Detroit’s solid workouts during its opening week of camp can be directly traced to two factors. The Lions retained all but one of their 2011 starters and drafted several quality complimentary players. And they’ve been able to keep the offseason discipline issues that plagued the franchise – and DE Cliff Avril’s holdout – away from the activity on the field.
If the Lions continue to avoid distractions, they’re poised to complete the most successful preseason camp of coach Jim Schwartz’ tenure.
Who’s Here: Eighty-nine of Detroit’s 90 players reported for camp, and that number hasn’t changed after the opening week of workouts. The only major change to the roster happened Saturday when Detroit signed LB Korey Bosworth and waived/injured LB Ronnie Sneed. The signing marks a return to Detroit for Bosworth, who was released by the Lions last season after battling injury issues.
Who’s not: DE Cliff Avril’s holdout entered its second week Saturday, and he hasn’t offered any indication as to when he’ll report and sign his $10.6 million franchise tag tender. Some Lions’ players have begun to balk at answering questions about Avril’s absence, but the organization is continuing to take the high road about what they consider – for the moment – to be a simple business decision.
Who’s hurt: The injury bug that decimated Detroit’s roster at the end of the 2011 season has reared its ugly head again at the start of camp. RB Jahvid Best (concussion) and CB Chris Greenwood (abdominal surgery) remain on the PUP list, and no timetable has been given for their return. Best’s health is developing into a soap opera style saga. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters Thursday he was keeping a close eye on Best’s status, while Jim Schwartz conceded that the team is now evaluating Best’s health on a weekly – not daily – basis.
S Louis Delmas (soreness) and T Jonathan Scott (knee) have also missed significant time. Scott’s injury is the first to be classified by Lions’ officials as possibly a long-term problem. He was on the bottom of the depth chart, so his absence won’t hamper the O-line’s plans. Delmas’ injury is more concerning. Jim Schwartz said the veteran is simply dealing with routine soreness, but he admitted Saturday that Delmas’ recovery is taking longer than expected. John Wendling and Amari Spievey have filled in well for Delmas, but the Lions will face significant secondary depth issues if he doesn’t return before the season begins.
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