ALLEN PARK -- The NFL has scrapped the 75-man roster this year, allowing teams to carry 90 players until the final move to 53 players. That deadline is at 4 p.m. Saturday.
But the Detroit Lions got started Monday anyway, releasing veteran receiver Keshawn Martin and tight end Tim Wright ahead of their preseason finale Thursday in Buffalo against the Bills.
Martin, a former Michigan State standout, had some good moments with Detroit, including returning a punt 22 yards against the Jets. But ultimately he was beat out in that fierce competition at receiver.
Assuming the Lions elect to carry five receivers, as expected, the move leaves Jace Billingsley, Jared Abbrederis and TJ Jones fighting for the final two jobs at the position.