For the second time in four weeks, the Lions have cut Brandon Middleton and resigned him to the practice squad. Middleton, the Lions' No. 6 receiver, returned three kicks and forced a special-teams fumble in the Lions' 37-27 win over the Bears Sunday. He was promoted from the practice squad last Saturday, when it became apparent Calvin Johnson would not play.

Johnson continues to rehab from a bruised back and should return this weekend in Washington. Cornerback Tony Beckham was re-signed Tuesday, also for the second time this year.

"It's been a little frustrating but when you look at it, last year around this time I was substitute teaching, I was out of the NFL," Middleton said earlier this week. "You go out there and you want to stick, but then you look at it and I'm fortunate. Just keep doing what I'm doing, just keep pushing and everything will work itself out."

With Middleton back on the practice squad, Brian Calhoun should once again handle kick return duties for the Lions. Once Devale Ellis is healthy enough to come off the physically unable to perform list (as soon as after next week's bye) and T.J. Duckett is fully recovered from his high ankle sprain, the Lions will have to make a decision on Calhoun's future.