Lions Cut Roster To 53 For Deadline
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
After saying good-bye to nearly two dozen players Saturday, the Detroit Lions have their final 53.
The list included everyone from undrafted rookies to seasoned veterans to 2013 draft picks. Seven of the players released were rookies (not including tight end Michael Williams, who was placed on injured reserve). Three others had just one year of pro experience, but five of those cut had six or more years of NFL play under their belts.
Five members of the secondary got cut - safeties Martavius Neloms, Amari Spievey and Tyrell Johnson and cornerbacks Chris Greenwood and Ron Bartell. Neloms was waived-injured. Greenwood might still end up on the practice squad.
The offensive line also saw quite a few guys go. Rodney Austin, Darren Keyton, Kevin Haslam and Jake Scott all went. Haslam had just been signed earlier this month, and Keyton was one of several undrafted rookies to get the ax.
Wide receivers Corey Fuller and Matt Willis - he of American Ninja Warrior fame - were released along with running back Steven Miller and fullback Shaun Chapas.
Linebackers Chris White, Jon Morgan (waived-injured) and Brandon Hepburn have also parted ways with the Lions, as have a quartet of defensive tackles: Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, Ogemdi Nwagbuo, Andre Fluellen and Xavier Proctor.
Punter Blake Clingan was also cut.
Remaining with the Lions - at least for the time being, as more moves are likely on the horizon - are three quarterbacks, nine offensive linemen, six wide receivers, five running backs, three tight ends, nine defensive linemen, nine defensive backs, six linebackers and a kicker, punter and long snapper.
