Devon Bell released by Lions

Published 12:37 pm Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The NFL’s preseason numbers game swept Devon Bell out of a roster spot.

The former Warren Central and Mississippi State punter and kicker was waived by the Detroit Lions earlier this week as they made their initial cuts to reach the league’s 53-man roster limit before the 3 p.m. Saturday deadline.

Bell had signed with the Lions in June as an undrafted free agent, and was battling veterans Matt Prater and Sam Martin for a job.

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Bell kicked and punted in the preseason. He was 2-for-3 on field goal attempts in three games, but missed badly on a 42-yard try last week against Baltimore while Prater hit a 60-yarder.

Bell punted seven times and averaged 42.7 yards, with two of the kicks inside the 20-yard line. Martin averaged 46.4 yards on five punts, with three downed inside the 20.

Bell’s release leaves only two Vicksburg natives currently on NFL rosters. Cornerback Malcolm Butler is heading into his third season with the New England Patriots, and offensive lineman Norman Price is trying to make the San Francisco 49ers’ roster as an undrafted free agent.

Price is listed fourth at left guard on the 49ers’ depth chart.