ALLEN PARK -- With the Lions' cornerback situation woefully short-handed due to injury, NFL veteran T.J. Rushing was signed on Wednesday.

He wore No. 38 which was worn by Jahi Word-Daniels in Tuesday’s afternoon practice. It was Word-Daniels’ first training camp session with the team and he suffered a minor injury. He was let go because the Lions need healthy corners.

Rushing, who is entering his fourth NFL season, had worked out for the Lions and was in the Memphis airport, his connection to flying home to Oklahoma, when the Lions called and asked him to return.

”This is a blessing to get a chance. I played in Indy last year, I’ve been at home waiting for a phone call since February,’’ said Rushing who played at Stanford.

Coach Jim Schwartz said not only is he a veteran, but he’s also a returner which could make him more attractive to the Lions. Last year he mostly returned punts for the Colts, but he’s also returned kicks.

“Our numbers are really low at corner right now, we get a guy we can add to the mix,’’ Schwartz said. “Our numbers are very, very concerning at corner. We need him to come in and be able to get up to speed right away.’’

Injured cornerbacks sitting out practice on Wednesday included Jonathan Wade (broken finger), Aaron Berry (hamstring) and Jack Williams who is coming off ACL surgery.

Dante Wesley and Dre Bly, who were both out on Tuesday, returned to the field on Wednesday.

(Follow me on Twitter @paulapasche.)