Updated

The Detroit Lions have cut cornerback Chris Houston with four years left on his contract.

The Lions say Friday that a "significant medical procedure" led to Houston's release.

Houston was limited to 12 games last season because of toe and foot injuries. The ailments appeared to hurt his play when he was on the field. Houston had not attended offseason workouts so far this year under new coach Jim Caldwell.

Detroit acquired Houston from Atlanta for a fifth-round pick in 2010. The Lions re-signed him twice, including last year to a five-year deal. Houston had a career-high five interceptions in 2011, helping the Lions reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season. Houston had two interceptions in each of the last two years and has 13 in his career.

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