Lions sign former Wolverine Butler to fill tight end void

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have added depth for training camp at an injury-depleted position.

Tight end Carson Butler signed Thursday and kicker Swayze Waters was released to create space on the roster.

Butler will get a chance to show what he can on the practice field because Casey FitzSimmons is out with ankle and knee injuries and first-round pick Brandon Pettigrew has been slowed by a thigh injury.

Butler caught 41 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns at Michigan. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Butler also played defensive end.