The Detroit Lions have more help for their defense coming soon.

The Lions on Wednesday started the 21-day practice window for defensive backs Emmanuel Moseley and Ifeatu Melifonwu, and could have both players back in the lineup before their Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears.

Moseley was expected to compete for a starting job at cornerback before tearing his pectoral muscle in training camp, while Melifonwu has not played this year because of an ankle/Achilles injury.

Both players should add depth to a secondary that has played well most of the season, and has played a more prominent role in the gameplan in the absence of Aidan Hutchinson.

Hutchinson leads the Lions with 7½ sacks but has not played since breaking his leg in a Week 6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions acquired Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns at the trade deadline Tuesday to bolster their pass rush.

ANALYSIS: Za'Darius Smith won't replace Aidan Hutchinson, but will help Lions pass rush

Moseley has an extensive injury but can play slot or outside cornerback. He tore the ACL in his right knee on his second snap as a Lion last season, a year after tearing the ACL in his left knee with the San Francisco 49ers.

Carlton Davis and rookie Terrion Arnold have started every game at cornerback for the Lions this season, and Amik Robertson has handled slot duties.

Melifonwu played well in six starts at safety for the Lions last season, recording three sacks, intercepting two passes and forcing a fumble. He was expected to back up Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph before his injury.

FRESH BLOOD: Lions have a pair of stars coming out of an unlikely spot on defense

Branch and Joseph are the top-rated safety tandem in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dave Birkett will sign copies of his new book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline" at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Applebee's in Auburn Hills and from noon-2 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Troy Sports Card Show at the Balkan American Community Center. Order your copy here. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions have more help for their defense coming soon