DETROIT _ From Tom Savage as backup, to Tom Savage's old backup.
The Detroit Lions signed free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson to a one-year deal Saturday after Savage suffered an apparent concussion in Thursday's preseason-opening loss to the New England Patriots.
Savage's status for this week's practices and game against the Houston Texans is uncertain, but given his history with brain injuries _ he finished the 2017 season on injured reserve because of a concussion _ the Lions are likely to tread carefully with the man they signed to be Matthew Stafford's backup.
Johnson, 33, made three starts for Washington late last season and went 1-2 in those appearances.
A fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008 draft, Johnson has played for 12 other teams in his NFL career and spent part of the 2017 season with the Texans.
In Houston, he backed up Savage for part of the season and played for current Lions quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan.
The Lions reportedly worked out two quarterbacks Saturday, Johnson and Landry Jones, after suffering a slew of injuries against the Patriots.
Savage was injured on the Lions' second offensive series, when he banged his head on the Ford Field turf after he was sacked by Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley.
David Fales replaced Savage and played the final three quarters, but was ineffective, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 62 yards and an interception.
Stafford did not play against the Patriots, and is expected to see just minimal time this week against the Texans.
Along with Savage, the Lions lost wide receiver Jermaine Kearse to a season-ending leg injury Thursday and defensive tackle Darius Kilgo to a knee injury. Swing tackle Tyrell Crosby also suffered a concussion in the game, and running back Zach Zenner was evaluated for a concussion but returned to action.
The Lions placed Kearse and Kilgo on injured reserve Saturday, signed running back Justin Stockton, who spent part of last season on the practice squad, and activated defensive end Trey Flowers off the physically unable to perform list.
Flowers underwent shoulder surgery this offseason, after helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl.
