• The Lions returned to their normal routine on Monday with a morning practice in full pads and an afternoon practice in helmets and shorts.  Both practices were held on the outdoor field.
• That return to their normal routine will be short lived as the Lions will only have a single practice today and a single practice tomorrow as they have a game on Thursday.  In fact, Detroit will not revert back to the normal two-a-days format until Sunday, giving the players some time to rest up before and after the preseason opener.
• With the shift to a single practice today, the Lions are also moving indoors for the first time during training camp.  So far the weather has cooperated with the Lions very well, allowing the team to be outside during every session to date.  For whatever reason, though, the Lions will practice inside today.
• By moving their practice indoors, it will not be open to the general public as originally scheduled.  Instead, fans will have to wait until next Monday for their next chance to watch a Lions practice.
• Offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo was removed from the PUP list yesterday and returned to practice as well.  His return means there are only three players remaining on the PUP list, and that number is actually expected to shrink come this time next week.  Wide receiver Shaun McDonald and tight end Dan Campbell are expected to return to practice next Monday, and if everything goes according to plan, safety Daniel Bullocks could be taken off the list as well shortly after that.
• Brian Kelly, Artose Pinner, and Manny Ramirez also returned to practice on Monday.  Buster Davis, Cory Redding, and Langston Moore, on the other hand, did not practice as they are still dealing with injuries.
• Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto thinks that talking about running the ball is much different than actually running the ball.
• Special teams play can decide roster spots.
• Running back Brian Calhoun is finally healthy again.
• Center Dominic Raiola is a big golf fan, so he should enjoy the fact that the PGA Championship is at Oakland Hills this week.
• The Free Press is giving away a pair of Lions season tickets as well as a free limo ride to each game for the lucky winner.

• The Lions got back to their normal routine on Thursday as they practiced in pads in the morning and shells in the afternoon.  This comes a day after Rod Marinelli had them in shells during both practices as he felt the team needed a day without full contact.
• Two centers, Andy McCollum and Nick Jones, were signed to one-year deals by the Lions on Thursday.  To make room on the roster, guard Matt Butler and tackle Chris Patrick were released.  McCollum and Jones were brought in as Dominic Raiola isn't 100% healthy, so added depth is needed.  On top of that, whichever players filled in for Raiola when he missed practice earlier this week did a horrendous job at center, prompting the Lions to go find some true centers.
• Don't forget that the Lions are hosting "Black & Blue Fan Day" tomorrow, which includes an open scrimmage.  I plan on being in attendance, so expect a full report on what I saw as well as a ton of pictures and some video to be posted on Sunday.  As it turns out, the Lions reportedly will not have practice at all on Sunday, so I will fill the void with a look at Saturday's scrimmage.
• The Broncos released safety John Lynch today in what is being called a mutual split.  There was some early speculation that the Lions might be interested in bringing Lynch in since he is a former Buccaneer, but Detroit has no interest in him.  That makes sense since they have enough safeties already.
• Daniel Bullocks' injury is progressing, but the Lions don't want to rush him back too soon.
• Roy Williams is glad the Lions are going to run the ball more as he believes defenders will concentrate less on him and Calvin Johnson.
• New Lions cornerback Brian Kelly knows the Tampa-2 pretty well considering he's played in that system basically his entire career.
• Kevin Smith did a nice job in a blocking drill.  Also, he actually tried to check the Lions' depth chart on their website but didn't realize each position is listed in alphabetical order.
  
• Tom Kowalski believes the Lions could have as many as 10 defensive linemen on the active roster when the season starts.  I agree with him, as shown in my first roster prediction.
• The Steelers signed former Lions returner/receiver Eddie Drummond.
• The Brett Favre saga is getting more and more entertaining every day that goes by, but it should be known the Lions have zero interest in him.  I don't think that's an issue anyways since Favre probably has zero interest in playing for the Lions.

• Both of the Lions' two practices yesterday were held outdoors and in helmets and shorts (shells).  To some people in Michigan, the fact that the morning practice was outdoors comes as a surprise as a nasty storm system went through the lower thumb area around 7:00 a.m. yesterday.  It was north of the Allen Park area (I think), though, so that's why the practice was outdoors.
• The Lions signed kicker/punter Eddie Johnson to add depth to both positions.  As I said earlier this week, any kickers and punters not named Jason Hanson or Nick Harris strictly are in training camp for depth purposes and will be gone by the end of August.
  
