ALLEN PARK — Tight end Joe Fauria was placed on injured reserve ending his season three games early.

Fauria re-injured his ankle in Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay. He was hurt in the Lions’ first series, received attention from trainers and then was back in the game.

“He’s a guy that has height (6-foot-7), like I mentioned before that you can’t coach,’’ coach Jim Caldwell said. “He has innate ability to go up  and catch balls around the end zones, those are the kind of things he does well. We have to find a way to go in and get the job done without him.’’

PHOTOS FROM WIN OVER BUCS

He scored his only touchdown of the season after the injury on Sunday.

Of course, he got much attention not for his ankle but for his twerk celebration in the end zone afterward.

Veteran tight end Kellen Davis has been re-signed. He played in three games for the Lions starting Oct. 26 in London due to injuries.

Fauria originally injured his ankle in an accident at home chasing his dog Lil Rufio down the steps in late September.

Fauria sent message to the fans on Instagram Wednesday: "It will only make my future success that much sweeter. Trust me I'm going to come back the best I've ever been."

Caldwell said it is unclear if Fauria will need surgery.

Other moves

The Lions re-signed linebacker Jerrell Harris to the practice squad after cutting him on Tuesday.

Safety Jerome Couplin was signed off the Lions practice squad to the 53-man roster of the Philadelphia Eagles.