Stevan Ridley Released by Lions: Latest Comments and Reaction

Ahead of their third preseason game, the Detroit Lions released veteran running back Stevan Ridley on Thursday.

The team announced the move on Twitter after Ridley rushed for just 27 yards in two preseason contests.

The 27-year-old spent the 2015 season with the New York Jets, rushing for just 90 yards on 36 carries in eight games.

He tore his ACL and MCL the previous season with the New England Patriots, and while the Lions hoped that another year removed from the injury would bring back some of his explosiveness, Ridley didn't show enough to establish his spot on the depth chart.

The Pats selected Ridley in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft out of LSU, and he seemed destined for stardom after a 2012 campaign that saw him rush for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Ridley lost his starting job early the following season due to fumbling issues, though, and he hasn't regained his traction since.

Despite his poor 2015 showing, Ridley seemingly landed in a favorable spot with the Lions. Following the departure of Joique Bell, Ridley had an opportunity to fill the power and short-yardage role behind speedster Ameer Abdullah and pass-catching back Theo Riddick.

With Ridley out of the picture, however, the likes of Zach Zenner, George Winn and Dwayne Washington will be left to battle for the third and potentially fourth running back spots on the roster.

Ridley's results last season and during the preseason suggest he has become somewhat of a plodder lacking big-play ability, but due to the fact he has proved capable of producing at the NFL level in the past, there may still be opportunities available from running back-hungry teams.

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