Lions cut running back Tion Green

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions’ crowded running back depth chart cleared up a bit on Thursday when the team announced Tion Green had been waived.

An undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati last season, Green earned a roster spot following an explosive performance in the preseason finale where he racked up 150 yards from scrimmage. The night was highlighted by a 74-yard touchdown on a screen pass.

Green ended up being a healthy scratch the first 11 games of the regular season, but had an explosive debut, taking his first carry off left tackle for 33 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. He finished the day with 11 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.

On the season, Green carried the ball 42 times for 165 yards and added a pair of receptions for another 14 yards. The six-foot, 220-pounder’s 3.9 yards per carry led the team’s running backs in 2017.

But following the offseason additions of LeGarrette Blount via free agency and Kerryon Johnson and fullback Nick Bawden in the draft, it was clear the Lions were going to need to trim some of their depth.

Following Green’s release, the Lions are still carrying six running backs, plus Bawden.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

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