by Fraser Lovat, FOXSports.com

Updated: March 13, 2008, 6:32 PM EST 2 comments

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Jones, scheduled to make $2 million this season, said the Lions told him he'd been released because of his injuries and his contract. Sources close to the team said president Matt Millen informed Jones of the news.

The Lions drafted Jones in the first round (30th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, becoming the first running back selected in the first round by the organization since Barry Sanders. Jones also became the first Lion to lead the team in rushing in his first three seasons since Sanders. In 2006, he was having his best year as a professional before sustaining a foot injury, which sidelined him for the final three games of that season.

In December 2007, he suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Chiefs. Prior to the injury, Jones had 153 rushes for 581 yards and eight touchdowns.

The future for Jones is uncertain, and teams may be cautious to sign him because of his history. For now, owners looking into Jones' fantasy value will have to wait until he finds a new home. Because of that, his value is not very high.

The Lions also recently released running back T.J. Duckett, who has since signed with the Seahawks.

With the two departures, the Lions will have to rely on Tatum Bell, who they re-signed to a one-year deal earlier in the week. Bell stated many times last year that he was displeased with his role in the team's offense after former offensive coordinator Mike Martz said he would try to get him more involved.

Bell played in only five games last year, but amassed 182 yards and a touchdown on 44 carries. He also notched 14 receptions for 63 yards. His best season came as a member of the Broncos in 2006, when he started 13 games and had 233 carries for 1,025 yards and two touchdowns.

With the uncertainty of Bell being able to be the feature back, the Lions will likely target a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. They have the 15th overall pick, but may miss out on two of the best backs in the draft. Arkansas' Darren McFadden is expected to go in the first 10 picks, if not the top five.

There are several other teams that need to address the running back position, including the Panthers, who have the 13th overall pick. Many have speculated that Carolina will take one in the first round and may go with Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. If that's the case, the Lions may target Oregon's bowling ball of a running back, Jonathan Stewart.

Stewart's 5-foot-11, 230 pounds and showcased some speed for his size with a 4.48 second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine. He had an MRI that revealed a toe injury. Surgery, which would require a recovery period of four to six months, was recommended. If he opts for that, it may hurt his draft stock, but it could ensure he's available to the Lions.

Some other ball carriers the Lions may look to acquire in the draft are Arkansas' Felix Jones, Texas back Jamaal Charles or even Rutgers back Ray Rice.

The team still has time to make some moves before the draft and could even land a replacement via the free-agent market. Shaun Alexander of the Seahawks is one of four candidates on the Seahawks' roster who has to earn the starting job. He may have to find a home elsewhere, because it's speculated that he'll be released at some point this off-season.