Wednesday Notes: NFL Keeping Its Eye on Kalvin Pearson
by Sean Yuille
on Aug 6, 2008 2:02 AM EDT
in Notes
- The Lions practiced only once on Tuesday and did so indoors and in shells. I still haven't been able to figure out why the Lions decided to move inside for the first time during training camp, but I imagine it has something to do with just changing the scenery as every practice up until yesterday had been outside.
- There were no changes to the PUP list as the remaining three players on it aren't expected to be taken off until next week at the earliest.
- Even though Kalvin Pearson had some serious charges against him dropped, the NFL is still keeping tabs on what happens with the misdemeanor charge that remains. Also, the alleged victim in this whole situation is not happy with the serious charges being dropped.
"It's not what I wanted," the alleged victim told The Oakland Press. "It's basically (bull). He has money and he has lawyers. He's doing what he has to do to keep his job."
- Along with the three players on the PUP list, Cory Redding, Edwin Mulitalo, and Langston Moore will not play in tomorrow's game against the Giants. Ernie Sims has already said that he will not play, either, and it is unlikely that Brian Kelly and Buster Davis see any action due to injuries.
- Tom Kowalski thinks the Lions should consider moving Jordon Dizon outside if it is evident that he isn't ready to play middle linebacker.
- Rookie running back Kevin Smith believes the Lions will win a playoff game this year.
- The Sports Network has a preview of tomorrow's game up.
- Although Brett Favre has returned to the Packers officially on paper, his physical return to the team is unlikely. It appears that there is too much animosity between Favre and the Packers for how his return was handled, meaning that a trade is very likely as it is becoming increasingly evident that the two sides will never be able to fully agree on what exactly Favre's role with the team is. If a trade does happen, based on who Favre has talked to, it is looking like he will be headed to the Jets or Buccaneers at this point.
- Finally, in an unrelated note, is it too much to ask for the Tigers to hold on to a lead for a full game? I have never seen a team play so badly with the lead before. One day Todd Jones can't close out a game, the next it's Fernando Rodney, then Kyle Farnsworth comes back and plays like complete s**t in every freaking appearance, and finally, Joel Zumaya showed that he isn't qualified to be the team's closer.
Go back in the last 10 games and just change the outcome of a few of them and the Tigers would still have a chance to win the AL Central. Since that's not possible, though, this season is officially over as far as I'm concerned.
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Tuesday Notes: Edwin Mulitalo Removed From PUP List
by Sean Yuille
on Aug 5, 2008 2:23 AM EDT
in Notes
- 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.
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Friday Notes: Lions Sign Andy McCollum, Nick Jones
by Sean Yuille
on Aug 1, 2008 2:36 AM EDT
in Notes
- 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.
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