Lions notes: Carmen Messina, Matt Willis, more

• As noted by Dave Birkett, linebacker Carmen Messina has cleared waivers. As a result, he has reverted to the Detroit Lions' injured reserve. They can keep him on IR or later decide to release him, allowing him to sign elsewhere.
  
  
• The Lions practiced defending the read option earlier this week.
  
  
• The Lions' indoor practice earlier this week featured the punters kicking the ball off the roof.

  Roof shots by punter Sam Martin and Blake Clingan were highlights of Monday's Lions practice.

  — Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) August 12, 2013

  
  
• Thaddeus Lewis recently spoke to the Free Press about his bid to make the Lions' roster.
  
  
• Nate Burleson polled his teammates before deciding to cut off his dreadlocks.
  
  
• Burleson has nicknamed Matt Willis "Ninja" in honor of his appearance on American Ninja Warrior.
  
  
• It turns out that Chris Houston has been battling migraines for years. He had to miss a practice this week because of a migraine.
  
  
• Ndamukong Suh gave the media a group hug on Tuesday. Seriously.
  
  
• The MMQB's Robert Klemko put together an outstanding piece on Titus Young.
  
  
• Grantland previewed the 2013 Lions in a recent podcast.

More from Pride Of Detroit:

• Lions at Browns: 10 things to watch in second preseason game
• Louis Delmas unlikely to play in preseason
• Lions training camp: Chris Greenwood finally returns to practice
• Lions sign Conroy Black, release Brandon King
• Lions training camp: Tuesday open thread