Lions put Devin White, Tom Kennedy and Ben Bartch on injured reserve during their bye week

The Detroit Lions used their week off to clear some roster space.

The Lions placed linebacker Devin White, wide receiver Tom Kennedy and offensive lineman Ben Bartch on injured reserve Friday. All three must now miss at least four games before they can return.

Two injuries from the Arizona win

White broke his forearm and Kennedy hurt his knee in Detroit's win over the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 11. Kennedy has an MCL injury that needs surgery and he is expected to miss the rest of the season.

White's absence will be shorter. Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that White would be out "a while" but added, "we'll get him back at some point."

A surprise move for Bartch

Putting Bartch on IR was less expected. The veteran guard dealt with a foot injury last season and again in training camp but he was ready for the opener and started at left guard against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 17. He has not played or practiced since. On Sept. 25 Campbell said he did not think the injury was a long-term problem.

Help is on the way

The moves leave Detroit with three open spots on its active roster. Two of them could soon go to players coming back from IR. Center Cade Mays is on track to make his season debut next week after working back from a wrist injury. That would let Juice Scruggs, who has filled in at center, move into a depth role. Safety Brian Branch is also expected back. He has not played since tearing his Achilles tendon last December.

What's next

The Lions (3-2) return from the bye to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. They then visit the Miami Dolphins before facing the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany.