12 Bruce Ellington WR

Ellington (hamstring) was released by the Lions on Friday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Ellington caught on with Detroit late in the 2018 season, catching 23 of 30 targets for 132 yards in four games before a hamstring injury sent him to injured reserve. He's proven to be a competent slot receiver on a few different occasions, but persistent hamstring issues have kept him off the field for most of his pro career. Regardless of where he ends up, Ellington figures to enter training camp on the roster bubble.

Ellington (hamstring) can become an unrestricted free agent in March, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The 2014 fourth-round pick has bounced from San Francisco to Houston to Detroit, seemingly losing jobs because of his persistent hamstring injuries rather than his performance. Ellington said he wants to return to Detroit after catching 23 of 30 targets for 132 yards in four games with the Lions late in the 2018 campaign. He doesn't figure to command a particularly large contract, given that he finished the season on injured reserve with yet another hammy injury. Ellington will turn 28 in August and hasn't shown much ability to contribute outside of the slot.

Ellington (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Ellington was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, which was set to be his second straight absence. The 27-year-old was a limited practice participant both weeks, making the move somewhat surprising. Regardless, Ellington will finish the 2018 season with 31 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown over seven games between the Texans and Lions. Chris Lacy was signed to bolster Detroit's depth at wide receiver, though Andy Jones should again be the biggest benefactor of his absence.

Ellington (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

For the second week in a row, Ellington will be sidelined after following a limited practice regimen Wednesday through Friday. Considering the wideout's extensive history of hamstring issues, he'll likely need to advance to full participation at some point next week in order to gain clearance for the season finale against the Packers. His absence for another contest should open up more work in the passing game for Andy Jones, who hauled in both of his targets for nine yards and scored his first career touchdown in Week 15 against the Bills.

Ellington (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Ellington spent time on the Texans' injured reserve list earlier this season due to the hamstring and sat out the Week 15 loss to the Bills with the same injury, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Lions restricted his practice reps the rest of the way. That leaves the slot wideout's status uncertain for Sunday's game against the Vikings, potentially creating an opening for Andy Jones to see an elevated role on offense for another week.