ALLEN PARK — A few weeks ago, defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham called safety Marvin White into his office and told him they were going to give him a few snaps.

“Fortunately we did. We gave him some to try to bring him along faster. Before you know it, he’s out there playing,’’ Cunningham said.

White started on Thanksgiving against Green Bay after Ko Simpson had been placed on the injured reserve list. White was the first and only body available. His first mistake was glaring. Donald Driver caught a 68-yard bomb and White was way too far behind the play. “He did some good things, he made a couple big mistakes and that’s expected. That’s the problem with getting these guys and two weeks later they’re out there starting,’’ Cunningham said.

“He’s scrambling to keep his head above water right now. It’s difficult, there’s no question about it. You can be as simple as you want to be in this day and age, but with all the things the offenses are doing it still creates a major, major problem for a young player. But he’s working like a dog to get better. That’s the good thing,’’ Cunningham added.

White is expected to start again on Sunday at Cincinnati.

With six defensive backs out for the season with injuries, it’s been a tough go for the secondary.

“Some of those guys I barely know their faces. It’s tough, it makes you work hard as a coach and try to prepare everybody as best you can. For the most part they’re listening,’’ Cunningham said.
— PAULA PASCHE