on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury. The Saints waived Laurinaitis off of IR last week.

The Lions, after struggling on defense earlier this year, have held four straight opponents to 20 points or fewer but still have depth issues at linebacker.

Tahir Whitehead has struggled in pass coverage at middle linebacker -- Laurinaitis' position -- and the Lions are still waiting on the return of DeAndre Levy. Levy returned to practice last week for the first time since suffering a knee injury in Week 1 and could play Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings (12:30 p.m., CBS).

The Lions and Vikings are tied atop the NFC North with 6-4 records.

Defense, special teams lift Detroit Lions past Jaguars 26-19