Lions training camp: Ronnell Lewis activated from NFI list

The Detroit Lions activated defensive end Ronnell Lewis from the non-football illness list on Thursday morning. The move allowed Lewis to practice for the first time in training camp this year, and he did in fact take part in Thursday's session.

Lewis really couldn't wait much longer to be activated and finally take part in practice. In order to make the 53-man roster, he needs to be on the field, and Jim Schwartz basically said as much on Tuesday, noting how important it is for defensive linemen to take part in drills when the Lions are practicing in full pads. From the Free Press:

"He’s working hard to get back, but the fact is we can’t circle back in training camp and make up time for guys that have missed. There’s urgency to get back for everybody."

With Lewis off the NFI list, he will try to make his case for the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Devin Thomas, who remains the PUP list, will hope to be activated soon as well in order to do the same. The reality of the situation at this point, though, is that Thomas' chances are slim, and even Lewis has a lot of work to do to make the team.

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