The Lions have announced the first 19 of 21 players they released today on their way down to the 53-man roster limit. Most notable among the cuts were linebacker Buster Davis, safety Greg Blue, cornerback Dovonte Edwards and receivers Devale Ellis and John Standeford. They also placed running back Brian Calhoun on injured reserve with what coach Rod Marinelli termed a "thigh muscle tear." Calhoun has finished all three of his NFL seasons on IR.

By cutting Ellis, Standeford and Brandon Middleton, the Lions appear to be going with just four receivers — Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald — and extra help at fullback (Sean McHugh) and tight end (John Owens). Rookie fifth-round pick Kenneth Moore was released and is a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Davis had a strong camp but got caught in a numbers game at linebacker. The Lions are committed to second-round pick Jordon Dizon as Paris Lenon's backup at middle linebacker and wanted reserves at both outside positions. They kept Anthony Cannon and Gilbert Gardner, who will back up Alex Lewis on the strong side, over Davis and Leon Joe. If Davis is not claimed, the Lions will try to re-sign him to the practice squad

With two cuts to go, here's the list of those waived so far:

WR Ron Bellamy, LB Darnell Bing, S Greg Blue, LB Buster Davis, OG Frank Davis, DE Victor DeGrate, CB Dovonte Edwards, WR Devale Ellis, DE Rudolph Hardie, TE Clark Harris, QB Drew Henson, S LaMarcus Hicks, OG Corey Hulsey, LB Leon Joe, WR Brandon Middleton, WR Kenneth Moore, RB Artose Pinner, WR John Standeford, CB Kiwaukee Thomas.