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- We learned earlier this month that Ryan Broyles was cleared to take part in the Detroit Lions' offseason conditioning program, and he participated in Wednesday's practice. That's obviously a good sign considering he's coming back from a ruptured Achilles.
- Aside from Broyles, the same group of players out on Tuesday also missed practice on Wednesday, and Cody Wilson and Chris Greenwood joined the list of players who were sidelined. Also, Ndamukong Suh, Chris Houston and Carlin Isles were once again absent, and Mikel Leshoure was not seen when the media had a chance to watch a brief portion of practice on Wednesday.
- Get ready to hear "Omaha" during Lions games this year.
Bad news Lions fans: Based on today's minicamp, new QB coach Jim Bob Cooter brought "Omaha" pre-snap call from Denver to Detroit.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) April 23, 2014
- When asked about the Lions' new defense, Stephen Tulloch described it as "fast tempo," and he also said that they're "going to do some fun things" in terms of being aggressive.
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James Ihedigbo said this when asked about the new defense:
Asked James Ihedigbo about similarities between Lions and Ravens defense. "We will be coming after the QB, if that's what you're asking."
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) April 23, 2014
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Golden Tate is on board with the idea of drafting Sammy Watkins.
- Tate has already noticed how strong Matthew Stafford's arm is.
Golden Tate on Stafford's arm strength, "His balls definitely get there quicker." Tate also called Stafford's placement, "great" in 7-on-7s
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) April 23, 2014
- The Free Press' Dave Birkett reports that the Lions are scheduled to bring in Eastern Illinois wide receiver Erik Lora for a pre-draft visit on Friday.
- Speaking of wide receivers, the Lions added Naaman Roosevelt as a tryout on the second day of their voluntary minicamp, according to Tim Twentyman.
- The NFL can now flex games into the Sunday night slot as early as Week 5.
- Two Lions games were "cross-flexed" this year: the Buffalo Bills game is on FOX instead of CBS and the Chicago Bears game is on CBS instead of FOX (on Thanksgiving).
- Not that it means anything, especially in April, but the Lions are currently favored by 4 points over the New York Giants in their Week 1 matchup.
- This stat will obviously change this year, but you have to go back to the early 1970s for the last time the Lions kicked off a season on Monday Night Football.
The Lions last opened the season on Monday Night Football in 1971, when they lost to the Minnesota Vikings, 16-13.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 23, 2014
- The dates and start times have been finalized for the Lions' preseason schedule.
- The 25th anniversary of the Lions' pick of Barry Sanders was on Wednesday.