Lions release Stevan Ridley

The Detroit Lions announced Thursday the release of veteran running back Stevan Ridley.

Ridley joined the Lions as a free agent this offseason after suiting up for eight games with the New York Jets in 2015. He entered camp competing for a spot, but Detroit elected to part ways and give him a chance to catch on elsewhere after he fell behind in a crowded group.

The Lions move forward with Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner as the top three players at the position, while George Winn and seventh-round rookie Dwayne Washington battle for a potential fourth roster spot.

Ridley should have a number of suitors on the open market, as teams will be interested to find out if he can recapture the ability he flashed early in his four-year stint with the New England Patriots.