Jermelle Cudjo:
Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Defensive tackles: Haloti Ngata, 50; Tyrunn Walker, 48; Jermelle Cudjo, 21; Gabe Wright, 10. Analysis: Despite dealing with a shoulder injury, Ngata played 77 percent of the snaps. He and Walker are clearly the best two tackle options by a mile, and it’s unclear how much of a role Caraun Reid will have when he returns.) (9-21-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/
Free Press Lions' report card: Offensive line failed QB, RBs (Defensive line - C-: Adrian Peterson finished with 134 yards rushing on 29 carries, so it wasn't a banner day for the Lions' front seven. Haloti Ngata beat center Joe Berger to break up a quick pass on the opening series, but Jermelle Cudjo and Gabe Wright got shoved around on Peterson's 25-yard run later in the series. Give the line credit for stopping Peterson on a third-and-goal rush from the 1, and Ziggy Ansah (seven tackles, three for loss, and a sack) had a nice day. But Teddy Bridgewater proved too elusive for the Lions' pass rush.) (9-20-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-report-card-minnesota-vikings/72542456/
First-quarter update: Vikings 7, Lions 0 (The Vikings jumped out to an early lead, riding running back Adrian Peterson during an 11-play, 76-yard touchdown drive on the game's opening possession. The beastly back gained 50 yards on the series, including 25 on one carry when the Vikings offensive line overpowered Detroit's defensive tackle tandem of Gabe Wright and Jermelle Cudjo.) (9-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/first-quarter_update_lions_vik.html
Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Defensive tackles: Tyrunn Walker (58 of 79), Haloti Ngata (53), Jermelle Cudjo (26), Gabe Wright (13). Analysis: Walker played 73 percent of the snaps, which is close to how much Ndamukong Suh played last year. It makes sense for the 25-year-old to play more than the 31-year-old Ngata, and when the elder tackle exited, Walker moved to the left side to fill his spot and focus more on run support. Cudjo has more trust right now from his coaches than Wright, a fourth-round rookie.) (9-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/
Detroit Lions notes — Josh Bynes prepared to start for DeAndre Levy (Right guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Caraun Reid are officially out of Sunday’s game, per the injury report. Both are trying to come back from high ankle sprains. They were running with trainers during the open portion of practice on Friday. Neither has been able to practice. Look for Manny Ramirez to start at right guard. Reid likely would’ve been in the rotation inside. His absence could mean more snaps for Jermelle Cudjo.) (9-11-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150911/detroit-lions-notes-x2014-josh-bynes-prepared-to-start-for-deandre-levy
Lions' Cudjo back in time for team picture, 'dirty work' (Although he was among the final cuts Saturday, the Lions told defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo they wanted to re-sign him Sunday, which they did. Just like when the Lions re-signed defensive end Darryl Tapp last year after placing linebacker Kyle Van Noy on short-term injured reserve, the Lions put Cudjo back on the roster after putting cornerback Alex Carter on the same injured list. The biggest difference between the experiences of Tapp and Cudjo, though, is the Lions waited until Monday to take the team picture this year, so Cudjo made it in. "You want to celebrate when the final 53-man comes out, but unfortunately, I had to wait a day," Cudjo said Monday. "I can't complain though. I'm still blessed to be here." After sitting out all of last season, the 28-year-old Cudjo has a home as a rotational backup, at least to start the season. If coaches trust his pass rushing ability more than rookie Gabe Wright, he could stick around for the year, too. Cudjo said he was glad the Lions recognized his hard work this offseason. The team signed him in January hoping he could return to his 2012 form when he had 21 tackles and a sack in 15 games for the St. Louis Rams. After an impressive training camp, Cudjo had seven tackles, four for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery in the exhibitions. "He is a blue-collar guy that comes to work every day, works extremely hard, loves the dirty work," coach Jim Caldwell said. "And I think every game he shows up, he does something well." Cudjo said Tapp called him Saturday after the Lions cut him, and the 10-year veteran's story from last year provided him a little confidence boost about re-signing in Detroit. But even if another team had offered Cudjo a shot before the Lions could bring him back, he doesn't think he would've left. "I told my agent I really wanted to play here," he said. "I like this organization. … Here is where I wanted to be.") (9-8-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/08/lions-re-sign-dt-cudjo-two-days-after-releasing-him/71905940/
Unlike teammate Darryl Tapp, Jermelle Cudjo re-signed in time for annual team photo (9-8-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/jermelle_cudjo_detroit_lions.html
KEY QUESTIONS: How did injuries affect roster decisions? (Which player(s) surprised him with their inclusion on the final 53? George Johnson was signed as a "camp body" last offseason and ended up making the team out of training camp and finishing the regular season with six sacks. He turned that performance into a lucrative contract with the Tampa Bay Bucs this offseason. There could be a couple players in this year's squad who are on similar paths, according to Mayhew. "To see what a guy like Jermelle Cudjo did for himself is pretty exciting and fun to watch," Mayhew said. "Phillip Hunt is another guy like that. You know, Taylor Boggs had a phenomenal camp for us. Brandon Copeland, I mean those guys just came in and came out of nowhere, you know, and really all performed at a very high level from the time that they stepped in here, so I'm proud of those guys and proud of our pro scouting department for finding those guys.") (9-7-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/KEY-QUESTIONS-How-did-injuries-affect-roster-decisions/ed7c38d0-57f9-485e-994f-27b41fcdc1de
A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Jermelle Cudjo: Initially cut, he was brought back by the Lions the day after final cuts, and he could leapfrog Wright in the defensive tackle rotation. He was particularly good against the pass.) (9-7-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18706/linebacker-is-a-deep-group-on-the-detroit-lions-53-man-roster
Video - Cudjo on signing with the Lions (9-15-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Cudjo-on-signing-with-the-Lions/ddd83f3f-8477-4673-8c5e-1b8f7b622dce
TWENTYMAN: Lions place Carter on short-term IR, re-sign Cudjo (Cudjo, who played in 38 games with the St. Louis Rams from 2010-13, had a terrific training camp and preseason for the Lions. He recorded seven tackles and two sacks in four games. Reserve defensive tackle Caraun Reid is dealing with a high ankle sprain and his status for next week’s season opener in San Diego is uncertain. Cudjo’s return gives the team a Plan B at the position if Reid isn’t ready to go Week 1.) (9-6-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-place-Carter-on-short-term-IR-re-sign-Cudjo/fc440a5a-37ed-458a-a47d-a5a4321b1c26
Lions place rookie CB Carter on IR, re-sign Cudjo (To replace Carter on the 53-man roster, the Lions re-signed defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo, one of their final cuts on Saturday.) (9-6-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/06/alex-carter-ir/71819926/
Cudjo back on roster as Lions put Carter on injured reserve (Jermelle Cudjo is officially this year's version of Darryl Tapp for the Lions. Although the defensive tackle was among the 22 players cut by the team Saturday, the Lions re-signed Cudjo Sunday after placing rookie cornerback Alex Carter on injured reserve with designation for return. Either way, much like Kyle Van Noy's injury cleared a space for Tapp last year, Carter's opened a spot for Cudjo this year. Cudjo, 28, played well in training camp and carried that into the preseason games with seven tackles, four for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He'll likely be in the defensive tackle rotation Week 1 if Caraun Reid's ankle injury lingers, but could have an opportunity to replace rookie Gabe Wright in the rotation, much like Tapp did with defensive end Devin Taylor in 2014.) (9-6-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/06/jermelle-cudjo-back-on-roster-as-lions-put-alex-carter-on-injured-reserve/71820972/
Where Lions stand at each position after final cuts (The initial 53-man roster Saturday had just nine, but the Lions re-signed Cudjo Sunday after placing cornerback Alex Carter on injured reserve with designation for return. Cudjo is a rotational option. Hunt forced his way onto the roster in a fashion similar to George Johnson last year, and his speed should help him contribute on special teams. The Lions parted with 2014 fourth-round pick Larry Webster, who struggled in camp.) (9-6-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/06/where-lions-stand-at-each-position-after-final-cuts/71813142/
Twentyman: Lions Cut Their Roster To 53 (Hunt took advantage of opportunities given to him all spring and summer and earned this initial roster spot. In the end, Hunt did more to secure a roster spot than Webster, who the Lions hope will clear waivers and be part of their practice squad. Cudjo did enough to make the roster, too, but the Lions typically only keep four defensive tackles. His release could be good news that Reid will be ready to go Week 1 after suffering a high ankle sprain in the second preseason game. Wootton, who was injured Thursday night vs. Buffalo, has been placed on the injured reserve list.) (9-6-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-cut-their-roster-to-53/acd5e7d6-9c7c-4c9f-92c2-fc99ec894784
9 thoughts on the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Reading the tea leaves, Caraun Reid is probably in pretty good shape. There are only three other defensive tackles on the team in Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker and rookie Gabe Wright, so if there were fears he wouldn't be ready for next week's opener, the Lions likely would have kept DT Jermelle Cudjo, who was having a pretty good camp, rather than a seventh linebacker in Brandon Copeland. Reid hasn't practiced since suffering a high ankle sprain against Washington on Aug. 20, but expect to see him against the Chargers.) (9-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/9_thoughts_on_the_detroit_lion.html
Detroit Lions cut 20 players, including Jeremy Ross, Joseph Fauria (Webster out after a year: The Lions took a chance on developmental defensive end Larry Webster during the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Webster made the 53-man roster last season but didn't play. Then, during training camp, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said he wasn't sure whether Webster would be ready enough to contribute this season. Combine that with standout performances from tackle Jermelle Cudjo and end Phillip Hunt during the preseason and it left Detroit with no room for Webster on the 53-man roster. The Lions also cut Cudjo on Saturday. Webster could end up rejoining the Lions on the practice squad if he clears waivers, but it is clear his development isn't going quite as well as the Lions have hoped.) (9-6-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18695/detroit-lions-cut-19-players-including-jeremy-ross-and-joseph-fauria
Detroit Lions — Five standouts from win over Bills (Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo finished with a sack, two quarterback hits and a pass defense. “I think Cudjo has done a very nice job. He is a blue collar guy that comes to work every day, works extremely hard, loves the dirty work and I think every game he shows up, he does something well,’’ Caldwell said. Again, there’s good competition at defensive tackle where it’s expected that Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker will start.) (9-4-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150904/detroit-lions-x2014-five-standouts-from-win-over-bills
O'HARA'S BURNING QUESTIONS: Who made good impressions? (Q. Defense – highs and lows: What were they? A. One high point was keeping the Bills out of the end zone. They scored their touchdown on a fumble return. Two linemen competing for roster spots – tackle Jermelle Cudjo and edge-rusher Phillip Hunt – got sacks. Also, linebacker Josh Bynes had a sack and forced fumble late in the third quarter on a weird play that resulted in Bills’ fourth-string quarterback Matt Simms throwing the ball backward. It ended up as a 38-yard loss on the sack and fumble, and a recovery by the Lions that led to the drive to the go-ahead score. On the negative side, second-year cornerback Nevin Lawson had a tough night with penalties for pass interference and some coverage problems. He also had a penalty in the last game for a late hit on the quarterback.) (9-3-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara-burning-questions/article-1/OHARAS-BURNING-QUESTIONS-Who-made-good-impressions/0d9528db-b157-4ad4-8637-789aa4e1ee50
RECAP: Lions vs. Bills (Defensive linemen Jermelle Cudjo and Phillip Hunt made the most of extended playing time as they each recorded sacks in the game. Cudjo is trying to be the fifth defensive tackle to make the team. The Lions could certainly keep five with Caraun Reid still nursing a high ankle sprain. Cudjo also batted down a pass in the Bills final drive when they were attempting a late comeback.) (9-3-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-vs-Bills-/d50028af-eaa0-40ef-9cfe-e012f00f393d
FOUR DOWNS: Job interviews conclude (Detroit is a blue-collar town and Lions fans have always latched on to hard-nosed players with a bring-their-lunch-pail-to-work mentality. Defensive linemen Jermelle Cudjo and Phillip Hunt certainly fit that bill. Both were signed this offseason as long shots to make the roster, but they’ve steadily earned their way into the conversation for inclusion in the final 53. Their rise is reminiscent of George Johnson's last year. Whether or not they can parlay it into a roster spot and a productive season like Johnson did in 2014, is unclear. “I worked hard all offseason,” Hunt said. “OTAs and training camp for this very moment. A lot of blood sweat and tears going into this opportunity.” Hunt and Cudjo have made the most of their opportunities. They both recorded a sack in Thursday’s win over Buffalo, and have shown up as playmakers each and every time they strapped it up in the preseason. “I think in both cases, those guys have done a tremendous job,” Caldwell said of both Cudjo and Hunt. “I think Cudjo has done a very nice job. He is a blue collar guy that comes to work every day, works extremely hard, loves the dirty work and I think every game he shows up, he does something well. “Phillip Hunt would be another guy that I think is the same. He gets after the passer. If he is not right there breathing down his neck, he’s putting his hands on him in one way or another, but gets a good jump off the ball, an aggressive guy and he did a nice job on special teams.” A numbers game played out over the next 48 hours in Allen Park will ultimately decide both players’ fates, but they both did enough to make this team, whether the numbers fall in their favor or not – we’ll see.) (9-3-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/FOUR-DOWNS-Job-interviews-conclude/3029c7cc-c467-403a-9220-4747573c27d7
Lions observations: Fauria sits alone on bench (Jermelle Cudjo continued to impress and turned in a ferocious third-down sack of Matt Simms in the second quarter, forcing the Bills to kick a field goal. If Cudjo doesn't make the Lions, he's going to help some team.) (9-3-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/03/lions-observations-fauria-sits-alone-bench/71682684/
Lions win as roster battles go to wire (Besides Jones' 64-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the second quarter, Hyder was the highlight of the game as he recovered three fumbles, including one in the third quarter that Bills quarterback Matt Simms threw backward as he tried to evade sack-minded linebacker Josh Bynes. "I was just trying to hustle to the ball," Hyder said of the three fumble recoveries, a total he doesn't think he'd accumulated in a season. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time tonight." In addition to Hyder, Cudjo had a sack, tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Hunt had a sack and tackle for loss, too. The Lions finished the exhibition slate 3-1, and Hyder, among others, said he'll wait to see what the team decides about his fate this weekend.) (9-3-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/03/lions-win-roster-battles-go-wire/71678186/
Detroit Lions stock report: TJ Jones makes late push for a roster spot (Stock up -- Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo: Fighting for a job, Cudjo got some quality quarterback pressure, tipping one pass, batting down another and coming up with a sack. With Caraun Reid's status up in the air as he deals with a high ankle sprain, Cudjo's chances of sticking have increased.) (9-3-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_stock_report_1.html
Zach Zenner scores another game-wining TD, Lions finish preseason 3-1 (Highlights - Two defensive linemen who might have helped their cases were Phillip Hunt and Jermelle Cudjo. Both have played themselves onto the bubble with strong camps, both got starting nods against Buffalo with so many regulars out, and both made early impacts. Cudjo broke up a pass, gained significant and constant penetration, and was rewarded with a sack. Hunt added a sack as well.) (9-3-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/zach_zenner_scores_another_gam.html
Detroit Lions top Buffalo in preseason finale (Defensive end Phillip Hunt and defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo each had a sack.) (9-3-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150903/detroit-lions-top-buffalo-in-preseason-finale
Winners and losers from the Lions' final preseason game (Winners - Jermelle Cudjo: After a very tough preseason, Cudjo finished strongly. He was credited with two QB hits and took down Matt Simms for one of the Lions' three sacks on the evening. It may be a case of too-little-too-late for Cudjo, but he certainly made the Lions' decision tougher.) (9-3-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/9/3/9259473/winners-losers-lions-bills-preseason-game
Video - Cudjo on his performance against Buffalo (9-3-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Cudjo-on-his-performance-against-Buffalo/61bb6886-b455-409a-a28d-199254be3524
5 things to watch: Lions vs. Bills (Can Jermelle Cudjo or Phillip Hunt put themselves into the conversation for inclusion on the final roster along the defensive line?) (9-3-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/5-things-to-watch-Lions-vs-Bills/63a935d4-0751-48e0-bb20-eab779ca580c
Several jobs still up for grabs in Lions-Bills game (Defensive line: Hunt, at defensive end, and Cudjo, at defensive tackle, have played the best of the bubble guys, and injuries up front could force the Lions to go 10 deep at the position. If Caraun Reid can't play Week 1, for instance, the Lions might need to keep extra help at tackle. Larry Webster is a wild card, too, as a 2014 draft pick with untapped potential. "Hopefully, I caught somebody's eye, if it's not here," Cudjo said. "I want it to be here, but if it's not here, then hopefully, I caught somebody's eye over these last three weeks to give me a shot.') (9-2-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/detroit-lions-position-battles/71569438/
Lions vs. Bills: 5 things to watch (Cutthroat: The Lions must trim their roster from 75 to 53 by 4 p.m. Saturday, so for a good chunk of players on the field Thursday, this will be the last chance to impress coaches. Among the players legitimately on the roster bubble are Phillip Hunt, Brandon Copeland, Jermelle Cudjo and George Winn (Southfield).) (9-2-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/detroit-lions-buffalo-bills/71573850/
Ten Lions on the bubble (Jermelle Cudjo, DT: Cudjo’s spot could depend on whether Caraun Reid will be available Week 1. Cudjo he played well enough to be the No. 5 defensive tackle if the Lions keep that many. He has six tackles, three for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery.) (9-2-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/lions-bubble/71620742
Mailbag: What will Zach Zenner's role be if he makes Detroit Lions? (Q. Any chance Larry Webster gets cut to leave room for someone like Cudjo? A. Yeah, there's a chance to make room for either Jermelle Cudjo or Phillip Hunt. In my latest roster projection, I actually had the Lions cutting Webster and then slipping him on the practice squad if he slips through waivers. He's a talented player who has made strides, but he's still nowhere near refined enough to be counted on in regular season games. There's also a chance the Lions roll with Webster instead of Hunt or Cudjo as well. It is one of those discussions that should be interesting over the next week within the organization.) (8-30-15) : http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18582/mailbag-what-will-zach-zenners-role-be-if-he-makes-detroit-lions
Lions-Jaguars PFF Grades: The Stafford-Tate Connection (PFF's Grades - Jermelle Cudjo: -1.4, Like Boggs, Cudjo has cooled down a bit after a strong first half of preseason action. His negative grade was a result of just 23 snaps and he failed to cook up any pressure in the backfield.) (8-30-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/30/9224573/lions-jaguars-pff-grades-matthew-stafford-golden-tate
9 potential starters sidelined for Lions, including 6 linemen; Calvin Johnson out too (The starting defensive line will feature Darryl Tapp, Tyrunn Walker, Jermelle Cudjo and Devin Taylor. That's a big break for a guy such as Cudjo, who is trying to convince the Lions to carry a fifth defensive tackle and is firmly on the roster bubble.) (8-28-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_potential_starters_sideline.html
10 Detroit Lions to watch: Starters, rookies and roster battles, oh my (Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo: Like Hunt, Cudjo is firmly on the bubble. The coaching staff love his nasty demeanor and ability to clog the run lanes. He's been solid in the first two games and will get an extended look, likely with the starters, with Caraun Reid nursing an ankle injury.) (8-28-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_to_watch_jackson.html
The 41 words that are driving Jermelle Cudjo's big camp with Lions (8-28-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/the_41_words_that_are_driving.html
Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (Tyrunn Walker, fourth-round rookie Gabe Wright, last year’s fifth-rounder Caraun Reid and journeyman Jermelle Cudjo. (General rule of thumb: the more guys in contention for playing time at a single position, the worse shape that position is in.)) (8-28-15): http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford
5 things to watch in Lions vs. Jaguars (Nine lives: The Lions' entire projected starting defensive line -- Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones, Haloti Ngata and Caraun Reid -- is out Friday, and that means more time for three players fighting to be the team's ninth lineman. Jermelle Cudjo has played well at tackle, and Phillip Hunt is the best pass rusher of the bunch. Larry Webster has had a disappointing preseason.) (8-27-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/27/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/32473459/
Five key position battles for the Lions (Numbers game: While many players jockey for position on the depth chart, some must try to convince the coaches to keep them over players at other spots. Interior offensive lineman Taylor Boggs, defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo and defensive end Phillip Hunt have been among the most impressive backups this summer, but they’re on the bubble because of the number of players already committed at their position. The Lions already have four centers and guards, defensive ends and defensive tackles effectively locked into the 53-man roster, so players like linebacker Brandon Copeland, Boggs, Cudjo and Hunt have to convince the personnel department to keep an extra backup by continuing to play well. Fullback Emil Igwenagu, who plays the same position as fifth-round pick Michael Burton, and the loser of the Zenner-Winn battle face similar predicaments.) (8-27-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/27/five-key-position-battles-lions/32477079/
13 players on the Detroit Lions' roster bubble (DT Jermelle Cudjo: The Lions typically carry four defensive tackles, and those positions appeared to be spoken for with the addition of Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker; the rapid development of Caraun Reid; and the selection of Gabe Wright in the fourth round of the draft. But Cudjo could prove to be the classic case of a guy simply playing his way onto the roster with a huge camp. And his chances will only improve if Detroit has concerns about Reid's high ankle sprain heading into the regular season. Cudjo isn't flashy, but continually beats the guy in front of him and has proven to be excellent against the run. He’s been productive in the games, too, including a tackle for loss and fumble recovery against New York. He was the defense’s second-best player in that game, according to PFF, despite playing just nine snaps.) (8-27-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/12_players_on_detroit_lions_ro.html
Teryl Austin, Joe Lombardi quotes from Monday (On DT Jermelle Cudjo: "He is a very, very tough, stout run player. He gives us great temperament inside. He may not be as flashy as some of the other guys in terms of size and speed, but what he really does is he really attacks blocks and really causes some problems for the other team in the backfield because he can hold the point, he can shed and he can make tackles.") (8-25-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi
O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Roster watch (Jermelle Cudjo, who played 38 games for the Rams from 2010-13, and Corey Wootton, who had a seven-sack season with the Bears in 2012, have experience that’s always valuable.) (8-24-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Roster-watch/f00f0d89-7772-4948-881b-0fafd5e183d7
Detroit News Camp Notes - Lions shuffle linemen with Warford out (With Caraun Reid sidelined with a high ankle sprain, Jermelle Cudjo was the starting defensive tackle next to Tyrunn Walker. Cudjo playing ahead of rookie fourth-round pick Gabe Wright is little surprise because of Cudjo’s experience, and Cudjo should earn a roster spot if Reid isn’t ready for Week 1.) (8-23-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/23/lions-shuffle-linemen-warford/32248229/
Motivated by watching last season, Jermelle Cudjo makes case for roster spot (8-23-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18437/motivated-by-watching-last-season-jermelle-cudjo-makes-case-for-roster-spot
Lions roster: Bubble watch (Jermelle Cudjo, DT: He might end up forcing the Lions hand if he continues to make plays. Every day there seems to be at least one. He recorded a tackle for loss in the preseason opener vs. the Jets and a sack Thursday night in Washington. Cudjo has been steady all camp, and if Caraun Reid’s ankle injury is a high ankle sprain, the Lions might have no choice but to keep Cudjo. I have him on the team at this point.) (8-22-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-roster-Bubble-watch/c6b6ad44-c101-4ebe-8895-22edd7eae28f
Pat Caputo - More questions raised than answered for Detroit Lions so far this preseason (The middle of the Lions’ defensive line remains a great unknown. There is nothing remaining in the preseason that will provide any answer for it. How serious is Caraun Reid’s ankle injury? Haloti Naga hasn’t practiced. The season is just three weeks away. It’s entirely possible the Lions’ defense will be every bit as strong this season without Ndamukong Suh. But it’s very unlikely if Reid and, particularly Ngata, aren’t effective players. Lets put it this way: It will not be good if Jermelle Cudjo vaults up the depth chart out of sheer necessity.) (8-22-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150822/pat-caputo-more-questions-raised-than-answered-for-detroit-lions-so-far-this-preseason
Lions' Warford, Reid dealing with high ankle sprains (With Reid out of today's walk-through and Ngata still on the non-football injury list, Jermelle Cudjo lined up with the first-team defense next to Walker.) (8-21-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/21/lions-injury-report/32149901/
Washington 21, Detroit 17: Lions' starters fare well in preseason (Jermelle Cudjo, who's vying to be the Lions' fifth defensive tackle, had a sack one play before the turnover.) (8-20-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/20/detroit-lions-washington-redskins/32093793/
Lions defense destroys RGIII before backups lose exhibition in Washington (Highlights
— The Lions have said they don't expect their pass rush to lose teeth, despite the exit of Ndamukong Suh, the most league's best pass-rushing defensive tackle. That rush certainly looked good against Washington. Walker and Ansah combined for their sack, while Hunt, Levy, Brandon Copeland and Jermelle Cudjo all added QB hits.) (8-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_defense_destroys_rgiii_b.html
Detroit Lions — Five things learned from loss to Redskins (The starting defense, especially the line, looks sharp. Just ask quarterback Robert Griffin III who couldn’t get anything going before he was knocked out of the game with a stinger and possible concussion. On the play that forced him out, he fumbled and then Gabe Wright recovered the ball while Corey Wootton hit Griffin. The previous play Jermelle Cudjo sacked Griffin for a loss of four yards. Griffin dropped back to pass eight times, he got hit on six and had one batted down. He was 2-of-5 for 8 yards passing. Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker was fierce in there as was Caraun Reid until he went out with an injured ankle. Remember they’re still playing without Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones.)(8-20-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150820/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-learned-from-loss-to-redskins
Jeremy Ross, Jermelle Cudjo put together good nights for Detroit Lions (Highs - DT Jermelle Cudjo: Receiving more first-team work after Caraun Reid’s injury, he once again made his snaps count. He had four tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. He is doing everything he can at this point to earn a roster spot.) (8-20-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18392/jeremy-ross-jermelle-cudjo-put-together-good-nights-for-detroit-lions
10 Detroit Lions to watch: Receivers still jockeying for position in wide open roster battle (Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo: Despite playing just nine snaps against the Jets, Cudjo managed to recover a fumble and record a tackle for a loss. He's definitely shown some ability in camp, particularly as a run stopper. He's worked his way on to the bubble and if he continues to perform in the preseason, he'll make cutting him a difficult decision.) (8-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_detroit_lions_players_to_wa.html
Here are five guys to pay attention to -- both in terms of snaps and where they land on special teams -- against Washington (DT Jermelle Cudjo: He continues to make plays every day in practice -- he had an impressive tackle for loss that I failed to mention Tuesday -- and is trying to make it really difficult for the Lions to pass him by. Jim Caldwell appeared to like what he saw from Cudjo in the first game, and if he can pile practice performance on top of two good game efforts, that could go a long way to squeezing him onto a roster. The other thing to watch is if he does get any kick coverage work, especially with the early units.) (8-20-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18367/can-detroit-lions-rookie-ameer-abdullah-repeat-his-preseason-opener-performance
Ten Lions players to watch vs. Washington (DT Jermelle Cudjo: One of the under-the-radar stars of camp, Cudjo had a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble last week. More splash plays could help convince the Lions to keep five defensive tackles.) (8-19-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/19/ten-players-watch-vs-washington/31992373/
NOTEBOOK: Swanson won't take starting role for granted (Jermelle Cudjo just keeps making plays. He had a nice tackle for loss in the same drill after exploding through the line of scrimmage to gobble up the ball carrier.)(8-18-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Swanson-wont-take-starting-role-for-granted/fd95f7eb-5bea-4729-8de8-007ee434309d
