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Team Notebook: Detroit Lions News, Rumors and Injury Updates
 Lions | Stafford has input in offseason needs John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford said the team asked him for some input regarding the team's offseason plans. "It's nice that they respect me and trust my knowledge of the game enough to ask me as a rookie," Stafford said. Lions | Stafford nearly recovered from shoulder injury Kevin Seifert, of ESPN.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) said he is almost fully recovered from the shoulder injury that made him miss the final four games of the season this year. Lions | Stafford should start throwing in a couple weeks John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) should start throwing again in a couple weeks. He says he will be ready to go when the team begins offseason workouts in March. Lions | K. Smith expected to start camp on PUP list Tom Kowalski, of the MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder, knee) is expected to start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He is not expected to participate in any offseason workouts. Lions | K. Smith may not undergo shoulder surgery Tom Kowalski, of the MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder, knee) continues to seek medical opinions on his shoulder and may not undergo surgery on the shoulder while opting to rehab the shoulder, according to a league source. Lions | Cunningham would like Levy to play in middle John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said he was happy with LB DeAndre Levy's development but wants to use him at middle linebacker in the future. "I'll be really happy, whether he plays in the middle or outside -- it doesn't make any difference. But what I'd like to have him (do) is play the middle spot, so he can call the defenses," Cunningham said. Lions | Foote to test free-agent market John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions LB Larry Foote said he is planning to test the free-agent market. Foote said, "We're just going to free agency and see from there. I mean, obviously, I'm not a big priority for them. So that's just how I'm taking it." Foote cited unproductive talks between his agent, Brian Levy, and Lions general manager Martin Mayhew. Foote said he's "not looking to break the bank" but wants a multiyear deal, and not another one-year contract. Lions | Hart planning to coach when he is done playing Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Indianapolis Colts RB Mike Hart is planning to coach once his playing days are over. Hart said, "I want to coach. I definitely want to coach, and hopefully I'll be the head coach at Michigan one day." Hart considered heading down that path when he was released by the team twice this season. However, former University of Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and others advised him to stick with playing. Lions | Could be interested in Blount Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, speculates the Detroit Lions could be interested in selecting University of Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount in the earlier rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft if he runs a good 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. The team is looking to upgrade their speed at the running back position, so a good time could have the team interested in drafting him early. Lions | Mayhew impressed with the junior class in the draft Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he is impressed with the junior class that declared for the 2010 NFL Draft and believes they will make it a deeper draft. "I think that with all the juniors coming out, there's definitely a better class of juniors than we've had in the past. In the past, you look at that junior list, and about every third name you get excited about. Well, this year, it was about every fifth or sixth name I wasn't excited about. There was a very high-quality group of juniors that came out. I think that's going to make it a deeper draft," Mayhew said. Lions | Linehan expects K. Smith to be ready for season Jason Feller, of NFL.com, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he expects RB Kevin Smith (knee, shoulder) to be ready for the start of next season. Lions | Linehan happy with Stafford's progress Jason Feller, of NFL.com, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he is happy with the progress QB Matthew Stafford has made since entering the league. "He's doing great, he's a great kid. He's what you look for, man. He's a warrior and he's got talent. He's the leader of our team," Linehan said. Lions | Plan to add a RB during offseason John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the Lions will acquire another running back during the offseason either via free agency or the draft. Mayhew said he is not sure if the team will be looking for a starter or a depth back. "The question will be what their role is going to be," Mayhew said. "Is it going to be a guy you bring in and say, 'This guy is going to be our starter.' Or is it going to be a guy you bring in to supplement what you already have." Lions | Iupati catches Linehan's attention Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Idaho OG Mike Iupati has captured the attention of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Linehan said, "I've heard a lot of good things about him, and it's holding true. You really notice him. He can do the double teams. He's powerful. But you see him pull." Linehan noted that Iupati is so athletic that he can see him playing at four spots on the offensive line. The team has tried him at both guard spots and at left tackle. Iupati said "right guard's just a little bit uncomfortable" and he has no experience at offensive tackle, but head coach Jim Schwartz said Iupati wasn't out of place. Lions | K. Smith has not had shoulder surgery yet Nicholas J. Costonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said RB Kevin Smith (knee, shoulder) has not undergone shoulder surgery yet because he is still recovering from undergoing surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament. Lions | Kocurek could be promoted Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports the Detroit Lions likely would promote assistant defensive line coach Kris Kocurek if defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz decides to retire. Lions | Karmelowicz considering retirement Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz is believed to be considering retirement and could make a decision in the near future. He did not accompany the coaching staff to the 2010 Senior Bowl. Lions | 2010 an important season for Cherilus Tim Twentyman, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said OT Gosder Cherilus is still a young player that is learning things but needs to show more consistency next season. "Technique-wise, I thought there was a bit of improvement over last year ... but it's a big year for Gosder. He's got to develop into a more consistent player," Mayhew said. Lions | Linehan to take over duties of QB coach Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will take over the duties of the quarterback coach. Lions | Crossman hired ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Detroit Lions hired free-agent special teams coach Danny Crossman (Panthers) as their special teams coordinator Friday, Jan. 22. Lions | Horton leaving team Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach Jeff Horton will leave the team to become the offensive coordinator for the University of Minnesota. Lions | Could work on using 3-4 defensive concepts Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the team used some 3-4 defensive concepts this season, and it probably will be a project the team works on during the offseason to find a way to get another linebacker on the field. Lions | Schwartz will coach