Devin Thomas’ effort to make an NFL comeback took a wrong turn on Monday when the former Michigan State wide receiver was released by the Detroit Lions.

Thomas, who had retired before the 2012 season, had his first training camp practice on Sunday. He had missed camp after he suffered an injury during the pre-camp conditioning test. The competition at wide receiver is good and he was not considered a favorite to make the 53-man roster.

The Lions signed cornerback Brandon King who spent part of last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played a total of eight games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2010 and 2011.

With cornerbacks Jonte Green and Chris Greenwood sidelined with hamstring injuries, the Lions didn’t have much depth at the position for Friday’s preseason game against the Jets at Ford Field.

The Lions also released undrafted rookie free agent Alex Elkins, a linebacker.

The players had Monday off. They return to work Tuesday.

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