Lions bring back DE George Johnson, WR Jace Billingsley

Published Nov. 15, 2017 7:40 a.m. ET

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions have signed defensive end George Johnson and receiver Jace Billingsley.

Detroit released defensive end Jacquies Smith and receiver Jared Abbrederis on Tuesday to bring back Johnson and Billingsley.

Johnson had two tackles in four games with the Lions earlier this season, and he played in 16 games for them in 2014. He has started in five of 42 games in his career with the Lions, Tampa Bay and Minnesota.

Billingsley played in two games in Detroit this season.

The Lions (5-4) play at Chicago (3-6) on Sunday.