Report: With Donahue injured, Lions sign ex-Bucs punter Malone

As starter Ryan Donahue continues to battle a strained quadriceps in his kicking leg, the Lions signed punter Robert Malone on Friday for Sunday's crucial NFC North showdown against the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Donahue injured his leg during practice Wednesday while filling in during a field goal drill for injured kicker Jason Hanson. The Free Press reported Hanson, who injured his left knee during the Lions' bye week, was not seen at practice Friday but is expected to play against the Bears.

Malone played in 12 games the past season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, averaging 41.5 yards per punt. He was released by the Bucs in August.

The Lions placed offensive tackle Jason Fox on season-ending injured reserve to clear a roster spot for Malone.