Freep Lions observations: 'No reason' Abdullah limited in practice (Travis Swanson had a couple of nice blocks in a nine-on-seven run period early in practice, including one on Stephen Tulloch to spring Theo Riddick for a nice gain. But Swanson also got beat cleanly by Jermelle Cudjo in a team run period. Cudjo would have dropped Riddick for a couple-yard loss had the play been live.) (8-18-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/lions-training-camp-notes/31948017/
Lions veteran Cudjo receiving plenty of notice (8-18-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/jermelle-cudjo-detroit-lions/31958061/
Camp observations: Lions unveil 2-point attack (On those 2-point tries, the group of defensive linemen on the first play was Darryl Tapp, Ezekiel Ansah, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker, Phillip Hunt and Jermelle Cudjo. Though Hunt hasn’t flashed as much as Cudjo in camp, their use in that group is a good sign for their current roster standing.) (8-17-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/camp-observations-lions-unveil-2-point-attack/31894665/
Detroit Lions training camp notes: Gabe Wright impresses, Greg Salas gets first-team work (In one-on-one pass-rush drills, and Boggs actually performed well outside the Wright snap, putting both Roy Philon and Jermelle Cudjo on the turf. Rookie Laken Tomlinson struggled in the drill, getting bested by Cudjo, who ripped past the guard with a violent clubbing move, and Jerel Worthy, who got deep push into the pocket with a bull rush.) (8-17-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_31.html
Jermelle Cudjo, Taylor Boggs are making pushes for Lions roster spots (8-17-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18328/jermelle-cudjo-taylor-boggs-are-making-pushes-for-detroit-lions-roster-spots
Jim Caldwell's quotes from Saturday (On DT Jermelle Cudjo: "You know, he had a very good game the other night. I mean, he played well, tough, hard-nosed, scraps, comes off the ball with some power and he's willing to work at it. He's a hard worker, so those are the kind of things we thought we would get from him and in the first preseason game, he delivered that, but we'll see what happens in the second one.") (8-16-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/16/9160265/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-saturday
Freep Observations from Lions camp: Don't sleep on DT Cudjo (I mentioned the other day that defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo always seems to find a way into my notes at practice, and he was at it again today. In a 9-on-7 run period early in practice, Cudjo shoved his way past rookie left guard Laken Tomlinson to stop everyone's favorite running back, Ameer Abdullah, for a loss in the backfield. Cudjo, like Johnson, just might end up playing his way onto the 53-man roster. He had a nice game Thursday against the New York Jets, when he recovered a fumble and had a tackle for loss, and he does something every practice that opens eyes. "He had a very good game the other night," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. "I mean, he played well. Tough, hard-nosed, scraps, comes off the ball with some power, and he's willing to work at it. He's a hard worker, so those are the kind of things we thought we'd get from him and first preseason game, he delivered that. But we'll see what happens in the second one." Cudjo is the Lions' fifth defensive tackle for now, and that isn't likely to change barring injury. He's outplayed rookie Gabe Wright so far, though Wright has fared well for a rookie and is secure in his roster spot after the Lions traded a third-round pick in 2016 to draft him. Typically, the Lions keep just four defensive tackles -- Jason Jones and Devin Taylor can play inside on passing downs -- but Cudjo could force their hand.) (8-15-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/15/lions-training-camp-standouts/31797691/
Detroit News Camp Notes - Calvin Johnson is Lions’ top star in practice, too (The defensive line had its most impressive performance in one-on-one drills after the offensive line won most of the previous competitions. Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo was one of the stars, winning matchups against guards Laken Tomlinson and Taylor Boggs.) (8-15-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/15/calvin-johnson-lions-top-star-practice/31799653/
Cudjo getting good jump on making Lions roster (8-15-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/16/cudjo-getting-good-jump-making-lions-roster/31806891/
Video - Cudjo on the defensive line (8-15-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Cudjo-on-the-defensive-line/c56732c8-ba2f-4d46-8819-a6b556eb39a8
Video - Cudjo recovers fumble that leads to Lions TD (8-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Highlight-Jets-fumble-leads-to-Lions-TD/9bad5582-d491-461d-8330-0feafd263dae
Notebook: Defensive Line Off To A Good Start (The players upfront along the Lions’ defensive line entered Thursday’s preseason opener vs. the Jets with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I mean, who could blame them? For the last six months they’ve been answering more questions about who isn’t playing along their line than who actually is. The defensive line certainly has something to prove and they got off to a good start in a 23-3 stomping of the Jets. The Jets amassed just 123 total yards, were 3-of-12 on third down and netted just 67 yards on the ground. “Yeah, we did a lot of good things out there tonight,” said second-year defensive tackle Caraun Reid, who finished with a tackle, a sack and a quarterback hit. “I think it was a great first start for us, and we have to improve on (it). But it’s good to see where we’re at as a defensive line. The Lions aren’t as talented a unit as they were last year, but they’re probably deeper, especially at defensive end. They're going to rely on more players to get the job done upfront this year, but the expectations from the coaching staff haven’t changed. “I think there was some good things and I think we still have a lot of things to work on,” Caldwell said when asked about his defensive line. “That’s another area that’s very, very difficult to say exactly what was going on until you see that film. But there’s some guys who made some plays. “Caraun, obviously, with the sack. Devin (Taylor) made some plays here and there. (Jermelle) Cudjo made a nice play on a third down. Pretty good effort by those guys.” Jermelle Cudjo, DT: He’s been making plays in camp and brought that to the game Thursday. He had a tackle for loss on a third down to stop a Jets drive and also recovered a fumble. Keep an eye on him as camp moves on.) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Defensive-line-off-to-a-good-start/afc43b8e-4bc1-48a9-b924-fd364c4fff09
Detroit 23, N.Y. Jets 3: Plenty to like from Lions' exhibition debut (Orlovsky, who dressed as the No.2 quarterback but did not appear in a game last year, took over at the start of the third quarter and threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Greg Salas on his first play after Jermelle Cudjo recovered a fumble.) (8-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/13/detroit-lions-new-york-jets-exhibition/31682513/
Lions ground Jets in exhibition opener (Dan Orlovsky, meanwhile, was better than Moore, going of 5-of-11 for 96 yards and a touchdown. His 20-yard touchdown to Salas came on his first play and gave the Lions a 17-3 lead with 14:06 left in the third quarter. The drive started in Jets territory after defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo recovered a fumble.) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/13/jets-lions-exhibition-season/31660483/
Ameer Abdullah makes dazzling debut in Detroit Lions win against Jets (Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo recovered a fumble to open the second half, setting up Orlovsky's touchdown pass to extend the lead to 17-3, and later tacked on a tackle for loss. He is a total unknown in Detroit, but quietly starting to put together a pretty good camp. The defensive line coaches ride him pretty hard in practice, and the gains are apparent. He's looked better in recent days in practice, and this game was another step in the right direction.) (8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/ameer_abdullah_makes_dazzling.html
A quick recap on who's winning, and who's losing, the Detroit Lions' job battles (Defensive tackle — Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker started the game, as expected, with Haloti Ngata still out with a hamstring injury. They're battling for the same starting job, and Reid still looks like he has the edge, even if Walker has gained ground in recent days. Reid blew up a third-down play early in the second quarter, simply overpowering New York's interior line and collapsing the pocket. He combined for Devin Taylor for the sack. He also set up Walker's only tackle, blowing off the ball to alter Jets tailback Bilal Powell's path. The Lions gave up a draft pick to grab Gabe Wright in the fourth round of the draft, so he's definitely making the team behind Ngata, Reid and Walker. But Jermelle Cudjo deserves a shout-out for yet another productive day, this time tallying one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.)(8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/a_quick_recap_on_where_the_det.html
Jim Caldwell comments on Lions' win over Jets (On the defensive tackles' performance: "I think there were some good things and I think we still got a lot of things to work on and that's another area that's very, very difficult to say exactly what was going on until you get a chance to look at that film . There were some guys that made some plays. Caraun (Reid) was obviously the sack and Devin (Taylor) made some plays here and there and Jermelle (Cudjo) made a nice play on a third down to stop things like that. Pretty good effort out of those guys.") (8-14-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/14/9145911/lions-jets-preseason-quotes-jim-caldwell
Winners and losers from Lions' first preseason game (Winners - Jermelle Cudjo - Farther down on the depth chart at defensive tackle, Cudjo is doing his best to convince the Lions to keep five players at the position. He's also had a pretty strong camp, and he kept his momentum rolling on Thursday with a fumble recovery and a tackle for loss.) (8-14-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/13/9145923/lions-jets-preseason-winners-losers
Freep Lions camp observations: Michael Burton can block (I find myself writing Jermelle Cudjo's name down at least once a practice for something. Today, it was a big play he made in the backfield against the second-team offense in that run period. I'm not sure if Cudjo can make the team as the Lions' fifth defensive tackle, but with Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones dealing with injuries, he's making the most of his reps.) (8-10-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes/31418325/
Detroit News Camp observations: Ngata makes progress with hamstring (Jermelle Cudjo had another sack during team drills. He faces tough odds making the team with a couple young mid-round picks at defensive tackle, but he’s been impressive most of camp.)
