ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions on Tuesday released veteran wide receiver-kick returner Desmond Howard and receiver Germane Crowell.

They are the first significant moves for the Lions since Steve Mariucci was named coach on Feb. 4.

The MVP of Super Bowl XXXI for the Green Bay Packers, Howard spent four-plus seasons with the Lions. This past season, he played in seven games before being placed on injured reserve on Nov. 13 with a neck injury.

Howard, 32, garnered his first Pro Bowl berth in 2000, setting a career high with 1,858 total return yards. He saw limited time as a receiver with the Lions, catching just 12 passes for 147 yards.

In his career, Howard has amassed 2,895 yards and eight touchdowns on punt returns, along with 7,959 yards on 358 kickoff returns.

Crowell, 26, has been limited to 24 games over the last three seasons due to an assorment of injuries. This past season, he had five receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown in 10 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

A 1998 second-round pick, Crowell enjoyed his best season the following year, catching 81 passes for 1,338 yards and seven touchdowns.