While the Lions won’t release the full list of cuts until the deadline, word is leaking out.

Safety Ko Simpson has been released according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Simpson was coming off knee surgery. He started five games for the Lions last season and was expected to be in the battle for the starting strong safety position.

Also unconfirmed reports say that veteran linebacker Vinny Ciurciu has also been cut. Ciurciu who was brought in last year for special teams was expected to back up at middle linebacker when starter DeAndre Levy is out. However, in Thursday night’s game the Lions started Landon Johnson in the middle. Johnson is more valuable because he can play inside and outside.

Wide receiver Tim Toone, the last player selected in April’s draft reported on his Facebook page that he had been cut. He’s a likely candidate for the practice squad.

Earlier today, veteran tackle Jon Jansen and rookie middle linebacker Caleb Campbell confirmed via Twitter that they have been cut.

Jansen, who grew up in Clawson, was in a battle during training camp to start at right tackle with Gosder Cherilus. Obviously the Lions have decided to go the younger route. They have liked Corey Hilliard in camp and they have rookie Jason Fox learning the ropes.

Campbell tweeted that he was told he’ll be on the practice squad. First he has to clear waivers. The Lions can name eight to the practice squad at noon on Saturday.

Campbell, who hadn’t played football in two years because of military obligations, was making a position change from safety to linebacker. This is in no way a surprise and a good move for Campbell.

NFL teams must cut to 53 players by 6 p.m. today.

(Follow me on Twitter @paulapasche.)