National Football League

Lions release CB Smith

Published Nov. 12, 2012 7:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Detroit Lions have released cornerback Alphonso Smith.

Smith returned to the Lions last month at a time when they were desperate for help in a banged-up secondary. He played four games for Detroit this season.

Smith also played for the Lions in 2010 and 2011, starting 10 games in 2010.

Detroit coach Jim Schwartz indicated Monday that defensive back Drayton Florence has been cleared to return from a broken arm. Florence hasn't played since Sept. 16.