Lions Notes: Jason Fox To Have Surgery On Injured Knee

by Sean Yuille on Nov 11, 2011 2:43 PM EST in Detroit Lions Notes

Lions offensive tackle Jason Fox is headed to injured reserve with a right knee injury that happened during practice on Thursday. Nothing has been scheduled yet, but Fox is planning on having surgery and is hopeful that he will be ready for next year's OTAs.
Ryan Donahue "shut it down" after trying to punt on Friday. This is why the Lions signed Robert Malone, who is expected to be the starting punter on Sunday.
In addition to Malone, the Lions also worked out punters Matt Dodge and Glenn Pakulak on Thursday.
Jason Hanson looks as though he will play on Sunday considering no kicker has been signed. Hanson was asked about his knee injury on Thursday and said this:

"It’s terrible timing," Hanson said. "I can’t believe that it happened, and I said this to everyone at the Lions: I’m super sorry. Terrible week for this to happen, but my guilt level is pretty low, as far as I didn’t feel I was doing anything to hurt the team."
Hanson said he wasn't "out riding a four-wheeler and goofing around" when he suffered the injury. Rather, he was with his kids. He declined to give specifics on the cause of the injury, though.
Nickelback is officially in as the halftime performer for the Thanksgiving game. The national anthem will be sung by Lauren Alaina, who was apparently once a runner-up on "American Idol."

Scott Linehan said a scenario exists where Kevin Smith could play on Sunday against Chicago.
Matthew Stafford is likely going to wear gloves on Sunday, according to Tom Leyden. This would be the first time in his career that he wears gloves during a game.
Devin Hester missed today's practice, but Lovie Smith is "hopeful" Hester will play on Sunday.
Bears offensive lineman Gabe Carimi is out for a few more weeks after suffering a setback, according to Sean Jensen.
Ndamukong Suh was voted the fourth most overrated player in the NFL in the Sporting News' player poll. Tim Tebow and Tony Romo led the way and Mark Sanchez came in third.
Jim Schwartz said this about the NFL Play 60 commercial: "Was seat-tapping on the bus for NFL Play 60. Watch for our commercial on Thanksgiving."

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Nickleback, and an American Idol also-ran.

Does anyone need more proof that the NFL hates the Lions?

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 11, 2011 5:12 PM EST reply actions

Who does Dallas have?

It always seems like they get some whiny teenage girl who thinks she’s a grammy winner when she whines the national anthem.

Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.

by Elfuego51 on Nov 11, 2011 5:52 PM EST up reply actions

And I was right

Enrique Iglesias is their halftime show.

Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.

by Elfuego51 on Nov 11, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

The difference is that Dallas fans love them some mediocre talent.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 11, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

I thought this whole nicleback thing was ridiculous

From what I have read they have a great following in the Detroit area and do multiple shows here. The last thing the city of Detroit needs to do is run off people who actually want to come there and produce some economic benefit to the city.

by detroit_fan on Nov 11, 2011 6:24 PM EST reply actions

What economic benefit to Detroit?

They’re getting paid to do the show and they’ll use it as part of the promotion for their new album. The band will benefit a lot more than the city will — they’re not going to sell more game tickets because of a halftime band!

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 11, 2011 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

It doesn't matter

It is just ridiculous that people are even upset about Nickleback. Sure, they are a mediocre band, but that makes no difference. They will perform for maybe fifteen minutes at halftime. We are looking like a bunch of whiny bitches by complaining about them. People just need to get over this by now.

So here we are in the city of Detroit, which is not usually anybodies choice for a vacation spot, and we are acting like we are God’s gift to everything in the fricking universe and start complaining about a halftime show that might play two entire songs? We have some serious shit going on in this contry and that is all people in this city have to bitch about? I wish the people that complained so much about Nickleback would complain half that much about the national debt.

Listen to the Two Bro's Talk podcast!
Follow @tufflynx

by TuffLynx on Nov 11, 2011 9:41 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

Sounds like some Tuff love

I agree with you and I live in a place where people do come for vacations.

by SanDiegoMick on Nov 11, 2011 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

THANK YOU

A thousand recs if i could

by JWurm on Nov 12, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions

It's unfortunate but I think Fox has to go

It’s ironic that the player with the longest start streak for offensive linemen is being backed up by the “most often injured while not playing” award winner. I just don’t feel comfortable with Fox anymore, he’s far too injury prone for someone who spends 80% of his time on the bench.

And this is all in practice! Imagine how often he’ll be injured once he’s trying to play 60 min of an actual game. It’s time for the front office to cut their losses with Fox and find a new backup LT.

by waybai51 on Nov 11, 2011 6:25 PM EST reply actions

I suppose we should cut Stafford too while we're at it.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 11, 2011 6:31 PM EST up reply actions

Fox has been on the team for two years. How many regular season games has he appeared in?

You know the answer? Just one. The finale against Minnesota last season. Even then, he only played for a half after Corey Hilliard got hurt. You also have to understand that the knock on Fox coming out of college was that he is injury prone and unreliable. Have you seen anything to make us feel like that assessment is not true?

Maybe you feel comfortable in going forward with a guy that can’t stay healthy, but I sure don’t.

Listen to the Two Bro's Talk podcast!
Follow @tufflynx

by TuffLynx on Nov 11, 2011 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Your headline made me think you meant FOX, the company.

