Most significant move: The biggest surprise among the Lions’ cuts came at the position with the toughest overall competition: wide receiver. Kris Durham was tabbed a starter last season when Nate Burleson was injured and a starter again during the preseason when Calvin Johnson sat out to rest. He also caught a touchdown in the preseason and showed sure hands as a tall wide receiver who could fill a role. Instead, Durham is on the waiver wire right now, the lone man out in a battle between Durham, Kevin Ogletree, Ryan Broyles and Corey Fuller.
Moore survives for one more: Lions coach Jim Caldwell spent most of the past two weeks deflecting questions on whether he would keep two or three quarterbacks on his roster. At least initially, he’s sticking with three as the Lions kept Kellen Moore for the third consecutive season. Moore outplayed No. 2 quarterback Dan Orlovsky throughout the preseason and clearly the Lions see enough from Moore right now to develop him.
What’s next: While the Detroit roster (depth charts will be updated shortly) is initially set, things could -- and almost certainly will -- change. Don’t be surprised if the Lions look at running backs, linebackers, cornerbacks, wide receivers and maybe offensive linemen on the waiver wire. It's also unclear what Detroit will do with injured linebacker Kyle Van Noy. If he needs to go to injured reserve/designated to return, that can’t happen until Tuesday, so one of the players cut (or someone else) could be coming back. Darryl Tapp might be a good candidate there.
Lions moves: Cut RB Mikel Leshoure; RB George Winn; FB Emil Igwenagu; WR Kris Durham; WR Patrick Edwards; WR Andrew Peacock; TE Jordan Thompson; TE Michael Egnew; OL Rodney Austin; OL Darren Keyton; OL Garrett Reynolds; OL Michael Williams; DE Darryl Tapp; DL Andre Fluellen; DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen; DT Xavier Proctor; LB Brandon Hepburn; LB Shamari Benton; LB Julian Stanford; CB Chris Greenwood; CB Mohammed Seisay; S Nate Ness. Waived/injured DeJon Gomes (was done Friday)
