Notes: Michael Brockers on facing 49ers: ‘I’m already on top of them’

While Michael Brockers says he isn’t officially ready for Week 1, he’s already been grinding that San Francisco tape for weeks.

The Detroit Lions veteran defensive lineman said Monday that knowing he wouldn’t play in the final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, he had already turned his attention toward the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers last week.

“I was already looking at some San-Fran tape, a couple of my games last year playing with the Rams against those guys,” he said. “I’m already on top of them.”

But he did admit Monday that although he’s studying tape, he’s not quite ready for the season opener yet.

“Not yet, but that’s what these weeks are for, these practices are for — for me to kind of get back in the groove, get my technique a lot better and be ready for game one,” he said.

To minimize risk of injury, Brockers was kept out of drills for most of training camp. Head coach Dan Campbell said last week that “I think we feel he’ll be ready for Week 1” but it’s moving at a “snail’s pace.” Brockers still has until September 12 to get ready, but says no matter how long he’s been in the league (this will be his 10th season), practice is key.

“A lot of people are telling me, you’re 10 years (in), you’re good. For me, it’s all about man getting out there, going through those reps, even though you mess up or you have a good rep — going over those things and actually feeling those things out has always been a big deal for me,” he said. “I didn’t want to miss training camp. It was unfortunate, but for me, taking these practices, putting everything into them, as far as teaching and learning my technique and stuff like that, and just being ready for game one.”

And onto the rest of your notes.

• The cuts are already flowing, including receiver Breshad Perriman. The Athletic’s Chris Burke offers his initial thoughts on what that means for the Lions receiving corps. (Subscription required.)
• PFF takes a look at how rookies fared in preseason, making a note about Penei Sewell’s less-than-stellar performance. “It’s clear the 20-year-old is rusty after not playing in 20 months. Don’t panic yet, but don’t expect Sewell to have a fantastic rookie campaign.” Consensus seems to be it’s only up from here but if you’d like to indulge in an overreaction check out Mike Payton’s piece.
• Trey Flowers and his foundation Flowers of the Future continue to give back to the community:

• Speaking of giving back, Jared Goff surprised the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan with a visit.

• “Perhaps the best thing we learned about the Lions Friday night and throughout the preseason that should hearten Campbell and his staff is that there is no shortage of the Lions’ desire to compete.” Detroitlions.com columnist Mike O’Hara offers his thoughts on what we learned from the final preseason game.