Lions sign receiver Marvin Hall to active roster

Philadelphia — In a move most likely to impact the Detroit Lions' struggling special teams, the team signed wide receiver Marvin Hall off the practice squad.

To clear the roster spot, wide receiver Chris Lacy was released. 

Hall, who went undrafted out of Washington in 2016, has spent time with four other franchises before joining the Lions earlier this month. His most productive stretch came the past two years with the Atlanta Falcons. 

Appearing in 24 games for the Falcons, Hall caught 12 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He also handled kickoff returns for the team last season, averaging 23.7 yards on 26 attempts. 

Hall should provide depth at return man for the Lions, where Jamal Agnew has struggled with ball security. The former All-Pro punt returner was benched during the first half of last week's game against the Chargers.

Rookie Ty Johnson also has some experience handling kickoffs, although he's expected to have an expanded role in the backfield following this week's release of veteran C.J. Anderson. 

In addition to returning kicks, Hall also has extensive experience on other special teams units, including kickoff and punt coverage. 

Hand ruled out

Defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand, who had been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, was downgraded to out Saturday afternoon. 

Hand continues to recover from an elbow injury he suffered in the early stages of training camp. 

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers