Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Lions get yet another new face in secondary

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November 19

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions now have added eight defensive backs since Sept. 4. "I thought it was 800," defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham joked Wednesday. "I guess it's eight." The latest is DeAngelo Smith. The Lions signed him off Chicago's practice squad to replace Marquand Manuel, whom they placed on injured reserve with a shoulder problem. Smith plays both safety and cornerback. Drafted in the fifth round this year out of Cincinnati, the 5-foot-11, 197-pounder went from Dallas to Cleveland to Chicago and now to Detroit. The Lions play the Browns on Sunday. "I don't even know his name yet," Cunningham said, joking again. "DeAngelo. I watched him at Cincinnati and thought he was a pretty good ..."

Shaun Rogers won't confirm or deny interest in Lions

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November 19

Detroit Free Press

"Shaun Rogers returns to Detroit on Sunday with the Browns. But does the Pro Bowl defensive tackle wish he could play for the Lions again -- not against them -- even though he wanted out two years ago? That was the word in August. After former Browns defensive tackle Shaun Smith signed with the Lions, he said Rogers had spoken highly of the guys in the locker room and the staff at team headquarters in Allen Park. "He wishes he could come back here now," said Smith, who was cut Sept. 5. "He misses it. Come on. You've been here your whole career, and you see the talent they're bringing in." So is it true? Rogers rarely spoke to Detroit reporters as a Lion, at least toward the end of his ..."

Foote says he's playing against Vikings

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November 13

Detroit News

"Larry Foote missed a second day of practice Thursday resting a sore knee, but he said he expects to play Sunday when the Lions face the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham does, too, though he also expects his veteran middle linebacker and captain to play better. Foote was signed as a free agent in May after getting released by Pittsburgh, where he spent his first seven NFL seasons, winning two Super Bowl titles. He had a productive start with his new team, including an impressive showing in the home opener against the Vikings, when Foote had a game-high 10 tackles and a sack. But his play has slipped a bit the last couple weeks, and it hasn't ..."

Lions LB Ernie Sims unlikely to play against Vikings

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November 12

Detroit News

"Linebacker Ernie Sims was held out of practice Wednesday with a right hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday's loss in Seattle. Lions coach Jim Schwartz called the injury "fairly significant" during Monday's press conference. "As of right now it looks like I'm not going to play this week," Sims said Wednesday. The Lions travel to Minnesota for a 1 p.m. game this Sunday. "I've never had a hamstring injury so I'm taking it day-to-day," Sims added. "I'm hoping God blesses me and lets me get back a little sooner. I hate the feeling of being away from football and not being on the field." It is not clear how long Sims will be out. "They say it takes a good two or three weeks depending on how ..."

Calvin Johnson: I'm fine with Matthew Stafford

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November 10

Detroit News

"Receiver Calvin Johnson is frustrated. In his first game back from a right knee injury that kept him out for two games, Johnson caught just two passes for 27 yards Sunday in yet another Lions loss, this time in Seattle. Johnson has gone over 100 receiving yards just once (Oct. 4 at Chicago) this season. He has 24 catches for 352 yards and only one touchdown, which is two fewer receptions than running back Kevin Smith. Television cameras caught a visibly frustrated Johnson coming off the field a number of times in Seattle. At one point on the sideline, cameras caught a chilly exchange between quarterback Matthew Stafford and Johnson. Stafford looked like he was trying to talk to his upset ..."

Lions RB Kevin Smith, WR Calvin Johnson practice today

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November 6

Detroit Free Press

"Wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith continued to practice today. Both seem likely to play Sunday at Seattle, though Lions coach Jim Schwartz likely will not tip his hand. Johnson has missed two games with a injured right knee. Smith left the Lions' last game with a shoulder problem."

Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson look ready

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November 6

Detroit News

"Lions running back Kevin Smith was back at practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's workout because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the third quarter of Sunday's loss to St. Louis. Both Smith and Maurice Morris took reps with the first-team offense in the portion of practice open to the media. Calvin Johnson continued to show no ill effects from the right knee injury that has sidelined him for the last two games. He worked with the first-team offense and certainly looked like he'll be ready for Sunday's game in Seattle. "We are just going to keep on taking it like we are," Johnson said. "We are going to be careful, do what I can do, and as long as I don't have any setbacks, things ..."