And I was into it.

by Oberon on Nov 11, 2011 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

YESSIR

That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice

Fuck Jim Harbaugh.

by Skylar on Nov 11, 2011 10:46 PM EST up reply actions

hmmm

Hilliard is the backup lt as well as the backup rt.

Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.

by Justan Oldfart on Nov 11, 2011 6:30 PM EST reply actions

The problem with that is that he's a lot better at RT than LT.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 11, 2011 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

granted

but the point is that at this stage Hilliard is still a better LT than Fox. So sayeth the coaching staff at any rate.

Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.

by Justan Oldfart on Nov 11, 2011 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

Of course a healthy body is better than one on IR.

I just meant that Hilliard hasn’t proven to be even as good as Backus at LT so far.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Nov 11, 2011 7:29 PM EST up reply actions

I was referring to

before Fox was on IR

Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.

by Justan Oldfart on Nov 11, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

So tell me who has looked better than Backus?

Before you start spewing names, I suggest you take a look at some sack numbers and games. FOr instance, the game where the NY Giants got three sacks on Miami through Jake Long.

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Follow @tufflynx

by TuffLynx on Nov 11, 2011 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Truthfully though Tuff

Jeff has struggled mightily this year. I hope his play returns to his previous level of mid or upper mid level performance. Perhaps part of the reason is that it doesn’t seem as though Rob Sims play equals last years level also. As for Jake though I don’t watch many phins games his performance from what I’ve read is below previous levels also perhaps due at least in part due to his surrounding cast. It’s easy to state our oline probs and bitch about it but coming up with a solution is another matter entirely. Throwing the next guy on the depth chart in there is not likely an answer. Wally Pipp scenarios do occur but they are very few and extremely far apart.
The bright side is that we have a whole lotta company in the weak oline department, Who has a strong oline I wonder. NE maybe though Vollmer who looked promising at lt last year has returned to the right and is struggling to keep his starting position, Of late the dline players coming out if college seem quite a bit superior as a whole to the oline players.
I don’t have the answer. Hopefully Martin comes up with something.

Someone is alive today simply because I can't afford a hitman.

by Justan Oldfart on Nov 11, 2011 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

Agree with Justin............. and you too.

Backus has not done a passable job this year. Unfortunately we do not have anyone that can step in and do the job as well.

Next year we might look forward to either Fox or Culbreath being given a chance to win this job. Maybe I am being too optimistic?

My 2011 Lions season prediction: 12 wins and 4 losses. I made this prediction the week after the New England preseason game. It's looking slightly optimistic right now.

by NorthLeft12 on Nov 12, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

Actually he looked impressive in camp from all accounts

Then he broke his foot,. so he never even got a chance to compete this season.

by LionsD on Nov 11, 2011 6:56 PM EST reply actions

WTF?

Suh the 4th most overrated player? That’s a bunch of bullshit, who in the hell voted in this poll?

by JMad10 on Nov 11, 2011 8:58 PM EST reply actions

I know, what a load of crap

It seemed like Suh wasn’t doing as much earlier in the season and then I noticed he was getting double teamed all the time and we do have other guys that are playmakers. I think there are some jealous haterz out there, too bad, so sad.

by SanDiegoMick on Nov 11, 2011 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

Man I don't give a fuck.

…dude gets serious results on the field and has contributed heavily to the rebirth of this franchise.

Fuck you guys, you just wish you had Suh on your team.

That’s what’s up.

That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice

Fuck Jim Harbaugh.

by Skylar on Nov 12, 2011 12:19 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I interpreted it as "overrated in the sense that he's already considered the best DT in the game"

And in their opinion, he’s in the upper echelon, but not far and away the best DT playing right now.

Formerly WestSideLionsFan. Fan of all Detroit sports teams.

by WalterM on Nov 12, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

K Smith

Man if he can give us some real good runs and be consistent, I’d be happy as hell.
I always liked him, maybe now with a way more formidable Offense around him he could be that guy we wanted him to be initially.

by SanDiegoMick on Nov 11, 2011 9:21 PM EST reply actions

Also

Man it seems like it’s been forever since the Lions have played, it’s gonna be an interesting game that’s for sure.

A win here and we’re looking really good at challenging the Packers with a win vs Carolina and beating GB. That would put us at 9-2 to GB’s 10-1, assuming they’re undefeated going into our game..

Gotta shoot for that, I hope the team is focused and ready to play.

by SanDiegoMick on Nov 11, 2011 9:27 PM EST reply actions

I really think

The Giants will beat them. Their defense is going to give them problems. GB can’t be giving up as many points as they have and keep winning. :|

by The Sledge on Nov 11, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions

Scenario for Kevin Smith to see the field:

There are no gusts of wind.

- delusional

NO HOMO!!!!!!!

by FMFDOC8404 on Nov 11, 2011 10:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I'm actually kind of excited to see Kevin Smith out there.

Dude hasn’t been 100% healthy since his rookie season. If he is now (which I’m assuming he is, seeing as we re-signed him) then he may very well surprise some folks this year.

I’m not gonna sit here and tell you that the dude will be a beast, but when you consider that Linehan is talking about him getting snaps in a game less then a week after being re-signed, along with Schwartz saying that “he’s healthy and obviously in great shape”, you’ve got to consider that he may actually end up being productive for us this year.

by motown313 on Nov 11, 2011 10:34 PM EST reply actions