North team at Senior Bowl Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz will coach the North team at the Senior Bowl. Lions | Schwartz says he needs to work on his temper Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz believes he needs to work on controlling his temper better for next season. Schwartz said, "I take pride in being even-keeled. I take pride in being the same way whether we win or lose. There have been some Mondays where obviously my temper was little bit shorter than others, and there are times that I've showed my displeasure with certain things that have happened on the field and things like that. But I'd like to be that head coach that is the same whether we're winning or losing, the same whether we're 10-1 or 1-10. I wasn't that way this year, but it was me. I'll work on it." Lions | Hanson not planning to retire Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions PK Jason Hanson is not planning to retire. Hanson said, "I'm not thinking about wrapping it up, unless they make me." General manager Martin Mayhew said all players would be evaluated this offsaeason, but he added, "I don't anticipate going out the first day of free agency to sign a kicker to compete with Jason Hanson." Lions | Mayhew feels S. Hill has a lot of ability to improve on Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew views DT Sammie Hill as a "middle-of-the-road defensive tackle at this point in his career." Mayhew noted that there was a difference and a drop-off in the team's rushing defense when Hill was not on the field. Mayhew added, "He's still very raw and still has a lot of ability to improve -- his hands, his get-off. He has a lot of improvement he can make in terms of learning football and learning run-blocking schemes, learning protections. All of those things are going to help him, and he's still a very young, raw prospect." Lions | Peterson may be too expensive to hold onto Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions LB Julian Peterson is scheduled to make $7.5 million in 2010 and a combined $16.5 million the following two seasons. Kowalski doesn't feel the Lions want to pay that much, but Peterson may not be willing to accept a pay cut. Whether Peterson remains in Detroit for another year may come down to whether the Lions believe they cannot afford to lose him. Lions | Expected D. Williams to be better as a returner Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he anticipated rookie WR Derrick Williams would struggle as a wide receiver. Mayhew added, "If you go back and look at him at Penn State, he was in the wildcat (formation). He was a gadget type of guy. He was not a receiver that ran the full route tree." However, Mayhew did not anticipate Williams would "struggle as a returner, especially in terms of catching the ball. You saw some of that on film, but a lot of times, (the game) was outside. It was at Penn State on punts. I thought he would do a better job catching punts for us." Lions | Avril still waiting to hear from Haitian relatives Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions DE Cliff Avril said he is still waiting to hear from some of his cousins that may have been affected by the earthquake in Haiti. "I haven't heard from anybody yet. We're waiting to see what's going on. They're pretty much out of date technology-wise, so we know it might be awhile," Avril said. Avril is particularly concerned since his relatives live near a hospital that had collapsed. Lions | Not disappointed in Stafford’s performance Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he was not disappointed in QB Matthew Stafford's accuracy or decision-making. Stafford finished his rookie season with a 53.3 completion percentage and 20 interceptions in 10 games. Stafford often faced adverse situations and Schwartz said he "made mistakes on those situations." He often was too aggressive trying to make a play. Schwartz said, "There were times he played exactly like we thought he would. But you also have to temper that with where he is in his career and things like that. Here's a 21-year-old quarterback who was starting as a rookie. There have been a lot of great players in the NFL that have been thrown into that role that haven't had a lot of success right away." Lions | Linehan wants more from B. Johnson Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he needs more production from WR Bryant Johnson in 2010. Johnson's 35 catches this season tied a career low. Linehan wants a receiver who can help alleviate pressure from WR Calvin Johnson. "We've got to figure out a way for Bryant and anybody else in that No. 2 spot or third spot to be somebody that has got one-on-one coverage that produces in that spot," Linehan said. Lions | Stafford says knee is feeling better Steve Schrader, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) said his knee is feeling fine after doctors "scoped it and cleaned it out." Lions | King was suspended Week 17 Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions CB Eric King served a one-game suspension during the team's Week 17 game "for an alcohol-related violation of law,"according to an NFL spokesman. King forfeited a game check of $58,823. The league did not release details of the violation, and the team never announced the suspension. Lions | Kwan fired John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports the Detroit Lions have fired special teams coach special teams coach Stan Kwan. Lions | Coaching staff will participate in Senior Bowl Updating a previous report, the NFL has announced the Detroit Lions' coaching staff will coach the North squad in the 2010 Under Armor Senior Bowl. Lions | Culpepper unlikely to re-sign Updating previous reports, Joe Fortenbaugh, of the National Football Post, reports the Detroit Lions are not interested in re-signing impending free-agent QB Daunte Culpepper and there is very little chance he will return to the team, according to a source. Lions | Culpepper open to re-signing Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper, who is an impending free agent, said that he would be open to re-signing with the team during the offseason. General manager Martin Mayhew did not rule out the possibility of re-signing Culpepper. Lions | Coaches expected to coach in Senior Bowl Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press reports the Detroit Lions coaching staff is expected to coach in the Senior Bowl. Lions | Could take offensive player with first pick Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew would not rule out the possibility of the team selecting an offensive player with their first-round draft choice in the 2010 NFL Draft. Lions | Have talked to Foote’s agent Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he has talked to the agent for LB Larry Foote, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Neither side has exchanged contract proposals. Lions | Will not use any tags during offseason Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the Lions will not use their franchise or transition tag on any players this offseason. Lions | Stanton still part of team's plans Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said QB Drew Stanton is still in the team's future plans. Lions | Could bring back Culpepper Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the Lions could re-sign QB Daunte Culpepper during the offseason. Lions | Will add RB during offseason Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the Lions will add a running back in one form or another during the offseason because of the injuries to RB Kevin Smith (shoulder, knee). Lions | K. Smith to undergo shoulder surgery Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said RB Kevin Smith (shoulder, knee) will undergo surgery on his left shoulder. Smith has already undergone knee surgery and will have the shoulder surgery when he stops using crutches. |
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