(8-10-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/camp-observations-ngata-makes-progress-hamstring/31416513/
Freep Camp observations: Defense ahead of offense (Jermelle Cudjo is long shot to make the team, but he made a few plays at defensive tackle. Cudjo broke up one pass in an 11-on-11 drill early in practice and manhandled Braxston Cave in their one-on-one pass rush matchup.)(8-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/07/lions-training-camp-thoughts/31322327/
NOTEBOOK: Levy happy with new extension (For the first time in camp the offensive and defensive lines took part in pass rushing drills with the pads on. Overall I’d give the win to the offensive line. Laken Tomlinson had a tough time with Jermelle Cudjo, but was able to get him to the ground in one rep.)(8-5-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Levy-happy-with-new-extension/205e8e1c-d1c9-4d22-91d3-f1c20d1f0014
Free Press Camp observations: Lions hold first practice in pads (Laken Tomlinson took first-team reps at left guard in a handful of periods of tonight, and he didn't look out of place at all. But Tomlinson was not sharp in one-on-one drills. The Lions' first-round pick had trouble with defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo in both snaps of the drill. Cudjo beat Tomlinson with his first step twice, but slipped on the turf before getting to the quarterback mark.) (8-5-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/05/riley-reiff-detroit-lions/31197729/
Detroit News Camp observations: For Lions, pads ratchet up intensity (Defensive tackle Jermelle Cudjo had a nice night, penetrating the line in team drills multiple times including pushing center Travis Swanson to the ground once.)(8-5-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-lions-pads-ratchet-intensity/31201307/
Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Defensive tackles: Haloti Ngata, 50; Tyrunn Walker, 48; Jermelle Cudjo, 21; Gabe Wright, 10. Analysis: Despite dealing with a shoulder injury, Ngata played 77 percent of the snaps. He and Walker are clearly the best two tackle options by a mile, and it’s unclear how much of a role Caraun Reid will have when he returns.) (9-21-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/
Two games in, the Lions' biggest problem is a porous defense (The Lions didn’t seem too concerned, either, about having four defensive starters (Haloti Ngata, Rashean Mathis, James Ihedigbo and Stephen Tulloch) all age 30 or older. Mathis and Ngata have been fine, but Ihedigbo and Tulloch have both struggled at various points against the Chargers and Vikings. And the run defense, which was a hallmark of Detroit’s team last season, has been fairly weak -- allowing 199 yards to Minnesota, including a 134-yard day from Adrian Peterson.) (9-20-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18943/two-games-in-and-the-detroit-lions-biggest-problem-is-a-porous-defense
Haloti Ngata still trying to get comfortable with Detroit Lions (9-19-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_haloti_ngata_still_tryin.html
Vikings' line will have its hands full again with Lions' aggressive defense (The last time the Detroit Lions were in Minnesota, they ate Teddy Bridgewater for lunch. The Vikings quarterback was sacked eight times and intercepted three times in a 17-3 loss. It was a low point for Minnesota's offense, and particularly its offensive line, which vows to be better in Sunday's home opener at TCF Bank Stadium. Gone, however, is Lions defensive tackle Nadamukong Suh, who was credited with two sacks that day. His replacement, Haloti Ngata, is questionable for Sunday's game because of a shoulder injury but practiced, in limited capacity, on Thursday and Friday. "Well, Ngata is a big, athletic guy very similar to Suh," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. "I would hate to say that one's more powerful than the other because they both are, and they're both very, very good athletes." Suh has moved on to the Miami Dolphins, but returning for the Lions is end Ezekial Ansah, who had 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss last October against the Vikings. "Pretty similar. They're still the same front," right guard Mike Harris said. "It's all the same linebackers; they're just missing Suh and (tackle Nick) Fairly. But they're a physical team." The Chargers ran 30 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns in a 33-28 victory over the Lions in San Diego last week. The Lions sacked quarterback Phillip Rivers twice for minus-16 yards. "I think they take pride in stopping the run, so as an offensive line it's going to be a big challenge for us this week," Harris said. "We have to go out there and be physical and push these guys around.") (9-19-15): http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_28838752/vikings-line-will-have-its-hands-full-again
INJURY REPORT: Week 2 game designations (Defensive tackles Haloti Ngata (shoulder) and Caraun Reid (ankle) are listed as questionable for Sunday on the injury report. Ngata missed practice Wednesday and has been a limited participant the rest of the week. Reid has been limited all week coming back from a high ankle sprain suffered the second game of the preseason.) (9-18-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/injury-report/article-1/INJURY-REPORT-Week-2-game-designations/a989e8a7-6442-4192-8812-39ab2966b74d
Lions' Ngata: 'Feel great' after first week (Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata practiced again today and there are no ill effects from the shoulder that kept him out practice earlier this week. "No," Ngata said. "Feel great." Ngata is a man of few words. But after Week 1, he proved to be a man of many snaps. He played 53 snaps at San Diego, good for 67% of the defensive snaps. Only Tyrunn Walker played more snaps among Lions defensive linemen. Ngata said he was fine with that workload. "I'm good," he said. "I don't know. Whatever. Whatever they need me to play. I felt pretty good and we'll just see how it goes this week." Ngata wasn't spectacular but he was effective against the Chargers. He commanded lots of double teams that freed up Walker to pressure quarterback Philip Rivers. "I did OK," he said. "Definitely, you can get better. Hopefully I can get better and gel with these guys." Ngata had high praise for Walker, who is 25 and in his first year as a starter. Profootballfocus.com credited Walker with seven pressures and gave him one of the game's highest grades. "He's great," Ngata said. "A great young player. He's going to be real good player for years to come. It's exciting to see young guys develop into great players." Ngata is adjusting to the Lions' scheme and his new teammates. He may not be completely comfortable with all the newness, but hopes that doesn't take too much longer. "Hopefully not too long," he said. "want to be able to help the team win as fast as I can and hopefully it can be this game. "I feel really good. Guys are helping me out and (defensive line) coach Kris (Kocurek) has been great. So it's been awesome.") (9-18-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/18/lions-haloti-ngata/72411656/
Getting to know the Lions with Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman (MC: How much of Sunday’s defensive collapse and league-worst 483 yards allowed is the end result of losing Ndamukong Suh to free agency, and what are the other defensive changes that have weakened this unit from last season, assuming of course that you think it is weaker? TT: This defense is weaker. You don’t lose the most dominant defensive tackle in the game and expect there won’t to be an impact. That being said, I’m not sure how much Suh would have helped the Lions last week in San Diego. Philip Rivers picked the defense apart with a barrage of short passes and screens, 32 of his 42 passing attempts were under 10 yards. The problem the Lions defense had was rallying to the football, taking poor angles and tackling. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin believes those issues are correctable. We’ll see if he’s right on Sunday. The Lions played that game in San Diego without their current best player on defense – linebacker DeAndre Levy. He’s their best cover linebacker and an instinctive player in the run game. He’s dealing with a hip injury and has missed practice all week so far. His status for Sunday is yet to be determined. Haloti Ngata played well in place of Suh, but they’re different players. Ngata’s game is predicated more on occupying space and blockers and allowing others to make plays around him. The defense is also trying to replace the six sacks DE George Johnson gave them last year (2.5 in two games vs. Minnesota). He left in free agency. The defense returns nine starters from the second-ranked unit from a year ago, but without Suh they are a little weaker. Without Suh and Levy they’re a lot weaker.) (9-18-15): http://www.startribune.com/getting-to-know-the-lions-with-lions-beat-writer-tim-twentyman/328188921/
Video - Ngata on adjusting to the system (9-18-15) : http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Ngata-on-adjusting-to-the-system/3ce03001-de3f-44bb-a57b-02d02670cd32
PRACTICE REPORT: Ngata and Tate return (Two very important pieces to the Lions’ offense and defense returned to the practice field on Thursday. After sitting out Wednesday’s practice, receiver Golden Tate (quad) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shoulder) were back in action. The Lions listed both players as officially “limited” on the injury report. Tate seemed to tweak his quad during a punt return last week. Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said he hasn’t once second-guessed his decision to use Tate on punt return. “Football, it’s not two-hand touch,” Caldwell said. “You can get hit from a scrimmage play as well. It doesn’t really matter in that regard because it’s a 100 percent injury rate and things happen. “So we look at it week-to-week depending upon what we think we need to get done, so they’ll probably be times you’ll see him back there again and we’ll move on.” Tate averaged 17.0 yards per return last week, which currently ranks him fourth in the NFL. It’ll be interesting to see if the Lions use him in that capacity this weekend. Caldwell didn’t seem too concerned about Ngata’s injury at all.) (9-17-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/PRACTICE-REPORT-Ngata-and-Tate-return/f398e6d2-a1c4-48b1-bad6-71e9ebcd4d72
Notebook: Ngata not an easier task than Suh for the Lions (For the first time in four years, the Vikings are preparing against a Detroit Lions defense that will be without defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who left to sign with Miami in free agency. In that December 11, 2011 divisional matchup against the Vikings, Suh was suspended after he stomped on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith. Two years later, Suh received a $100,000 fine from the league after taking out center John Sullivan's knees on an interception return. The Lions replaced Suh, a troublemaker within and outside of the rules, this offseason with former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who is "not an easier task whatsoever," guard Brandon Fusco said. "They're still a pretty good defensive line," Fusco said. "Physical up front. Stout in the run. So it's not an easier task whatsoever. Haloti Ngata has been around this league for a while and they've got a guy in [Tyrunn] Walker who's pretty good up front. He's no slouch. They rely on their front four and you just really have to out-physical them." That's a tall task right now for a Vikings offensive line that was overmatched by a 49ers' front that sacked quarterback Teddy Bridgewater five times in Monday night's loss. Though the Lions allowed roughly 400 passing yards and 33 points to San Diego in their opener, the defensive line accounted for four tackles behind the line of scrimmage, three quarterback hits, two sacks and a forced fumble. Fusco has faced Ngata once before, in a December 2013 game, and the Vikings were able to hold him without a sack and just one tackle. "Suh is more just playing in your chest and power you," Fusco said. "Haloti, he kind of mixes it up well with swim, kind of shows his hands and gets back with nice moves. He's more finesse than Suh, but he's got that power you can't sleep on." Suh's partner in the trenches, Nick Fairley, also left Detroit in free agency, opening up a spot for the aforementioned Walker, a 2012 undrafted defensive tackle out of Tulsa. Walker spent his first three NFL seasons in New Orleans, two of those years with Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson. "Tyrunn, he's more of a power guy," Johnson said. "He's a big, massive dude that knows how to push and use leverage. He's instinctive, but he's pretty quick. Our offensive line just have to be prepared and brace for it." Walker burst out of the Week 1 gate with a team-high seven quarterback hurries in the Lions' loss at San Diego, according to Pro Football Focus, but also three missed tackles. The Vikings are just as wary against the new-look Lions as they were last year, when they surrendered six sacks on Bridgewater in the Week 6 loss at TCF Bank Stadium. Coach Mike Zimmer said he doesn't see much of a difference with Suh out of the NFC North. "Not much really," Zimmer said. "Ngata is a big, physical guy like Suh was and their front tries to get after you every single play if they can. It hasn't changed really at all.") (9-17-15): http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Notebook_Lions_Haloti_Ngata_not_easier_task_for_Vikings_than_Suh091715
Vikings Roundup, 9/17: Peterson Plans Patience, Quick Read and Response (Detroit has changed both of its defensive tackles, bringing in Haloti Ngata from Baltimore and Tyrunn Walker from New Orleans, but Head Coach Mike Zimmer said “not much” is different in the dynamic of Detroit’s defensive line. “Ngata is a big physical guy like Suh was, and their front tries to get after you every single play if they can,” Zimmer said. “It hasn’t changed really at all.” Peterson said Detroit is “still a solid defense” without Suh. “They’re not the number one defense just because of him, but he was a big part,” Peterson said. “They still have a solid defense up front, good guys coming off the edge. We’ve got to make sure we keep those guys away from Teddy (Bridgewater). A good set of linebackers. They play good as a unit, so we’ve got to make sure we come out on fire and are prepared for whatever they bring for us.”) (9-17-15): http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-Roundup-917-Peterson-Plans-Patience-Quick-Read--Response/f42bec4c-7523-414d-9420-9159182c2f0b
PRACTICE REPORT: Stafford listed as full participant (Sitting out practice for the Lions were linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shoulder), receiver Golden Tate (quad) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring).)
