Lions release RB Stevan Ridley

Stevan Ridley was a former 1,000-yard rusher who was expected to compete with Zach Zenner for the power running job in the Detroit Lions' backfield.

Even if he lost that battle, he was expected to make the team. He even got $250,000 of his contract guaranteed.

Instead, he didn't even make it to the first round of cuts.

The Lions informed Ridley on Thursday morning that he has been released.

It's a bump for Zach Zenner, who figures to take over the "big back" role formerly occupied by Joique Bell. There has already been speculation that Ridley could land in New England.