Lions release veteran cornerback and open up roster spot, but it may not be who you think it's for

Thomas-Oliver was somewhat new to the team, even if he was on the roster last year. He had signed in December and was on the practice squad before getting a futures deal with Detroit. 

The thought from some online might be that this could finally be the Lions opening a spot to bring Za'Darius Smith back. While that might happen, this move wasn't likely made for that purpose. Thomas-Oliver has been struggling with injuries this summer, and the Lions are seemingly cutting their losses here.  

Thomas-Oliver started training camp on the NFI list, and then when he came off it on Friday, he went right back out with another injury on Saturday. This time it was a hamstring injury. 

The Lions do have an open roster spot now, but they may look to fill it with another position. Since camp has started, the Lions have been trying out running backs and cornerbacks almost exclusively. 

The Lions did bring in one of the best remaining free agents last week when linebacker Kyzir White came in for a visit. There's been no news of how that went or if there should be any expected follow-up. If they liked him, they have a spot for him now.