Lions officially move Jamal Agnew to IR, add Trevor Bates to active roster

Allen Park -- The Detroit Lions officially moved cornerback Jamal Agnew to injured reserve on Monday and promoted linebacker Trevor Bates off the practice squad to fill the roster opening. 

Agnew suffered a left knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Lions' 31-23 victory over the Green Bay Packers a week ago, while covering a deep pass intended for Packers receiver Davante Adams. 

An All-Pro return man as a rookie last season, Agnew had seen an increased role on defense this year, averaging 23 snaps as one of the team's options in the nickel.

Agnew had yet to get his season on track as a return man, a year after leading the NFL with a 15.4-yard average on punts. He was averaging 5.6 yards through five games, but did have a 73-yard touchdown called back in Week 2 against San Francisco due to a penalty. 

Bates joined the Lions this offseason after stints with the Colts, Patriots and Giants. One of the team's top special teams performers during the preseason, Bates made the Lions' initial 53-man roster before he was cut to make room for linebacker Marquis Flowers. 

Flowers was waived by the Lions last week, when the team claimed cornerback Lenzy Pipkins off waivers from the Colts.