The Lions started the process of whittling down the roster by cutting five players on Friday.

DT John Drew and CB Ross Weaver (Michigan State) were waived injured. 

Drew practiced one day with the Lions after he signed a week ago and tweaked his hamstring. Neither one played in Thursday’s win over the Patriots.

Also gone: CB Domonique Johnson, G Derek Hardman and WR Chaz Schilens.

 Nothing surprising about these cuts.

Johnson did not play on Thursday.

Hardman (in photo), who spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs, was in for 15 snaps against the Patriots. With the emergence of rookie Larry Warford who could start at right guard, the Lions have enough depth at the position.

Schilens, who had 28 catches and a pair of touchdowns for the Jets last season, was signed just before training camp. He fit in immediately, but faded as camp continued. He was on the field for 14 snaps on Thursday night, but he had zero receptions in the first three preseason games.

That leaves 85 on the Lions’ roster. They must be down to 75 on Tuesday. Then down to the final 53 on Saturday, Aug. 31.

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