Report: Lions Release Kris Durham
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - After playing in all 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2013, wide receiver Kris Durham has been released by the team, according to the Detroit Free Press. Durham caught 38 passes for 490 yards last season.
Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Durham had played in seven games over his first two years in the league before injury sidelined Nate Burleson in 2013 and gave quarterback Matthew Stafford occasion to look for Durham more frequently.
Competition for wide receiver spots this offseason has been fierce, however. Veteran Kevin Ogletree joined the Lions four games into last season, and Stafford said he expected Ogletree to have a more defined role in the offense after getting to work with the Lions for the entire offseason.
Corey Fuller, who spent last season on the practice squad, has gotten rave reviews from teammates, who say the difference between his play last year and this year is night and day. Jeremy Ross will also have a spot due in large part to his return prowess. Ryan Broyles, Detroit's second-round pick in 2012, is also in contention for a job after an injury-free preseason.
Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, of course, occupy the top two wide receiver spots.
Durham is one of nearly two dozen players who will be dismissed by the Lions by 4 p.m. Saturday, the deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53 men.
According to various reports, others with whom Detroit has parted ways include running backs Mikel Leshoure and George Winn; offensive linemen Garrett Reynolds, Michael Williams and Rodney Austin; linebackers Brandon Hepburn and Shamari Benton; defensive end Darryl Tapp; center Darren Keyton; safety Nate Ness; cornerbacks Mohammed Seisay and Chris Greenwood; and tight end Michael Egnew.
