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Lions | Northcutt does not have opinion on QBs
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:49:10 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Dennis Northcutt said he does not have an opinion on QBs Daunte Culpepper or Matthew Stafford, but wants to work with whichever will be the starter so he can build chemistry. "I don't care who our quarterback is. I just want to be able to work with him, stay after, catch balls, get on the same page, build chemistry and go win football games." Northcutt said.

Lions | Northcutt expected to play in the slot
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:19:32 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of The Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions newly added WR Dennis Northcutt said he knows a lot of the team's offense already. He studied the team's playbook on his way home from Detroit on an airplane after taking his physical with the Lions. He said by the time training camp arrives, he will know the entire offense. He is expected to play in the slot, but Northcutt mentioned he can play anywhere.

Lions | T. Smith expected to make roster
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:23:03 -0700

Updating a previous report, Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions FB Terrelle Smith is expected to make the final roster even if he does not win the starting job because it is believed they will keep two fullbacks on their roster.

Lions | Felton expected to compete for starting job
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:16:00 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions FB Jerome Felton is expected to compete with FB Terrelle Smith for the starting fullback job during training camp.

Lions | T. Smith could start this season
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:17:18 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions FB Terrelle Smith is expected to compete for the team's starting fullback spot in training camp. However, should he win the job, Smith would likely see limited touches and strictly serve as a blocking fullback.

Lions | Delmas only solid starter at safety
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:55:50 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions rookie S Louis Delmas is the only solid starter at safety for the Lions right now. The Lions play left and right safeties under their new scheme, they do not run with free and strong safety positions. S Kalvin Pearson has been running as the other starter, but the Lions view him more as a backup player.

Lions | Alexander probably would have been cut
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:54:28 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports S Gerald Alexander, who was just traded from the Detroit Lions to the Jacksonville Jaguars, was unlikely to make the Lions' roster. If he did, he would not have seen much playing time. The coaching staff apparently wasn't impressed with him, as they felt he lacked quickness and explosion to play the position.

Lions | Carter would play end and tackle if signed
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:05:42 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports unrestricted free-agent DE Kevin Carter (Buccaneers) would play defensive end on early downs and defensive tackle on passing downs if he signed with the Detroit Lions.

Lions | Ramirez could see time at center
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:38:08 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions OG Manuel Ramirez could be used as the team's backup center this season.

Lions | Ramirez likely will have to fight for roster spot
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:37:28 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions OG Manuel Ramirez likely will have to compete for a spot on the roster because of his lack of versatility.

Lions | Jansen willing to play at any position
Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:26:23 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions OT Jon Jansen said he is willing to play anywhere along the offensive line if it will help the team. Head coach Jim Schwartz said Jansen will practice at center during training camp.

Lions | T. Saunders released
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:34:08 -0700

Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Tommy Saunders has been released from the team.

Lions | Team acquires Northcutt
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:33:29 -0700

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Detroit Lions have traded S Gerald Alexander to the Jacksonville Jaguars for WR Dennis Northcutt, according to multiple sources. The trade was agreed upon Friday, June 26, and is expected to be finalized next week.

Lions | Stanton trying to progress
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:08:06 -0700

Drew Sharp, of The Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Drew Stanton stuck around long after practice during a recent workout to work on his five-step-drop throwing rhythm. Stanton is trying to turn himself into a programmed pocket passer. However, with the selection of QB Matthew Stafford No. 1 overall this year, Stanton has no chance with the Lions in the future. Stanton said he feels like he has been given a fresh start, and he is doing his best to progress.

Lions | Harris agrees to terms
Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:07:52 -0700

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with undrafted free-agent WR Kenneth Harris (Georgia). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Lions | Line should be OK for a while
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:46:11 -0700

Terry Foster, of The Detroit News, reports four of the Detroit Lions offensive linemen - C Dominic Raiola, OLT Jeff Backus, ORG Stephen Peterman and ORT Gosder Cherilus - are signed to long-term deals.

Lions | Gronkowski contract update
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:45:52 -0700

Updating a previous report, Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports Detroit Lions TE Dan Gronkowski signed a three-year deal worth $1.21 million, according to a source. The deal includes a signing bonus of around $26,000.

Lions | Johnson, Williams miss practice Thursday
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:10:56 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions WR Bryant Johnson (ankle) and WR Derrick D. Williams (hamstring) did not participate in practice Thursday, June 25.

Lions | King appears to be top candidate for nickelback
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:01:10 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions CB Eric King appears to be the top candidate for the team's nickelback job this season.

Lions | Delmas likely to be used in man coverage
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:00:48 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports the Detroit Lions likely will use FS Louis Delmas in man-to-man coverage during the season.

Lions | Raiola contract update
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:30:03 -0700

Updating a previous report, John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Detroit Lions C Dominic Raiola has signed a four-year extension worth $20 million, according to a source. The deal includes $9 million in guaranteed money and will pay Raiola $13 million this season.

