Lions release linebacker Stephen Tulloch

DETROIT (AP) The Detroit Lions have released veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Tulloch had arthroscopic ankle surgery this offseason but passed a physical

DETROIT (AP) The Detroit Lions have released veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch.

Tulloch had arthroscopic ankle surgery this offseason but passed a physical before being released Tuesday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because there had been no announcement about Tulloch's injury.

Teams can be subject to settlement payments if they release injured players, but Tulloch passed a physical before being cut.

The Lions announced Tulloch's release Tuesday.

''As I have said numerous times since I became head coach of the Lions, Stephen Tulloch has been a consummate professional on and off the field,'' coach Jim Caldwell said in a statement.

''We thank him for his contributions to the Lions and the Detroit community and wish him the very best in all his future endeavors.''

Tulloch started all 16 games for the Lions last season, his fifth with Detroit. He's played 10 seasons in the NFL.

Tulloch joined the Lions in 2011 as a free agent.

In 2014, Tulloch missed most of the season after injuring his knee, but he was able to come back last season.

Tulloch was Detroit's nominee in 2015 for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

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