Lions Release Stevan Ridley
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
Chalk this one up as a failed experiment.
The Lions announced on Thursday morning that they have released running back Stevan Ridley. The 27-year-old veteran appeared in two preseason games.
The Lions signed Ridley to a one-year deal in the 2016 offseason worth the league minimum of $760,000. Of that salary, $200,000 was fully guaranteed.
Ridley also received a $50,000 signing bonus and a $30,000 workout bonus.
Judging by Ridley's usage in the preseason, his release shouldn't come as a surprise. He appeared exclusively in the second half of the Lions' two games, mostly taking snaps with the third-team offense. He tallied nine carries for 27 yards.
Ridley was expected to compete with Zach Zenner for the role of a backup, between-the-tackles runner but was sliding on the Lions' depth chart. He was the fourth running back to take the field against the Bengals in Week 2 of preseason, losing carries to both Zenner and Dwayne Washington.
Along with starter Ameer Abdullah and primary backup Theo Riddick, the Lions' running back corps is now comprised of Zenner, Washington and George Winn. Those three are likely competing for two spots on the final roster.