(9-16-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/PRACTICE-REPORT-Stafford-listed-as-full-participant/8a2f3dda-ffc8-4e57-a052-c140d8cd1e3c
Slay returns to field; four Lions starters sit out (Ngata was running alongside his fellow defensive linemen between drills, so there’s a chance his lack of participation was simply rest.) (9-16-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/16/slay-returns-field-tate-levy-ngata-sit/32510707/
Haloti Ngata and Golden Tate's injuries revealed; QB Matthew Stafford full practice participant (Not practicing for the Lions were four starters, including new additions to the injury report, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and wide receiver Golden Tate. Ngata has a shoulder injury while Tate is dealing with an quad issue. The receiver reportedly had his leg looked at by trainers during Sunday's loss to the Chargers after taking a big hit returning a punt.) (9-16-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/matthew_stafford_not_limited_h.html
Transcript: Zimmer Addresses the Media on Wednesday (Q: What is the difference in the dynamic of the Detroit defensive line with Haloti Ngata there instead of Ndamukong Suh? A: Not much really. Ngata is a big physical guy like Suh was and their front tries to get after you every single play if they can. It hasn’t changed really at all.) (9-16-15): http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Transcript-Zimmer-Addresses-the-Media-on-Wednesday/df72e7a3-1f63-406b-b321-ee931d7339fe
KEY QUESTIONS: How did Ingram hit affect Stafford's play? (How did defensive tackle Haloti Ngata perform in his Lions debut? Sunday’s matchup was Ngata’s first game as a Lion. He sat out all preseason with a hamstring injury. How did he fare? “He gave us everything he had,” Caldwell said. “He gave us great effort. Not everybody is perfect, but I thought he did some things well. He forced double teams and let some of our guys run free to get in position to make tackles and things of that nature which we thought he’d do and he made a few plays.” Ngata finished the game with three tackles, two of them solo hits.) (9-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/KEY-QUESTIONS-How-did-Ingram-hit-affect-Staffords-play/d4f93b29-9db5-4477-92e7-68b176884cd8
San Diego 33, Detroit 28: Why the Lions lost Sunday (Defense doesn't rest:Tough, hot day for the D, which hardly got a breather because of the ineffective offense. Stephen Tulloch and Rashean Mathis struggled noticeably, James Ihedigbo missed a key tackle and was flagged for a personal foul and Haloti Ngata didn't seem to beat many double teams. Without DeAndre Levy, the defense was vulnerable everywhere, allowing 483 yards of offense.) (9-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/detroit-lions-lost/72238712/
Sharp: Lions must prove they can exorcise demons of past (The defensive line looked winded in the second half, incapable of pressuring quarterback Philip Rivers. Haloti Ngata was publicly sold, in the aftermath of Ndamukong Suh bolting for Miami, as being just as effective as Suh as a pass-rushing defensive tackle despite getting double-teamed. Ngata wasn't a factor late when the defensive line needed disruption. He looked old. He looked out of shape.) (9-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/drew-sharp/2015/09/14/detroit-lions-exorcise-demons-drew-sharp/72291790/
Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Defensive tackles: Tyrunn Walker (58 of 79), Haloti Ngata (53), Jermelle Cudjo (26), Gabe Wright (13). Analysis: Walker played 73 percent of the snaps, which is close to how much Ndamukong Suh played last year. It makes sense for the 25-year-old to play more than the 31-year-old Ngata, and when the elder tackle exited, Walker moved to the left side to fill his spot and focus more on run support. Cudjo has more trust right now from his coaches than Wright, a fourth-round rookie.) (9-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/
Detroit Lions snap counts: DT Tyrunn Walker proves capable of playing heavy load (Haloti Ngata played a respectable 53 snaps in his Lions debut.) (9-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_tyru.html
Detroit Lions notes: Ameer Abdullah still work to do; injury updates (Detroit Lions notes: Ameer Abdullah still work to do; injury updates (Haloti Ngata missed the preseason with a hamstring injury, so Sunday was his first game in a Lions uniform. “Like I said, he gave us everything he had. He gave us great effort,’’ Caldwell said.”Not everybody is perfect, but I thought he did some things well. He forced double teams and let some of our guys run free to get in position to make tackles and things of that nature which we thought he’d do and he made a few plays.” Ngata was on the field for 67 percent of the defensive plays and finished with three tackles. He was double-teamed much of the afternoon just like his predecessor Ndamukong Suh. You might have missed) (9-14-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150914/detroit-lions-notes-ameer-abdullah-still-work-to-do-injury-updates
10 reasonable Week 1 overreactions (10. The Detroit Lions are finished without Ndamukong Suh! Last season, the Lions only gave up 30 points twice, with the most being 34 points to the Patriots. On Sunday against the Chargers, they allowed 33 points in a loss and Philip Rivers threw for 404 yards, which is more than anyone threw for against Detroit in 2014. There is one major difference between the Lions last season (when they won 11 games) and this season: The gaping hole in the middle of the defensive line that used to be occupied by Suh, who signed a $114 million deal with the Dolphins in the offseason. Former All-Pro Haloti Ngata might be too old to fill the void for Detroit. It's only one game, but sometimes that's all it takes.) (9-14-15): http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/149217714/nfl-week-1-10-overreactions-taylor-mariota
PFF's DET-SD grades: Rough start for Lions’ Stafford-Johnson connection (Defensively, the Lions limited the Chargers to 3.2 yards per carry on the ground, a good result considering the offseason departure of tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. DT Haloti Ngata (0.0) was double-teamed often and proved difficult to move, while another offseason addition, DT Tyrunn Walker (+1.8), put forth an impressive display after two seasons of good production in limited snaps with the Saints. Walker logged a career-high 57 snaps, collected seven pressures, and frequently squeezed the pocket with effective bull rushes against Chargers’ LG Orlando Franklin (-0.6) and C Chris Watt (-6.8).) (9-14-15): https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/14/det-sd-grades-rough-start-for-lions-stafford-johnson-connection/
Free Press Lions' report card: Poor marks for linebackers, receivers (Defensive line - B-: The Chargers worked mostly underneath routes and the quick passing game, but the Lions still didn't get enough pressure on Philip Rivers. Phillip Hunt had an early sack on Rivers, and Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor converged for a coverage sack later in the game. Tyrunn Walker and Jason Jones drew costly encroachment penalties, twice giving the Chargers first downs on third-and-short. Haloti Ngata had three tackles and did a good job occupying bodies in his first game as a Lion.) (9-13-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-report-card/72236260/
O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Abdullah's regular-season debut (Ngata for Suh -- not a problem: Defensive tackle is bound to get a lot of attention because of the loss of Ndamukong Suh to Miami in free-agency and the trade with the Ravens that brought in Haloti Ngata to replace Suh. Darryl Tapp repeated what other members of the defense have said when asked about the impact of not having Suh. “He did a great job for us last year,” Tapp said. “He was a part of the defense. He wasn’t the defense. I wish nothing but luck to him and the best of success down in Miami. Loved him like a brother. That was the past. This is the present.” Ngata is an imposing physical specimen with a proven record from his nine seasons with the Ravens. At 6-4 and 345 pounds, he’s more than 30 pounds heavier than Suh, and with very little extra baggage. Although he missed all four preseason games while recovering from a hamstring injury, he looks ready to go. He was not on the injury report Friday. “That’s a grown man,” said Tapp. “He had all the work in the offseason. He understands the scheme. He has familiarity with Teryl Austin from Baltimore. He understands the terminology and language. I’m not worried about him at all. “He’s always been the focal point of everybody’s defense that he’s been on. I don’t think anything can get too big for that man.”) (9-13-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/final-thoughts/article-1/OHARAS-FINAL-THOUGHTS-Abdullahs-regular-season-debut/27fbc430-8461-438e-8bbc-5b535ea31a76
3 Detroit Lions to watch: A massive debut, a returning RB and DeAndre Levy's replacement (Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata: The crown jewel of Detroit's offseason, Ngata playing up to his All-Pro capabilities is the key to the team's defensive success. Slimmed down to 330 pounds, if the monster in the middle proves to be a good fit for Teryl Austin's scheme, it will quickly assuage the lingering concerns surrounding the departure of Ndamukong Suh. A hamstring sprain robbed us of an early look at Ngata in the Honolulu blue, but Lions coaches and teammates have been laying the hype on thick. The rubber meets the road in San Diego.) (9-13-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/3_to_watch_detroit_lions_san_d.html
Suspended, dealt, doubted, Lions' Ngata fired up again (9-12-15): http://www.freep.com/longform/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/12/detroit-lions-haloti-ngata/72186136/
Seidel: 13 reasons why these Lions could be tremendous (Haloti Ngata is a freak athlete. On TV, Ngata looks like a giant boulder with legs. But in person, in the locker room, he is an impressive physical presence. He is not fat. He is a big, strong, muscular, freak athlete. The only real question about this two-time Pro Bowler is: Will he stay healthy?) (9-12-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/12/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-ameer-abdullah/72159440/
Detroit Lions hype leaner, meaner Haloti Ngata (9-12-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_haloti_ngata_2.html
Detroit Lions hype leaner, meaner Haloti Ngata (9-12-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_haloti_ngata_2.html
Film Review: Can Lions' Ngata replace departed Suh? (9-11-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/11/haloti-ngata-detroit-lions-film-review/72050832/
