After months of boring lists, Twitter stories and general speculation, the Detroit Lions are back on the field, meaning there is actual football news to report on. Since it’s Friday, we are going to catch you up on the top Lions news from the week.
Let’s get started by giving you the full training camp schedule. If you like early starts, you are in luck. Joint practices with the New York Giants begin August 14.
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Kyle Meinke of MLive names five Lions players that are on the roster bubble. While it would have been hard to imagine a year ago, both Miles Killebrew and Ameer Abdullah are mentioned as potential cuts.
Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah opened up camp on the PUP list, which isn’t helping his case for a long-term contract. Ziggy’s health has been an issue over the past few seasons, but when he’s out there he’s one of the best edge rushers in the game.
In some related bad news, Devon Kennard, the team’s prized free agent signing, is on the non-football injury list. There’s no news on the severity of the injury, however, it doesn’t bode well for the team’s pass rush.
One of the good things about quarterback Matthew Stafford is his consistency from year to year. With that consistency, however, comes a fair amount of cliches. Stafford is reporting to came in great shape, once again. Can he prove the doubters wrong and prove himself right, as he puts it?
Justin Rogers of The Detroit News takes a look at how Stafford, at 30, is still trying to find ways to improve. Stafford feels working with Jim Bob Cooter for yet another season should take him to another level.
John Niyo gives an interesting and in-depth examination of the new-look Lions defense under head coach Matt Patricia. What changes can fans expect to see and how will they fare in their first year?
Golden Tate continues to prove why he’s a worthy fan-favorite, announcing he intends to honor his five-year contract. It’s a wise move for Tate, as he hopes to remain a Lion beyond next season.
Matthew Stafford is showing love to former Lions and current Colts tight end Eric Ebron. Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire highlights the classy move from Stafford.
Over at Pride of Detroit, they continued their player rankings for training camp, unveiling numbers 20-11. Check out what budding stars are on the list.
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