Lions get head start on roster cuts, releasing 12 players

Allen Park -- The Detroit Lions began the task of trimming the roster to 53 on Friday, releasing 12 players. 

None of the moves could be considered surprising. The group included two wide receivers, two veteran cornerbacks, and four defensive linemen. 

Wide receivers Brian Brown and Teo Redding, tight end Marcus Lucas, offensive linemen Jamar McGloster and John Montelus, cornerbacks Sterling Moore and Dexter McDougle, linebacker Chad Meredith, defensive tackles Josh Fatu and Christian Ringo and defensive ends Jeremiah Valoaga and Cam Johnson were all let go. 

Only Ringo and Valoaga spent time with the Lions last season, primarily on the team's practice squad. 

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Redding had been an early-offseason standout. The undrafted rookie out of Bowling Green made a series of impressive catches on the practice field, but was unable to carry that success into the preseason. He finished with three receptions for 66 yards. 

Johnson, Moore and McDougle were the veterans in Friday's cuts.

Moore and McDougle were signed 11 days ago, in part to compensate for an injury that had been limiting DeShawn Shead in practice. Johnson, a seventh-round pick out of Virginia in 2012, signed with the club in January. 

In addition to the cuts, the Lions also placed cornerback Marcus Cromartie on injured reserve. He suffered an injury in Thursday night's game against the Browns. 

The moves get the Lions' roster down to 74 players. They need to be at 53 by 4 p.m. on Saturday.