The Lions have parted ways with wide receiver Kris Durham, who played with Matthew Stafford at Georgia. It was first reported by Free Press’ Dave Birkett.

Durham, who is 6-6, was the No. 2 wide receiver in 2013 and had the second-most receptions behind Calvin Johnson.

He, Stafford and Johnson — who all have offseason homes in Atlanta — worked out together in the offseason at Georgia Tech or “enemy territory” as Durham called it.

Even though Stafford is a close friend, Durham said when it came to football he was direct, no special favors.

There was quite a battle at wide receiver for a roster spot with Durham definitely in the mix with Kevin Ogletree, Ryan Broyles and Corey Fuller.

Also released today were running backs Mikel Leshoure and George Winn, along with offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds, defensive end Darryl Tapp, cornerback Mohammed Seisay, linebacker Shamari Benton (Central Michigan, Brother Rice) and linebacker Brandon Hepburn.

 The deadline to get the roster to 53 men is 4 p.m. today.

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