The Lions cut cornerback Chris Houston two weeks ago, after his problematic toe injury kept him from performing.
But he said he hopes to be cleared in time to play this season.
Houston told Ryan Autullo of the Austin American-Statesman he expected to be cleared by August or September with hopes of playing again this season.
“It was something that had to be done, because playing football when you’re constantly hurt is not fun,” Houston said of the surgery on his left big toe. “Health comes first. If I’m able to get back to 100 percent, I know I’ll have another opportunity somewhere.”
Houston made $7.5 million for the one season on his five-year, $25 million deal with the Lions. He won’t make that kind of contract again, but he should be able to find work if he can prove himself well.