• To make room for Johnson, the Lions released wide receiver Eric Fowler.  Fowler, who is from the state of Michigan and played football at Grand Valley State, was just signed on Sunday.
• Rod Marinelli explained why the Lions didn't practice in pads at all on Wednesday.
  

  "I'm conscious of the 80, really it's not even 80 when you get down with PUP's, we're down to about 70, I'll let you ask Dean (Kleinschmidt) exactly the numbers-71 or 72. But we just got bumped up in the offensive line a little bit yesterday. Hey, I'd like to get back in them tomorrow, I just have to space it out a little bit more right now. I don't like getting out of them. I think if you're trying to run the football, that's something important to have. We've got to be smart, too. We've got a game in a week, too, that we've got to be able to finish with second and third groups."

• Defensive tackle Langston Moore sprained his right shoulder on Monday and is basically day-to-day. 
  
• Ernie Sims' injury isn't improving a whole lot, and he will miss the Lions first preseason game.  Also, Dominic Raiola missed his first Lions practice in eight years due to a sprained ankle.
• Speaking of Detroit's first preseason game, it is a week from today, which is hard to believe.  Then again, it's hard to believe it's nearly August already.
• Tom Kowalski wonders why Daniel Bullocks is still on the PUP list and believes Calvin Johnson is going to have a big season.
• Rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon picked off a Jon Kitna pass thanks to being in the wrong place at the right time.
• Offensive linemen Manny Ramirez and Chris Patrick missed practice due to injuries.  Ramirez could be out as long as a week or so, and Patrick may be done for the entire preseason.
• Receivers Devale Ellis and Mike Furrey collided during a punt return.

• On their sixth day of training camp (yesterday), the Lions practiced in full pads in the morning and were in shells for a special teams session in the afternoon.
• Yesterday's two practices were open to the public, and there was a good showing of fans at the Lions' practice facility (around 500 for the morning practice).  Players and coaches stuck around after each practice to sign autographs and chat with fans, so it had to be a fun experience for those that went.  The next pair of open practices will be on Friday.  The morning session begins at 8:35 a.m., and the afternoon special teams practice starts at 3:30 p.m.
• Center Dominic Raiola sprained his ankle and missed Tuesday's morning practice.  Raiola has started 96 consecutive games, so it was a rarity that we saw the Lions' backup centers on the field for an entire practice.  Raiola's absence was evident, by the way, as the backup centers combined for six fumbled snaps during the practice.
• Ernie Sims is not likely going to play in the Lions' first preseason game against the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants.
• Defensive tackle Langston Moore, who has looked good in practice as of late, sprained his shoulder and had an MRI yesterday.
• Rookie fullback Jerome Felton put a huge hit on linebacker Buster Davis.
• No changes have been made to the PUP list.
• Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden will make more money in 2008 than Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.
• Defensive tackle Chuck Darby is glad to be on a team that Rod Marinelli coaches.
• Kicker/punter Paul Ernster was waived by the Lions.  He signed with Detroit back in April to only be a training camp body.  Every year there are kickers and punters that are on the Lions' roster during camp, but only Jason Hanson and Nick Harris are left by the time the season starts.
• Rookies Jordon Dizon and Kevin Smith are writing training camp diaries on the Lions' official website.
• Below is some info on the players being honored during the Lions' 12th annual kickoff luncheon that will take place on August 27.

  The entire team annually attends the luncheon and awards from the 2007 season will be presented. Players receiving awards will include: Most Valuable Players Dominic Raiola (offense), Ernie Sims (defense) and Alex Lewis (special teams). Other awards will go to Gerald Alexander, Jared DeVries, Mike Furrey, Stephen Peterman, Cory Redding and Keith Smith.

• MLive, the Free Press, and the News all have photo galleries up from Tuesday.
• Emmitt Smith has been replaced on ESPN's NFL Countdown by Cris Carter.  The move is long overdue as Smith was terrible on the show, but it will be sad to see him go as he unintentionally provided so many laughs on Sunday mornings.  The former Cowboys running back will still be on Monday Night Countdown.
• Brett Favre has officially filed for reinstatement, meaning he is now un-retired.  As Terrell Owens would say, get ya popcorn ready, because things are about to get very interesting in Packers country.

Left tackle Jeff Backus and right defensive end Dewayne White got into a fight during practice on Sunday.  Actually, there were two separate scuffles between Backus and White, but only one really can be classified as a legit fight.

Backus and White have been going up against each other on a daily basis, which is a huge positive for the Lions.  Both players will help one another improve as they both have talent.  By the end of training camp, the benefit of going up against a guy with talent every single day should be seen in the play of both Backus and White.

