Lions notes: Jim Schwartz open to coaching 2013 Senior Bowl

• The Detroit Lions have signed linebacker Carmen Messina and cornerback Conroy Black to futures deals, according to Dave Birkett. Both players spent 2012 on the Lions practice squad.
• Jim Schwartz said on Monday that the Lions would "embrace" the opportunity to coach one of the teams in the 2013 Senior Bowl. The Lions got to coach a team in the 2010 Senior Bowl, and I think it would be a good way for them to get an up-close look at potential draft picks.
• Rob Sims certainly doesn't want to see Jeff Backus retire.

  #Lions LG Rob Sims said he's going to call Jeff Backus every day to convince him to return next season. Backus did not talk to media today.

  — Paula Pasche (@paulapasche) December 31, 2012

• Here is some good news on Ryan Broyles' injury:

  Ryan Broyles said his knee injury this month wasn't as bad as the one he suffered at Oklahoma. No meniscus damage this time, just ACL tear

  — Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) December 31, 2012

• Dave Birkett reports that Amari Spievey was expecting to be cleared for contact on Monday since his post-concussion headaches have "subsided." There's no word on if he has in fact been cleared, but I hope for both his sake and for the Lions that everything is good to go heading into the offseason.
• Willie Young was wired for sound against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
• Congratulations to Oakestradamus for winning Pride Of Detroit Pick'em with a record of 175-80 on the season.

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