Lions waive Ameer Abdullah, sign WR Bruce Ellington, Zach Zenner

The Detroit Lions had been flirting with some wide receivers ever since trading Golden Tate last week, and it appears they will finally make their move shortly. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions are signing former Texans receiver Bruce Ellington.

Ellington worked out for the Lions last week after he was cut from the Texans’ injured reserve list earlier in the week. Though Ellington has struggled through injury over his short NFL career, the Lions must have confidence in his current health. In 40 career games, Ellington has 56 catches for 637 yards and five touchdowns. He could also double as the Lions’ returner as they continue to shift through options after Jamal Agnew’s injury.

Perhaps most notable, however, is who the Lions are waiving. Rapoport indicates Detroit will be waiving former second-round pick Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah has been a non-factor in Detroit ever since the Lions drafted Kerryon Johnson this year. In the first eight games of this season, Abdullah was active for just two and mostly relegated to special teams duties.

Abdullah came to Detroit with high expectations, but poor offensive line play and early injuries derailed his career despite a promising start. Abdullah finishes his Lions career with 1,251 rushing yards (3.8 YPC) and just six rushing touchdowns.

Oddly, the Lions already had an open roster spot after waiving receiver Andy Jones on Monday. So expect another roster move coming soon—although it’s important to note the Lions have not confirmed Tuesday’s moves yet.

UPDATE: The Lions have confirmed the move and the additional transaction for the open spot. Zach Zenner is back. Earlier in the year, Zenner was placed on injured reserve after suffering a back injury in the preseason finale. They waived Zenner from IR a couple weeks into the season, making them eligible to re-sign him after the terms of his injury settlement were up plus three additional weeks.