The Detroit Lions released tight end Tony Scheffler Tuesday to make room for a much-needed offensive tackle on the 53-man roster.
The club signed 6-foot-6, 319-pound Barry Richardson, who had been released by the Tennessee Titans during the preseason.
Three of Detroit's top offensive tackles - Riley Reiff (hamstring), Corey Hilliard (knee) and Jason Fox (knee) - are currently hampered by injuries that could affect their status for Sunday's game against Dallas.
Scheffler, 30, was in the final year of his contract with Detroit. His role already had been reduced significantly this season, but a concussion suffered three games ago knocked him out of the lineup.
However, Scheffler reportedly had been cleared by the medical staff to return. The emergence of rookie Joseph Fauria helped make Scheffler expendable.
Scheffler played in high school at Chelsea (Mich.), in college at Western Michigan and spent the last three years with the Lions. He made seven catches for 82 yards in the first five games this season.
Richardson, 27, started every game last season with St. Louis and the previous two years with Kansas City. He was a sixth-round draft choice by Kansas City in 2008 coming out of Clemson.
