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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Thursday Notes: Lions Release Eric Folwer, Sign Eddie Johnson
by Sean Yuille
on Jul 31, 2008 1:11 AM EDT
in Notes
- 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.
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