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The Detroit Lions have released running back Theo Riddick, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. The move comes after the Lions signed defensive lineman Mike Daniels, who will be taking Riddick's roster spot.
The decision is definitely a bit surprising, given how productive Riddick has been as a receiving back. He is coming off of a 2018 campaign in which he played 14 games and rushed for 171 yards while hauling in 61 receptions for 384 yards.
Riddick, who played his collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame, was originally selected by the Lions in the sixth round (199th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 14 contests during his rookie year but saw any action, rushing for just 25 yards while logging four catches. Then, the following year, Riddick's role began to grow, as he caught 34 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns.
Much like James White in New England and Tarik Cohen in Chicago, Riddick functioned more as a receiver than a rusher in Detroit, as he then snared 80 balls for 697 yards and three scores in 2015.
The 28-year-old then proceeded to register 53 catches in both 2016 and 2017, amassing five receiving touchdowns between the two seasons.
Lions head coach Matt Patricia didn't say why the team cut Riddick, but he showed some respect for his now-former running back afterward:
“We have all the respect in the world for what he’s done,” Patricia said.
Riddick will surely find a new home soon.
Meanwhile, Detroit won just six games this past season and has made just three playoff appearances since 2000.