Lions' Johnson and Stafford making progress

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October 30

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions appear to be encouraged by the injury progress of their two top stars on offense. Receiver Calvin Johnson, who missed the last game with a knee injury, returned to practice Thursday and quarterback Matthew Stafford continued to look fine in the early portion of practice open to reporters as he recovers from the right knee injury that has sidelined him for two games. Officially, Johnson and Stafford were listed as having limited practice. "Those guys are making progress," coach Jim Schwartz said. "Those guys are making good progress. We're happy with the progress they're making. I think both of them have a ways to go. The good thing is we still got a ways to Sunday." Stafford ..."

Lions' Stafford, Johnson healing, might play

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October 28

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said he felt better today than he did Oct. 14, the last time he tested his injured knee in practice. But he wouldn't speculate whether he would be able to play Sunday against St. Louis. "I don't know," Stafford said. "We'll see. It's a long week. We've got to figure out how this thing is going to react." Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (right knee) did not practice. But he did some work on the side and said he was "definitely optimistic" he would be able to play against the Rams, though "not positive." "It feels a lot better since last week," said Johnson, who has missed one game. "It just something we have to take day by day and see how it goes, ..."

Stafford practices with Lions' first-team offense

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October 28

Detroit News

"The Lions' quarterback of the present and future was back at practice Tuesday, feeling better than he has in nearly a month. Matthew Stafford took snaps with the first-team offense during the portion of practice open to media. He showed no ill effects from the injury. Afterward, he said he took approximately half of the snaps in practice and didn't feel restricted at all. "This is the most I've done on it other than that Wednesday (of last week) and it felt better than it did that Wednesday," Stafford said. "I don't know if I could say how much better or how close (I am) to 100 percent." Stafford, who suffered a partially dislocated right knee cap in Chicago on Oct. 4, also dismissed ..."

Lions aren't rushing Matthew Stafford back from injury

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October 23

Detroit News

"Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't practice again Thursday as he continues recovering from the partially dislocated kneecap he suffered nearly three weeks ago. Stafford spent practice throwing passes on the sideline and seemed to move well while working with Jason Arapoff, the team's coordinator of strength and development. "I really don't test (the knee) much," Stafford said after practice. "It's always been fine walking around and doing stuff like that. I just have to get comfortable to where I'm running. I don't push as hard off it right now as I probably would in a game." The timetable for his return still is unclear, but the Lions seem content letting him rest the knee ..."

Report: Lions sign DT Cohen to practice team

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October 21

Detroit Free Press

"Florida Today reports the Detroit Lions have signed nose tackle Joe Cohen to their practice squad. Cohen, who played at Florida, started the season on Miami's practice squad. He was let go and then picked up by the Raiders before getting released in August. Cohen, a 6-foot-2, 310 pounder, was a fourth-round draft pick of the 49ers in 2007."

Lions not averse to trade

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October 20

Detroit News

"With the NFL's trade deadline today at 4 p.m., the Lions -- like every team in the league -- are making and taking phone calls about potential deals. But with general manager Martin Mayhew still in the early stages of reshaping his team's roster, and given his early track record, the Lions might be more serious than others. "We're open to everything," coach Jim Schwartz said Monday, a day after a 26-0 loss to the Packers dropped his team to 1-5. "And if we think its something that'll improve the team, were not shy about making that move." Mayhew has proven that already. He'd only been on the job a few weeks last October when he made his first big splash, working a deadline-day trade with ..."

Report: Stafford will see orthopedic surgeon on Monday

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October 18

Detroit News

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday to have his injured right knee examined, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported. Stafford missed a second consecutive game Sunday, two weeks after suffering a partially dislocated right kneecap in an Oct. 4 loss at Chicago. Team officials, who still haven't publicly confirmed Stafford's initial injury diagnosis, weren't immediately available for comment on the ESPN report. Stafford returned to practice briefly this week, taking about half the reps Wednesday in Allen Park. But the rookie No. 1 overall pick then sat out Thursday and Friday, declining to speak with the media both days. ..."

Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson sit out practice

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October 17

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice Friday and are listed as questionable with knee injuries for Sunday's game. Asked about Stafford -- who hasn't practiced since Wednesday -- Lions coach Jim Schwartz said: "We'll lean on our injury report and then we'll make a decision Sunday morning of what we're going to do. I actually will announce our decision Sunday morning." Daunte Culpepper will start if Stafford doesn't. The Lions haven't won at Lambeau Field since 1991. "It's an opportunity for certain guys," Culpepper said. "Guys who have made plays in the past and who've worked hard to get to this level know that when you have an opportunity to go out ..."

Stafford, C. Johnson likely out for Sunday's game

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October 16

Detroit Free Press

"Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson were not on the field today for the portion of Lions practice that was open to reporters, making it seem more unlikely they will play Sunday at Green Bay. Both have right knee injuries. Johnson has not practiced all week. Stafford has not practiced since Wednesday, when he was listed as limited on the injury report. Defensive linemen Sammie Hill (ankle), Dewayne White (hamstring) and Jason Hunter (ankle) also were not participating in the portion of practice open to reporters. None of them has practiced this week."

Injured Stafford 'improving'; Calvin Johnson sits out again

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October 15

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took a step toward playing Sunday at Green Bay by going through a limited practice Wednesday. "He's improving," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's doing a little more each day that we're able to get him out on the field." Stafford reportedly suffered a partially dislocated right kneecap Oct. 4 at Chicago. He didn't practice last week until Friday, when he was limited. He sat out Sunday against Pittsburgh. In the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday, Stafford took the snaps with the first unit. He moved relatively well as he jogged, maneuvered and threw passes. Stafford said he could "feel it a little bit," but "it's getting there." The question is ..."

Lions sign cornerback Demarcus Faggins, release Chuck Darby

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October 14

Detroit News

"The Lions signed free agent defensive back Demarcus Faggins on Tuesday. An eight-year veteran cornerback, Faggins was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL draft. He played seven seasons in Houston, appearing in 82 games with 36 starts, amassing 216 tackles and five interceptions. He signed with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason but didn't play in a game before his release. The Lions released defensive tackle Chuck Darby to make room on the roster for Faggins. Darby was signed two weeks ago to replace rookie Sammie Hill, who is battling an ankle injury. Hill was inactive for Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the decision to release Darby could ..."

Calvin Johnson's injury not significant, Lions' Schwartz says

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October 13

Detroit News

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz frequently uses the word "significant" when talking about injuries that concern him. Lions fans should therefore be relieved that he didn't use that word Monday to describe the right knee injury star receiver Calvin Johnson suffered against Pittsburgh on Sunday. "I wouldn't label his as significant right now," Schwartz said. "He had some tests done and we'll know more Wednesday." Schwartz did characterize cornerback Eric King's left shoulder injury as "significant" and said the fifth-year player could be out for some time. King had his left arm in a sling Monday. Tight end Casey FitzSimmons (left thigh) and defensive end Jason Hunter (left ankle) also were ..."

Stafford practices, Daunte Culpepper says he's ready

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October 10

Detroit News

"Matthew Stafford finally joined his teammates on the practice field Friday. Daunte Culpepper finally talked to the media afterward. And while no one -- least of all Lions coach Jim Schwartz -- will say which quarterback will start this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Culpepper still is expected to get the nod Sunday at Ford Field. "Honestly, I just look at it like this: I prepare to play every week, no matter what the situation is," said Culpepper, speaking formally to reporters for the first time since Stafford, the rookie No. 1 overall draft pick, was named the team's starter prior to the regular season. "Still don't know what the status is of our starter. But like I said, I'm ..."

Culpepper likely to start on Sunday

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October 9

Detroit Free Press

"Daunte Culpepper appears likely to start at quarterback for the Lions on Sunday against Pittsburgh. Matthew Stafford did not practice again today because of a right knee injury and said he hasn't been running. "They really haven't had me doing too much," Stafford said. "They're just trying to get the swelling out and all that." Coach Jim Schwartz declined to give anon Stafford, saying only that the official injury report would be available at 4 p.m., when the NFL requires teams to list players' participation in practice. Culpepper declined to talk to reporters, as he generally has all year. "I have nothing to say until something changes from my perspective," Culpepper said. Stafford spoke ..."

Matthew Stafford most likely won't start

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October 9

Detroit News

"Matthew Stafford didn't practice for the second straight day Thursday because of the partially dislocated right kneecap he suffered in last week's loss at Chicago. The Lions rookie quarterback also missed Wednesday's practice, making it unlikely he'll start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. "I don't know, we'll see," Stafford said when asked if he'd play. "Whatever coach's policy is as far as guys missing practice and still being able to play. "Obviously, anytime you tweak something it's scary. I mean an ankle, knee, shoulder, whatever it is. I just wanted to make sure everything was structurally all right, and it was, so that was a good thing." Stafford confirmed the injured ..."

Source: Stafford has dislocated kneecap

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October 5

Detroit Free Press

"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No.1 pick in the NFL draft, left Sunday's 48-24 loss to the Bears with a right knee injury. "He twisted his knee a little bit," coach Jim Schwartz said. "Obviously we'll have to do a lot of tests and those kind of things. He wasn't able to really get it warmed back up again, and we didn't want to put him back in the game." ESPN reported Sunday evening that Stafford's injury was a dislocated kneecap that popped back in while he was on the sideline, an injury that could cost him a game or two. Stafford had a similar injury to the same knee before his senior season in high school and missed a couple of games. He needed surgery after a horseplay ..."

Lions RB Smith likely a game-time decision

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October 3

Detroit Free Press

"The status of Lions running back Kevin Smith remains uncertain for Sunday's game at Chicago. Smith, a key cog in the Lions' commitment to the running game, had rushed for 101 yards on 16 carries when he left last Sunday's game against Washington in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice this week and was listed as questionable against the Bears. Coach Jim Schwartz reveals little about players' health and was guarded about Smith's chances to play against the Bears after Friday's practice. "Um, it remains to be seen," Schwartz said. "There's a big difference in non-padded practices on Thursday and Friday and an NFL football game. Still got a long way to go. ..."

Hunter Hillenmeyer expected to sit out Sunday

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October 2

Chicago Tribune

"While Lance Briggs returned to practice Thursday with a sore left foot, fellow linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is expected to miss Sunday's game with a rib injury. Briggs was limited after missing practice Wednesday. He poked fun at his injury during his weekly trip to the podium. "It started off as a hairline fracture then it increased yesterday to a major break," Briggs joked. "So they put me in boot because ... miracle. Overnight healing. Never seen anything like it." Hillenmeyer missed his second consecutive day but is expected to be recovered after the club's off week."

Lions release DT, clearing room for McBride?

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September 17

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Lions have released defensive tackle Orien Harris, clearing a spot on the 53-man roster. They are expected to claim defensive end Turk McBride off waivers from Kansas City. They have not announced a transaction, but they generally do not announce waiver claims until the player has passed a physical. Until Sept. 28, they have first priority on waiver claims because they had the NFL's worst record last year."

Thomas all but out against Lions

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September 11

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints tailback Pierre Thomas will almost certainly miss Sunday's opener against Detroit after being held out of team drills again Thursday. Thomas, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee three weeks ago, dressed for practice and participated in some individual drills, but he wasn't healthy enough to go full speed. "I was hoping we'd get more from him today," said Saints Coach Sean Payton, who said Thomas didn't have to be "100 percent" healed in order to play, but he "has to be better than the other back that's potentially dressing in his place." "The key is getting to where it's comfortable enough to where he's not just practicing and able to plant on it, ..."

Trade Culpepper? Lions might miss him too much

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September 8

Detroit Free Press

"Now that coach Jim Schwartz has named rookie Matthew Stafford the starting quarterback, could the Lions trade veteran Daunte Culpepper? Has Culpepper, who acts as his own agent, communicated a desire to play elsewhere? Schwartz said Monday he would keep his conversations with Culpepper private, but he said he was happy with the quarterback position. "I think it's going to be a strength on our team, and I don't think that we're in a position of getting rid of good players," Schwartz said. Culpepper declined to speak to reporters Monday, when he returned to practice after sitting out last week with a cut foot. But the last time he spoke publicly, after the Aug. 29 exhibition against ..."

Lions kicker Jason Hanson might be back Sunday

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September 8

Detroit News

"The chances of Lions kicker Jason Hanson being ready for Sunday's season opener in New Orleans improved greatly with his return to the practice field Monday. "I felt real rusty, but it was a step and a good step. I think my longest (field goal) was in the low 30's, just to hit them through and see what happens and see how it feels," Hanson said after practice. "At about 85 percent it felt pretty decent." Hanson, 39, had minor knee surgery in his kicking knee exactly three weeks ago and Monday marked his first time back on the field since the surgery. Hanson enters his 18th NFL season -- all with the Lions -- and holds all of the team's kicking records. He finished last season 21-for-22 ..."

Jets trade for Lions quarterback Kevin O'Connell

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September 6

Newark Star-Ledger

"The Jets acquired Lions' quarterback Kevin O'Connell in a trade Sunday, according to a person familiar with the transaction, who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the team. The deal fuels speculation that Rex Ryan"

No word on Lions' starter at QB after exhibition finale

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September 4

Detroit Free Press

"The identity of the Lions' starting quarterback is a super-duper secret. Coach Jim Schwartz won't even say whether he has made a decision, let alone announce it. After the Lions beat Buffalo, 17-6, in the exhibition finale Thursday night, Schwartz was asked whether he knows who his starting quarterback will be in the season-opener Sept. 13 at New Orleans. "Um ... I don't know," Schwartz said. "I think I'll just keep that to myself." But he knows, right? "I'll keep whether I know to myself," Schwartz said. "It doesn't do us any good for us to either announce it or to say we've made a decision or anything like that. We'll make the decision when we feel the time's right, and we'll announce it ..."

Free agent Lawyer Milloy turns down Lions' offer

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August 31

Detroit News

"It's clear the Lions need help at the safety position. But according to an NFL.com report, veteran free agent Lawyer Milloy won't be coming to the team's rescue. Milloy reportedly turned down the Lions' contract offer Monday after visiting Allen Park, and now the 13-year veteran will look elsewhere for a job."

Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford will get equal time vs. Colts

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August 27

Detroit News

"Jim Schwartz won't announce his starting quarterback for Saturday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts until Friday. But after Thursday's practice, the Lions coach did say he'll give both Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford equal time on the field -- and likely with the starting receivers as well. Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson both will make their preseason debut Saturday against the Colts, and Schwartz said the plan is to rotate receivers in and out of the game with "a lot of the players going into the third quarter.""

Schwartz might remain mum on No. 1 QB

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August 25

Detroit Free Press

"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he is no closer to naming a starting quarterback after Saturday night's 27-10 exhibition loss at Cleveland. Rookie Matthew Stafford struggled. Veteran Daunte Culpepper was solid, though he didn't lead the Lions to a score, either. The two continued to split reps in practice Monday. "We still have a long way to go," Schwartz said. "I've never put a timetable on it. ... We're just going to keep on evaluating." Schwartz said he could decide on a starter as soon as this week or as late as after the fourth exhibition, Sept. 3 at Buffalo. Whenever he decides, he might keep it quiet. "It probably won't be this week, but we'll see," Schwartz said. "And the other thing ..."

Lions encouraged about Delmas' sore knee

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August 6

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas went for precautionary tests on a sore left knee this morning and missed both practices on Day 5 of training camp. But the injury is not serious. "We felt good about the results," coach Jim Schwartz said after the afternoon practice. "He's day to day." Schwartz said earlier that the Lions wanted to err on the side of caution. "I'd rather him miss a practice here and be able to come back full-speed at a certain point than try to put him back out too soon," Schwartz said. Delmas, the first pick of the second round of this year's NFL draft, said he wasn't hurt on any particular play Tuesday. The knee just swelled up on him in a meeting. "I'm just trying to ..."

Veteran WR D.J. Hackett visits Lions

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July 31

Detroit News

"The Lions brought in more than just a few quarterbacks for a workout earlier this week. Receiver D.J. Hackett also visited Allen Park on Tuesday. But Hackett's agent, Kevin Robinson, said Thursday he's not sure if the Lions are ready to pull the trigger on a deal to bring him in prior to training camp. Players report Friday and take the field Saturday afternoon for the first practice. Hackett, five-year NFL veteran, also has had workouts with Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Washington this offseason. He only caught 13 passes for 181 yards in nine games with Carolina last season."

Jim Schwartz says Lions have no interest in Michael Vick

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July 29

Detroit News

"The Lions have said more than once they're not inclined to gamble on a reclamation project like Michael Vick. And prior to playing in Wednesday's pro-am event at the Buick Open at Warwick Hills, head coach Jim Schwartz said much the same thing when asked if the Lions would have any interest in signing Vick. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, who served 18 months in a federal penitentiary for running a dogfighting ring, was conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this week. "Yeah, probably not," Schwartz said. "With what we've done at quarterback, we've invested a lot at the quarterback position, as you know."

Rams trade for WR Ronald Curry

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July 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Rams have added some much-needed experience _ and size _ to their wide receiver corps. League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday that the team has acquired WR Ronald Curry from the Detroit Lions in a trade for defensive tackle Orien Harris. Harris' tenure with the Rams was a short one _ he was acquired from Cincinnati on May 7 in a trade for running back Brian Leonard. Curry, 30, is 6-2, 210. He caught 19 passes for 191 yards and two TDs last season with Oakland. The Raiders released him in February, and he was signed as a street free agent by the Lions in April."

Lions owner: I've never told a coach who to play

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June 26

Michigan Live

"With the Detroit Lions drafting quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick -- and investing $41.7 million in guaranteed money in him -- there is a perception that, at some point, owner William Clay Ford Sr. will order the coaching staff to play him in a game. Ford is adamant that not only will that not happen, but it's never happened. "I do not, contrary to public opinion, interfere with the football side of it,'' Ford said. "I mean, if so-and-so plays lousy, I'll say 'I think he's a bum.' But, no, I've never said, 'Play this guy or that guy' or "Don't play him.' No, these guys know more about the game than I do by 10 miles. I'm not going to try to second-guess them. Now, if ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Larry Foote, Lions agree to terms on one-year deal

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May 6

Detroit News

"The Lions' search for a middle linebacker will end right in their own backyard. Veteran free agent Larry Foote has agreed to terms of a one-year contract with the Lions, his agent, Ken Kremer, said in an email. The deal is pending the results of a physical Wednesday morning. Foote, a Detroit native and former Michigan All-American, met with team officials Tuesday and told the Associated Press he expected the deal to be completed soon. "I'm excited because it's a fresh start for me," Foote told the AP. "It's a one-year deal to show my talents, and hopefully end up signing a long-term deal after showing the Lions and their new coaching staff what I can do." Lions officials would only ..."

Linebacker Larry Foote to Lions: 'It's like 90% done'

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May 6

Detroit Free Press

"Larry Foote is on the verge of becoming a Lion. Foote, who was released by the Steelers this week, met with the Lions management and coaches today and was offered a one-year deal. He and the Lions have agreed on the contract value but were still finalizing the payment schedule and guaranteed portion of the deal tonight. "It's like 90% done," Foote said. Foote, who played for Detroit Pershing and the University of Michigan, is scheduled to take a physical for the Lions tomorrow morning. Foote was scheduled to make $2.8 million for the Super Bowl champion Steelers and would surely have to take less than that from the Lions. But he is looking forward to re-establishing himself as a three-down ..."

Linebacker Larry Foote visits Lions

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May 6

Detroit News

"Free-agent linebacker Larry Foote visited the Lions on Tuesday, the day after getting released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Anticipating his release last week, Foote, a Detroit native and former Michigan All-American, said the Lions would be at the top of his list. "Detroit is always No. 1," said Foote, a Pershing grad who recently bought a home in the area. "I mean, my agent is talking to them about me wanting to come home, and we'll go from there. But no question about it, that's my first choice." Foote, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound inside linebacker who started all 80 games the last five years, was a salary-cap casualty in Pittsburgh. The move to cut Foote, who turns 29 in June, removed his ..."

Foote visits Lions

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May 6

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Linebacker Larry Foote, who forced his way out of the Steelers on Monday, paid a visit to his hometown Detroit Lions today, a day ahead of schedule. Foote had one year left on his contract with the Steelers at a salary of $2,885,000. He felt he would lose the starting inside linebacker job he's held the past five years to Lawrence Timmons and wanted to pursue other opportunities."

LB Larry Foote to visit Lions Wednesday

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May 5

Detroit Free Press

"Free agent linebacker Larry Foote will visit the Lions on Wednesday, his agent, Ken Kremer, said in an e-mail today. Foote was released by the Steelers on Monday for salary-cap reasons, with one year left on his contract at a salary of $2.885 million. He played at Detroit Pershing and Michigan, and he has said he would choose his hometown team if all is equal."

Ex-U-M LB Larry Foote is up for grabs for Lions

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May 5

Detroit Free Press

"The Steelers released linebacker Larry Foote on Monday, which means two things from a Detroit perspective: One, the Lions are free to sign Foote as a free agent. Two, the Lions weren't interested enough to offer anything in a trade -- not even a seventh-round pick -- to keep Foote off the open market. Neither was anyone else. Otherwise, the Steelers wouldn't have released him. Foote had one year left on his contract with a salary of $2.885 million. In a statement, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said "the realities of the salary cap made this decision inevitable." The question now is how much Foote will command on the open market and how much the Lions will be ..."

Lions release RB Brian Calhoun

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May 5

Detroit Free Press

"The Lions have released running back Brian Calhoun, a third-round pick just three years ago. Injuries limited Calhoun to only 11 games in three seasons, and the Lions drafted another speedy back with return ability in the sixth round this year: Aaron Brown. The Lions also released two wide receivers: Travis Taylor and Steve Sanders. They signed defensive end Eric Hicks, who played under Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham in Kansas City."

Lions Trade Rumors