Anyways, in every single training camp around the league, there will be arguments, scuffles, and the occasional fight.  Sunday was no different for the Lions as Backus and White got into it after White got by Backus during a drill.  White clearly made a nice move to beat Backus, but Backus wasn't having any of that.  The Lions left tackle decided to grab a hold of White's jersey, which was a mistake, not only because it's a penalty.  White shoved Backus to the ground, causing Backus to quickly get back up and "challenge" White.

Soon after the first incident, the two were back at it after White hit Backus under the chin when rushing.  White was the one that ended up on the ground this time, and he also received a few punches from Backus.  Other players rushed in to break up the fight, and guard Frank Davis actually threw some punches as well.  As a result, White, Backus, and Davis were thrown out of the drill.

As I said, this happens all the time during training camp.  Between the pressure of practice, the heat, and the frustration that builds up over time, things like this are bound to happen every once in a while.  That doesn't excuse White or Backus as they have to be more disciplined, but this really isn't a big deal.  Rod Marinelli agrees to an extent, but he obviously was frustrated with the two players.

“I want these practices to be physical, I want them intense and I want mental toughness,” Marinelli said. “Mental toughness is not responding. Mental toughness is letting things go and playing the next snap. That’s losing football when you do that. …

“You can’t have it. It’s not winning football, so I’m not going to put up with it.”

Marinelli kept his sense of humor about the fight, but he didn’t want it glorified or turned into a positive.

“If fighting was part of the game, I’d practice it,” Marinelli said. “First period, fight. But it’s not what we do. It’s not what I want. Everybody’s, ‘Aw, they’re tough and mean.’ No. It’s not discipline.”

As Dominic Raiola said after practice, "It's squashed right now."  Backus and White will put this fight out of their minds and probably forget it even happened.  That doesn't necessarily mean they won't get into it again since it's bound to happen, but at least for now there is no bad blood between them.

• The Lions' fourth day of practice followed the same basic routine as the previous three days.  Both sessions were outside and in the morning the Lions were in full pads, and in the afternoon they were in shells.
• As expected, wide receiver Reggie Ball was placed on the reserve/injured list.  The knee injury he suffered during Friday's morning practice was serious enough to shelve him for an extended period of time, which is why the Lions just went ahead and put him on the reserve list.
• To fill the void created by Ball's injury, the Lions have signed former Grand Valley State wide receiver Eric Fowler.  Fowler is actually from New Haven, Michigan, and had an outstanding career at GVSU.  He signed with the Steelers after last year's draft before being cut after the preseason ended.  Eventually Fowler was signed to the Rams' practice squad last December, but was cut just last week, giving the Lions a chance to bring him back home.
• Just as usual, no changes have been made to the PUP list.
• The Lions' new offensive philosophy that focuses on balance will greatly help Jon Kitna this season.  Compared to the past two years with Mike Martz calling the shots, Kitna will be sacked far less since there will be less passing.  That's good news for the Lions as Kitna isn't getting any younger, and getting hit as much as he has in the past two years didn't help.
• Bill Ford Jr. has faith in Rod Marinelli but declined to comment on Matt Millen.  Also, Tom Lewand claimed that the Lions are actually ahead in season-ticket sales compared to last year despite some rumblings that they were having trouble selling tickets.
• Daniel Bullocks feels he is ready to start practicing, but the Lions don't want to take any chances of him getting injured again due to being rushed back too soon.
• Teddy Lehman was traveling quite a bit before ending up back in Detroit.
• Calvin Johnson's back thankfully didn't give him problems after he made a catch that was similar to the one that hurt him in the first place.
• Center Dominic Raiola crushed a trash can before practice yesterday instead of a tackling dummy.
• Rod Marinelli is likely going to utilize a new rule change that gives teams the option to defer if they win the opening coin toss.  That new option means teams can send their defense out first and start the second half on offense, but still have a say in which end of the field they want to defend.
• The Lions' 12th annual kickoff luncheon will be held at Cobo Center on August 27.  For more information, including how to order tickets, click here.
• Brett Favre did not report to Packers training camp yesterday.  Originally he was planning on showing up, but he decided against it as it would only cause more problems.

