ALLEN PARK — Alphonso Smith, who played the last two seasons for the Lions, is back in the fold. The Lions announced this morning that they have signed the cornerback. To make room on the roster, they released running back Keiland Williams.

 Smith could be a short-term solution. He was in for a workout on Wednesday. 

 The Lions are down to two healthy cornerbacks in Chris Houston and rookie Jonte Green. Amari Spievey, a safety who used to be a corner, can fill in at nickel.

  Cornerbacks Jacob Lacey (concussion) and rookie Bill Bentley (shoulder) were injured in Sunday’s game. Bentley said on Wednesday he wasn’t sure when he would be ready to play. With a concussion, there’s no timetable for Lacey.

 Neither one practiced on Wednesday.

 Smith played in a dozen games last season and started one. He had three interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.

 It’s a bit of surprise that Williams, who also plays special teams, would be the running back released. He played in half the special teams snaps and had one carry for one yard against the Eagles.

At Philadelphia, veteran running back Kevin Smith, who does not play special teams, was inactive.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter.)