NOTEBOOK: Ngata nearing Detroit debut (In a few days fans will get their first look at Haloti Ngata in Detroit's defense. Head coach Jim Caldwell and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin know what Ngata meant to the Baltimore defense when they were coaches with the Ravens. They've seen a little bit of what Ngata can do in Detroit over the last couple weeks. Safety James Ihedigbo played with Ngata in Baltimore and knows exactly what the big fella brings to the table. “The guy is a beast, he’s a problem (for the offense),” Ihedigbo said. “He can wreck a game.” The Lions are hoping that starts Sunday in San Diego, against a Chargers offense that ranked 18th overall and 30th running the football a year ago. “He is as advertised,” Caldwell said. “Big, strong, physical guy who I think you’ll get a real close, intimate look at here shortly.” Caldwell said Ngata probably isn’t in “A1, peak game-playing condition” after missing all of the preseason with a hamstring injury, “but we like where he is.” Ngata has some big shoes to fill in the middle of the Lions defense, but Austin says the big guy will be just fine anchoring his defensive line. “I think we’re going to see a good player,” Austin said. “He hasn’t lost any skill. He’s still quick off the ball. He’s still a big, strong man, so we’ll see the football player we’re used to seeing. Maybe play in a little different technique, but still seeing a really good football player.”) (9-10-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Ngata-nearing-Detroit-debut/546f4849-6224-4ed1-8274-48e96cf44890
10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Who will lead Lions in rushing yards? (Q. Lots of confidence in Haloti Ngata without any snaps. What do you think? Boom or bust? A. If Teryl Austin isn't worried about it, I'm not too worried about it. Austin spent three seasons in Baltimore with Ngata and knows what he's capable of in this defense. Some of the other guys I've talked to in the Lions locker room aren't worried about it either. James Ihedigbo, who played with Ngata in Baltimore, said he's still going to wreck games. Now, would I have liked to see it myself before games start for real? Sure, but what I've seen of him in a limited basis at practice has been pretty impressive. The guy is built like a brick house at 340 pounds. I have always marveled at how Suh had so little fat on his body at 305 pounds. I'll tell you guys, Ngata is just as impressive. He's all muscle. He told me he feels like he has something to prove after being traded in the offseason and he's rejuvenated playing a new position (three-technique defensive tackle) in an attacking defense. He'll be just fine as long as he stays healthy. Q. Who not named Ziggy is your favorite to lead the team in sacks for the year? A. Jason Jones is going to get five or six, but watch out for Haloti Ngata. He's my dark horse in the sack department. Ngata had a stretch of three seasons in a row from 2010-12 where he recorded five sacks playing nose tackle in a 3-4. He's now playing the three technique in an aggressive defense that will give him more of an opportunity to play in the backfield and rush the passer. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he finishes with at least six sacks, which would be a career high, if he stays healthy and plays in all 16 games.) (9-10-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-Who-will-lead-Lions-in-rushing-yards/2159f189-a647-479a-9483-78201d96e08f
Lions expect greatness from 'beast' Ngata (Jim Caldwell admitted defensive tackle Haloti Ngata probably isn't in "A1, peak game-playing condition" after missing training camp and all four preseason games. "But we like where he is," the coach said Wednesday. And where that will be Sunday is in the starting lineup at left defensive tackle, a spot previously held by Ndamukong Suh. Even though Ngata would need a career year to match Suh's production from last season, the Lions are looking forward to seeing what the two-time All-Pro can do in Detroit. The 6-foot-4, 345-pound Ngata is a different player than the Lions have featured in their 4-3 defense in recent years. The biggest defensive tackles in the past several years were Corey Williams and C.J. Mosley, who tipped the scales at 320 and 315 pounds, respectively. "He is as advertised — big, strong, physical guy," Caldwell said. "I think you'll get a really close intimate look at him here shortly." Lions strong safety James Ihedigbo has seen first-hand what Ngata can do, as the two played together with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012-13 — Ngata was there from 2006 until the Lions traded for him in March. Ihedigbo described Ngata as a "beast" and a "problem." "The guy's been dominating in this league for years," Ihedigbo said. "He's been a part of No. 1 defenses, championship defenses. You'll see what you get from him come Sunday." Ihedigbo also mentioned that Ngata can "wreck a game" and give opposing linemen problems for the duration of the game. Plus, he's athletic enough to make diving interceptions, something he did in Week 2 last season. Of course, if teams try to double-team Ngata, his fellow defensive linemen will have to take advantage. "You know he's going to get attention, so I've just got to capitalize on anything I'm getting," defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker said. And even though Ngata has only been practicing for the past week, Walker said he has high expectations for the man who'll be starting next to him. "Greatness," Walker said. "He's been great for years, so just expect him to be Haloti and be great.") (9-9-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/lions-expect-greatness-from-beast-haloti-ngata/71947086/
Detroit Lions LB DeAndre Levy dealing with a hip injury; 3 teammates limited (Running back Joique Bell and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who missed almost all of training camp, were full participants.) (9-9-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_lb_deandre_levy_8.html
Five things we learned about the Lions this preseason (No one player will be able to replace Ndamukong Suh - The Lions lost Suh in free agency this spring, and it didn't take long to realize that they can't rely on just one player to replace his impact on defense. Although they traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, the Lions are also counting on Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker and everyone else in the front seven to help fill the void created by Suh's departure this offseason. This will be one of the Lions' biggest challenges.) (9-8-15): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/five-things-we-learned-about-the-lions-this-preseason-090815
Highlights from Lions coach Jim Caldwell's news conference (On what Joique Bell and Haloti Ngata contribute: "I think in both cases, with Joique being back, obviously he adds a little bit more experience to the group. Then, also, he was a bell cow for us last year. To have him back in the middle of those things is very good. He's a tough runner, he looks good and can perform well. Obviously, Haloti is an integral part of what we think we're going to be able to do up front. I believe that we're going to have a real good, strong, solid front, and he's a big part of that. So, anytime you can get him back out where he's practicing this week, it puts him in a little better position to play for us.") (9-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/detroit-lions-jim-caldwell/71861386/
Mayhew plays coy when it comes to Ngata contract (Haloti Ngata hasn't played a game for the Detroit Lions yet, but general manager Martin Mayhew said he doesn't need to see what the five-time Pro Bowler can do on the field in order for talks to progress on a new contract. "No, I'm excited about him," Mayhew said Monday. "He made a couple plays the other day out here just in shells that were really fun to watch, so I'm excited to see him. I've seen him. I know what he can do and I'm looking forward to seeing him out there Sunday." The Lions have had intermittent contract talks with Ngata in recent months, and the team said shortly after trading for the five-time Pro Bowler in March that they hoped to sign Ngata to an extension. Asked for an update on contract talks Monday, Mayhew said he had nothing to offer. "I won't say I'm not (hopeful), and I won't say that I am," Mayhew said. Ngata did not play this preseason after straining a hamstring during summer workouts. He was a two-time All-Pro in nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.) (9-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/haloti-ngata-contract-talks/71857202/
Kyle Meinke's 7 predictions for Detroit Lions' 2015 season (DeAndre Levy will set a career high for sacks - Levy’s game has evolved during his ascent the past couple years. First it was the interceptions in 2013, when he had more than everyone except Richard Sherman. Then it was the tackles in 2014, when he had more than everyone except Luke Kuechly. Now it could be the sacks. Detroit has suffered all kinds of losses up front. While Haloti Ngata will go a long way toward replacing Ndamukong Suh, run stuffing is more his bag. That leaves a giant void in the pass rush, and the Lions are expected to manufacture it with some heavy blitzing. Coordinator Teryl Austin likes to be aggressive, and Levy seems well-suited for the role. He should have no problem shredding his career high for sacks (2.5).) (9-7-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/7_predictions_for_detroit_lion.html
Detroit Lions update: Preparation for Chargers starts on Labor Day (Running back Joique Bell and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata who both returned to work early last week, were back at it on Labor Day.) (9-7-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150907/detroit-lions-update-preparation-for-chargers-starts-on-labor-day
A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Haloti Ngata: An All-Pro in a defense he is somewhat familiar with, he is going to have to continue his run-stopping dominance for the Lions to be effective.) (9-7-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18706/linebacker-is-a-deep-group-on-the-detroit-lions-53-man-roster
Video - Ngata on the Chargers (9-7-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Ngata-on-the-Chargers/3838b5d9-bf3e-4017-83cc-1c82c0b3a16b
Ranking the 25 players most important to the Detroit Lions' 2015 success (No. 6 -- Haloti Ngata:
There's a saying in football that the value of a player is inversely related to his distance from the ball. Ngata will line up closest to the snap on most plays and, if all goes according to plan, will routinely be disrupting opposing backfields. Detroit needs continued dominance from the five-time All-Pro.) (9-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/25_most_important_players_to_d.html
2015 NFL award predictions: MVP, Rookie of the Year and more (Offensive Rookie of the year - Colleen Wolfe: Ameer Abdullah, RB, DetroitLions. Amari Cooper was close to being the pick here, but Abdullah is really quick and his vision for finding holes and breaking runs gives him the edge. The Lions have been looking for a running back for a while. They found him. Comeback Player of the year - Dave Dameshek: Haloti Ngata, DT, Detroit Lions. Deemed expendable by Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome, the former Ravens lynchpin is key to Detroit's D surviving the losses of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.) (9-4-15): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000519781/article/2015-nfl-award-predictions-mvp-rookie-of-the-year-and-more
Haloti Ngata shows no signs of rust in return, has Lions thinking big (9-3-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/haloti_ngata_shows_no_signs_of.html
NOTEBOOK: TE Tim Wright joins Lions (Ngata Being Ngata - Veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata returned to practice for the first time Monday after coming off the NFI list. His presence at practice was immediately noticed by teammates. Caldwell was asked to evaluate the first day of practice for his big defensive tackle. “He looked like Haloti,” Caldwell said. “He moved around well.”) (9-1-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-TE-Tim-Wright-joins-Lions-/df1b55db-e66c-4ff9-8e82-4820390fecc6