• The Lions placed safety Daniel Bullocks, tight end Dan Campbell, wide receiver Shaun McDonald, and offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.  The good news is that Ernie Sims was not on the PUP list, meaning his injury isn't too severe.  Detroit did still limit Sims somewhat as a precaution as you can never be too careful when dealing with your best linebacker.
• The four players mentioned above that are on the PUP list may return to practice full time shortly.  A player on the PUP list can be placed on the active roster at any time.  Once individual workouts are evaluated, if a player is healthy enough to practice, chances are he would be taken off the PUP list quickly.  That may be the case with at least one of the players currently on the PUP list, so stay tuned.
  
• Both of Detroit's two practices were held outside yesterday.  The morning session was conducted in full pads and in the afternoon players were in shells (only shoulder pads and helmets).
• Detroit filled the void created at linebacker by Caleb Campbell's departure by signing Leon Joe.  Joe has played in the NFL for four years.  Three were with Chicago before Joe played with the Bills last season.
• Rod Marinelli was surprised by Jordon Dizon's arrest.  He doesn't want something similar to happen to rookie running back Kevin Smith, so Marinelli is constantly stressing the importance of staying out of trouble to him.
• Speaking of Kevin Smith, aside from being told to stay out of trouble, he is also finding out about the need to run lower.  Although his upright style at UCF put him in the record books, in the NFL running like that is a good way to get injured.
• Takeo Spikes doesn't appear to be interested in signing very quickly, but Detroit has offered him a contract to join the Lions.  It's a waiting game now to see if Spikes takes the deal.
• Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus has an endorsement deal with Under Armour.
• Center Dominic Raiola and defensive tackle Cory Redding were pumped to get practice started.
• Jamie Samuelsen believes Lions fans will not like what they see this season.  I hope that's not the case, but based on previous seasons I can't disagree.
• MLive has audio of Matt Millen's appearance on WDFN.
• Tom Kowalski ran down a list of tidbits from the Lions' morning practice.
• The Free Press has posted a couple of photo galleries and a short video from the Lions' first day of training camp.
• For more pictures and video, as well as audio, check out the training camp section on DetroitLions.com.

Lions quarterback Jon Kitna made headlines last year for making comments that were perceived as him predicting a 10-win season for Detroit.  The comments drew criticism from many and were publicized in a way that made Kitna sound crazy.  After the first half of the season, it looked like a ton of people would have to eat crow as the Lions started 6-2, making a 10-win season a realistic possibility.  However, the second half of the year proved to be a reality check as the Lions wound up finishing 7-9, 3 wins short of Kitna's so-called prediction.

A year later, Jon Kitna is still talking 10 wins for the Lions, but he is doing it in a way that is far from a prediction.  Already I've read that Kitna is "at it again" after saying something about winning 10 games for the second straight year, but he is doing it in a way that doesn't sound anything like a prediction.

"Our expectation is, we will be disappointed if we don't win 10 games because that will mean we are not in the playoffs," Kitna said. "I can't make it any simpler than that. Anybody who says that's not their expectation level is unfortunately not very much of a competitor."

All Kitna is saying is that the Lions will not be happy with anything less than making the playoffs, and that usually requires a team to win at least 10 games, although in the NFC 9 or even 8 could be sufficient.  Anybody that tries to play this off as a prediction needs to read what he said over a few times before trying to spin this into something it isn't. (I'm looking at you, Detroit News headline writers)

Aside from talking about hopes for the 2008 season, Jon Kitna also discussed the competition, or lack thereof, for the role of starting quarterback.  Rod Marinelli has said that there will be a competition for the starting job this year, although Kitna isn't really worried.

"I don't [expect to be challenged]. I think I'm pretty well established as the leader of this football team and the quarterback. (Head coach) Rod (Marinelli) has never wavered from that. I don't expect that to be any different this year and I'm pretty excited about where we're going as a football team.

"There's never been any intimation to me that anything's going to be different.''

As much as the coaches want to say that a competition will be going on during training camp to find this team's starting QB, there is no one on the roster better than Kitna.  That may not be saying a whole lot, but don't try to tell me that Dan Orlovsky or Drew Stanton would be a better starter at this point.  I'm not saying that Kitna will be the starter all season long as Stanton could see playing time should the losses start piling up, but as of right now, Kitna is the starting signal-caller.

Adding one more thing to the talk of a QB competition, Kitna did make a pretty funny joke when talking about Lions center Dominic Raiola.

"When (center) Dominic Raiola is in the game, I'll be in the game. That's how I know when I'm up,'' Kitna said. "When I see No. 51 go in, that's when I go. Nobody gets to touch his butt but me - and his wife.''

The phrase "too much information" applies here as I don't exactly need to hear about who is and who isn't touching Raiola's butt, although that was a humorous thing to say.