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The Detroit Lions are two steps closer to their 53-man roster. Shaun Chapas and Chris White have been released, according to Tim Twentyman (twice).
Chapas first joined the Lions as a member of the practice squad after the final round of cuts last year. He ended up spending the final couple weeks of the regular season on the active roster, and he remained with the team going into 2013. His chances of making the Lions' 53-man roster were always slim because he's a fullback, but I could see him landing on the practice squad again. I'm sure the Lions would like to have a fullback for scout team purposes, and perhaps he could end up on the active roster before the regular season is over like last year.
White was just traded to the Lions last week from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Thaddeus Lewis (who also was released Saturday). The thinking was that White would make the team as the Lions' final linebacker and serve as a major contributor on special teams, but that didn't end up happening. White's release seemingly indicates that Rocky McIntosh has made the Lions' 53-man roster, as he was also in the mix for a spot at linebacker.
The Lions are now down to 56 players and have only three cuts left to go.