One of the Lions’ newest weapons might not make it on the field on Sunday against Arizona. Kick/punt returner and cornerback Brian Witherspoon, who was claimed off waivers from Jacksonville on Wednesday, may returns kicks and/or punts but there’s a chance he won’t be activated due to other roster needs.

“He’s got explosive speed, he’s not the biggest guy in the world but he’s got some real world-class type speed. It’s a short week trying to get him up on defense. He’s played inside, he’s also played outside at corner that would be a role for him,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

The coach said the Lions will have defensive packages to go against the four-receiver sets run by the Cardinals. Since Weatherspoon is too new to know the defensive scheme well enough to play, they might have to keep other defensive backs active.

“It’ll be Sunday morning decision of him being up, his doing just kicks, doing punts and kicks, or just punts,’’ Schwartz said.
— PAULA PASCHE