Winn was released by the Lions on Saturday, Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News reports.

The Lions opted for Zach Zenner's running ability over Winn's contributions on special teams. It won't be shocking if Winn catches on elsewhere, as he likely would have made the final roster if not for Zenner's excellent preseason.

Winn rushed for 27 yards on 14 carries and caught two passes for four yards in Thursday's preseason victory over Buffalo.

Whether or not Winn makes the roster will have less to do with his ability to run with or catch the ball and almost everything to do with his contributions on special teams. Make the roster or not, however, don't expect to see Winn in the box score too often. Should he make the team he'd be, at best, be fourth on the depth chart behind Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. He's likely behind rookie free agent Zach Zenner as well.

Winn finished the 2014 regular season with 19 carries for 73 yards in 12 games.

Winn had 11 carries for 48 yards in a Week 5 loss to Buffalo, but he was quiet for the rest of the season. Reggie Bush may be a cap casualty for the Lions, but Joique Bell (knee/Achilles) and Theo Riddick are still under contract. Winn will likely have to compete for a roster spot in 2015.

Winn had five carries for 16 yards Sunday against the Vikings.

Winn was the third-string running back coming into Sunday's game behind Joique Bell and Theo Riddick, but the latter suffered a new hamstring injury during the game, moving Winn up the depth chart yet again. He was only available for touches because Reggie Bush was inactive due to an ankle injury, and with so many players ahead of him on the depth chart, his fantasy upside remains fairly limited.

Winn led the Lions with 11 carries for 48 yards in Sunday's loss to Buffalo.

Joique Bell (concussion) and Theo Riddick (hamstring) were inactive, so when Reggie Bush left the game with an ankle injury, Winn found himself as the lead back despite being signed to the active roster less than a week ago. Depending on the severity of Bush's injury, Winn could find himself in a prominent role again next week against the Vikings.

Winn was signed to the Lions' active roster Tuesday, FOX Sports reports.

Winn's promotion from Detroit's practice squad could signal doubt surrounding fellow running back Joique Bell's (concussion) availability for this Sunday. With Theo Riddick (hamstring) also banged-up, Winn could become the Lions' No. 2 running back behind Reggie Bush for Week 5 against the Bills.

Lions signed RB George Winn, formerly of the Patriots.

A 2013 undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, Winn had cups of coffee with the PAtriots and Texans last offseason. He spent time on the Cowboys, Raiders, and Steelers' practice squads, but failed to earn a futures contract after the season. Winn will be a major roster long shot with Detroit.

Patriots waived RB George Winn.

A Mel Kiper special coming out of Cincinnati this year, Winn has now been cut by the Texans and Patriots in a four-month span. He rushed 14 times for 59 yards with one touchdown in the preseason.