Since the Rod Marinelli era began in Detroit during this past offseason, the Lions players knew they were in for a tougher coach. Marinelli showed that back in May when a grieveance was filed because the practices were too hard. When training camp got underway, the first week of it was harder then most expected. Every single day, both sessions were full-fledged practices with pads and all.
Marinelli showed he can be a nice guy every now and then too when he gave the players an almost day off last week. The practice schedule has once again tapered off after another stretch of tough workouts. With the Black & Blue scrimmage being this past Saturday, and it being a lot more involved then originally thought, Marinelli is giving the players a chance to rest before the first preseason game this Friday. Sunday, there was no practice at all, and on Monday, there was just one session without pads.
I really like the way Marinelli is handling things. He makes his practices as tough as possible to show that he is going to have a disciplined team, but isn't oblivious to the fact that you need to give your team a break once and a while. The regular practice schedule of two-a-days resumes today.
NOTES FROM MONDAY'S TRAINING CAMP
- Defensive tackle Shaun Cody and cornerback Fernando Bryant both made their returns to the practice field on Monday. Cody had been out for a bit with a minor knee sprain, and will be wearing a brace to prevent another injury. Bryant had re-aggravated his hamstring and was day-to-day. Cody and Bryant both are expected to play on Friday against Denver.
- Damien Woody has had surgery on his injured wrist and will be back in two weeks according to Rod Marinelli.
- Cory Redding, James Hall, and Glenn Martinez all were limited in practice because of minor injuries, but are expected to be back soon. Martinez was hurt near the end of the scrimmage on Saturday.
- It was announced that 1,200 tickets are still available for this Friday's preseason opener against Denver. Tickets start at a price of $40 and come with a deal that allows any buyers to have the first shot at getting single-game regular season tickets.