Lions | Gronkowski signed
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:44:57 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports the Detroit Lions have signed seventh-round draft choice TE Dan Gronkowski to a three-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Lions | Raiola signs extension
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:40:01 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports the Detroit Lions have signed C Dominic Raiola to a four-year extension that will run through the 2013 season. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Lions | Settled with Millen
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:08:03 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. said the team has reached a settlement with former general manager Matt Millen in regards to the balance of his contract.

Lions | Owner said he has never told coaches who to play
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:49:32 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. said he has never told a coach who to play and said he will not do so with QB Matthew Stafford either.

Lions | Alama-Francis working at tackle
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:05:36 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DE Ikaika Alama-Francis has been working at defensive tackle during practice Wednesday, June 24.

Lions | Avril working at both end spots
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:48 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril has been working at left and right defensive end during practice Wednesday, June 24.

Lions | Delmas doing well with coverages
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:45:20 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he is impressed with FS Louis Delmas' ability to adjust to more coverages in the NFL. "There's nothing that's done in the NFL that we don't do," Schwartz said. "We have about every coverage invented. We run about every blitz package invented. A lot of times in college, they'll play a couple fronts and a couple coverages. It'll be a lot more limited. He's not only learned it but mastered it maybe as quick as I've ever seen a young player in the secondary do it."

Lions | Hill, Alama-Francis sees time with first team
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:36:24 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions DT Sammie Hill and DE Ikaika Alama-Francis saw time with the first-team defense during morning practice Wednesday, June 24.

Lions | Jackson believes he will be ready for opening week
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:32:36 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions DT Grady Jackson (knee) said he will be ready for the start of the regular season but does not know when the decision on his four-game suspension for violating the banned substance policy will be ruled upon.

Lions | Williams misses morning practice Wednesday
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:28:16 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick D. Williams (hamstring) did not participate in morning practice Wednesday, June 24, and may miss the remainder of the team's minicamp, according to head coach Jim Schwartz.

Lions | B. Johnson injured Wednesday
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:15:30 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions WR Bryant Johnson (ankle) suffered an ankle sprain during morning practice Wednesday, June 24. Head coach Jim Schwartz said the injury is not serious and hopes Johnson will return soon.

Lions | C. McCoy works out
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:15:00 -0700

The Detroit Lions worked out free-agent QB Cleveland McCoy (CFL) Wednesday, June 24. He threw passes when working out as a quarterback and ran routes working as a wide receiver. He will practice with the team for the remainder of their minicamp.

Lions | Culpepper says he's in great shape
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:36:49 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper said he feels better than he did in 2004, the last time he was 100 percent entering a season. At 260 pounds, Culpepper has lost more than 30 pounds since he came out of semi-retirement and joined the Lions midseason last year. "I'm seeing him make throws that he made back when he was at Minnesota," WR Calvin Johnson said. Head coach Jim Schwartz added Culpepper has "put the rest of the league on notice that he's back."

Lions | Smith looking to set tempo
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:24:34 -0700

The Detroit News reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith wrote on his blog, smith34.com, that he has the mentality that he is going to be the lead dog during the team's minicamp. "When you lead by example, there are always some guys who notice you and want to go in the same direction," Smith wrote.

Lions | Gronkowski, FitzSimmons likely to compete for No. 3 job
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:50:18 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions TE Dan Gronkowski and TE Casey FitzSimmons likely will be competing for the third tight end job during training camp.

Lions | Pearson, Alexander split time Tuesday
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:39:59 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions SS Kalvin Pearson and FS Gerald Alexander split reps with the first-team defensive at one of the safety positions during practice Tuesday, June 23.

Lions | Hicks seeing time at left end
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:37:59 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions DE Eric Hicks saw a lot of time at left defensive end during practice Tuesday, June 23.

Lions | Murtha seeing time at left tackle
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:30:58 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions OT Lydon Murtha has been seeing a lot of time at left tackle during offseason practices.

Lions | Jansen, Salaam worth with second team Tuesday
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:24:34 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions OT Jon Jansen and OT Ephraim Salaam worked with the second-team offense during practice Tuesday, June 23. Jansen lined up at right tackle while Salaam lined up at left tackle. Jansen believes he will see practice time at both guard spots as well.

Lions | Culpepper believes he will get shot for No. 1 job
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:23:36 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper said he believes the coaches will give him a fair shot to win the starting job during training camp.

Lions | D. Williams misses practice Tuesday
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:42:02 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick D. Williams (hamstring) did not participate in practice Tuesday, June 23, because of a hamstring injury.

Lions | G. Jackson misses practice Tuesday
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:39:41 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DT Grady Jackson (knee) did not participate in practice Tuesday, June 23, because he is a little behind schedule in his recovery from knee surgery.

Lions | Culpepper in good shape
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:37:04 -0700

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper said he is weighing around 260 pounds and will be 100 percent heading into training camp for the first time since 2004.

Lions | Avril working on getting bigger
Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:21:15 -0700

Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril is working on getting better but must add bulk and strength without sacrificing his quickness and athleticism.