Ngata says he’ll play with chip on shoulder (Haloti Ngata admitted he would play with a chip on his shoulder this season after the Baltimore Ravens discarded him in a trade with the Detroit Lions. “Yeah, a little bit,” Ngata said quietly. “You want to kind of show your old team they’re missing out. “But it is a business and so they had to do what they had to do and I got traded. So you’ve just got to look forward to the new opportunity and do the most with it that you can.” What Ngata does this season — and more specifically what he does to replace Ndamukong Suh — will be the big question. Ngata is a five-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion and is known as a great run-stopper. That would seem to bode well for a defense that allowed 69.3 rushing yards last year, becoming the ninth team over an NFL season to allow fewer than 70 rushing yards per game. Although Ngata is 31 and on the back end of his career, he looks trim and on Tuesday he took part in his first real practice as the team donned helmets and shells in the high afternoon heat. Before practice, coach Jim Caldwell was asked for his opinion of Ngata’s return to the field Monday, when he came off the non-football injury list and practiced with the team in shorts. Caldwell said it was hard to judge Ngata off that limited view. “But he looked like Haloti,” Caldwell said. “He moved around well.” Safety Glover Quin said Ngata belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame already for having been a dominant force on dominant Ravens defenses, and he’s ready to play with his new teammate. “His presence being that big in the middle and his experience, his ability,” Quin said. “All those good things. I’m really, really looking forward to playing with him. I can’t lie about that. It was exciting to see him get back out there yesterday.”) (9-1-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/01/detroit-lions-haloti-ngata/71549462/
Detroit Lions notes: Roster cut to 75; Haloti Ngata so far, so good (Haloti Ngata, the defensive tackle acquired in a trade in March, has practiced two straight days after sitting out training camp due to a hamstring injury. Caldwell had said all along he was not worried about what he would get from Ngata when he returned to the practice field. “He looked like Haloti. He moved around well,’’ said Caldwell who was familiar with Ngata from their time with the Baltimore Ravens. Even though Ngata has not been practicing, he has been on the field daily helping the young group of defensive tackles. “His experience is invaluable. His experience of winning is invaluable and he can communicate those things well. He’s a well-liked guy, he’s a hard worker and he’s very dedicated,’’ Caldwell said. “Anytime you have a guy that can lead by example rather than using words consistently, I think you’re better off. He’s one of those guys, he’s not a big talker, but he works.”) (9-1-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150901/detroit-lions-notes-roster-cut-to-75-haloti-ngata-so-far-so-good
Detroit Lions update: Bell, Ngata return to work; Broyles released (The Detroit Lions return to practice for the second day with running back Joique Bell and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. The two, who missed all of training camp, were taken off the PUP list on Monday. It is unclear if either will play in Thursday night’s final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Coach Jim Caldwell said he wants to see health and well-bring from Ngata. “That’s what I would like to see first and foremost and that, for the most part, you know, he’s been released and got his opportunity to do a little work. So you know, we have a pretty good idea what we’re going to get from him, we just need him healthy,’’ Caldwell said.) (9-1-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150901/detroit-lions-update-bell-ngata-return-to-work-broyles-released
NOTEBOOK: Bell gets work in with first team (As for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who returned to practice for the first time since earlier in the summer, he took part in individual drills and looked impressive doing it. “He’s a powerful man,” veteran defensive end Darryl Tapp said after Ngata put him on his butt in an individual drill when Ngata fired off the ball and into a tackling dummy Tapp was holding. “I think he was just making me look good,” Ngata said with a smile when asked about putting Tapp to the ground. “We’re both 10-year vets. He was making me look good.”) (8-31-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Bell-gets-work-in-with-first-team/a72adcdb-7fe0-4480-a3cf-a8e82a0d4a52
Roster moves: Ngata, Bell activated, nine cut (The Detroit Lions activated Joique Bell from the physically unable to perform list and Haloti Ngata from the nonfootball injury list today, giving hope that both players will be ready for the season opener against the San Diego Chargers on Sept. 13. Bell said during the weekend that he was close to returning from off-season knee surgery and still expected "to be carrying the load" for the Lions' running game this year. Ngata has not practiced with the team, after suffering a summer hamstring injury. Both players ramped up their workouts with trainers in recent weeks, though neither is expected to play in Thursday's exhibition finale against the Buffalo Bills (7:30 p.m., Channel 2).) (8-31-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/31/haloti-ngata-detroit-lions/71474316/
Chances ‘slim’ Lions’ Calvin Johnson plays vs. Bills (Joique Bell and Haloti Ngata, who were activated from PUP and the non-football injury list Monday, respectively, will surely sit, too.) (8-31-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/31/chances-slim-lions-calvin-johnson-plays-vs-bills/71486982/
Lions' Calvin Johnson likely won't play against Bills in preseason finale (8-31-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_calvin_johnson_likely_wo.html
Haloti Ngata hoping to shake off some dust in Detroit Lions return (Haloti Ngata wants to "get some dust off." Joique Bell believes he has already exceeded some of the expectations of his recovery. The two remaining Detroit Lions that were inactive throughout training camp were activated Monday afternoon and they both did some work on their first day practicing during the 2015 season. "This is my first time doing a lot of this, get-offs and just every down getting off," Ngata said. "Just doing a lot of that stuff and just being consistent." Ngata said he didn't want to feel like he was lagging behind any of the other defensive linemen after sitting out the first three weeks of training camp with a strained hamstring. It's a hamstring injury that Ngata said he had good days with and bad days with, but the past few days have been good days in a row. So he was activated and was back out at practice Monday, hitting the sled and rejoining his teammates. Prior to that, Ngata had mostly done work mentally, trying to see where he would fit into the scheme even though he couldn't actually practice within the scheme. "I feel like I know the playbook pretty well now and doing a lot of mental reps," Ngata said. "A lot of it is trying to be physically there, doing some extra cardio and stuff like that. Just making sure I'm not way behind the other guys." Lions coach Jim Caldwell said it "depends on the situation" as to whether or not any starters would play in Thursday's preseason finale against Buffalo. Ngata was working on getting himself acclimated in the defense for the first time on Monday.) (8-31-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18628/haloti-ngata-hoping-to-shake-off-some-dust-in-detroit-lions-return
Calvin Johnson tied with Dez Bryant for top receiver in 2015 NFL Rank (Calvin Johnson is one of three Lions players in the top 100, joined by linebacker DeAndre Levy and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Both were tied as the No. 89 players in the NFL. It’s an interesting spot for both players to be in, as Levy is entering his prime as one of the top 4-3 outside linebackers in the league while Ngata may be hitting his decline as one of the top run-stuffing tackles in the NFL. That both are in the top 100, though, give an idea of what could be two of the most important pieces of the Lions' defense. I was not surprised to see Levy on the list – actually thought he might be a touch higher, but his position sometimes goes overlooked. I was somewhat surprised to see Ngata on there, mostly because no one has seen him really play with the Lions yet.) (8-31-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18617/calvin-johnson-tied-with-dez-bryant-for-top-receiver-in-2015-nfl-rank
Video - Ngata on coming off of the NFL list (8-31-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Ngata-on-coming-off-of-the-NFI-list/37c2f487-fe22-4299-a117-4504bfc28e62
Video - Tapp on Ngata (8-31-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Tapp-on-Ngata/900640a7-c3dc-4a2d-9a47-96cf0ab2cf75
Caldwell optimistic: Bell, Ngata 'look really good' (8-29-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/jim-caldwell-optimistic-lions-joique-bell-haloti-ngata-look-really-good/71399486/
The 5 Best Moves The Detroit Lions Made During The Offseason (4. Acquired DT Haloti Ngata from the Baltimore Ravens for draft picks: Acquiring Haloti Ngata from the Baltimore Ravens was Martin Mayhew’s response to Suh leaving for the Miami Dolphins. Ngata and Walker have a combined cap hit in 2015 of $10.25 million, where Suh and Fairley’s cap hit stands at $10.85 million. Before you freak out, keep in mind that Suh’s cap hit will jump to $28 million in 2016, when he turns 29-years-old. The nine-year veteran spent his entire career in Baltimore before being traded in March. The 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle had two sacks and two interceptions in 12 games in 2014. The five-time Pro Bowler won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2013 and ranked 45th on the list of Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2014. One concerning matter is Ngata’s age and health — he has yet to play a down in the preseason due to a hamstring injury. The strength of Detroit’s defense in 2015 depends greatly on Ngata’s health.) (8-29-15): http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/08/29/the-5-best-moves-the-detroit-lions-made-during-the-offseason/
Battle for Lions fullback a ‘very heated battle’ (Progress for Ngata - Before the game, Ngata spent some time running on the field with an air-restricting training mask. The Lions remain optimistic that the defensive tackle will be ready for Week 1, and his full-speed running Friday was a good sign that he’s on track to return before the regular season begins.) (8-28-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/contest-lions-fullback-heated-battle/71349792/
9 potential starters sidelined for Lions, including 6 linemen; Calvin Johnson out too (Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), Haloti Ngata (hamstring), Caraun Reid (ankle) and Jason Jones (knee) -- one possible configuration for the starting defensive line -- will be out entirely Friday night in Jacksonville.) (8-28-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_potential_starters_sideline.html
Rob Parker: Ngata's absence a concern for Lions (In honor of the late, great Joe Falls, it's a Fish Fry Friday. We get another look at Lions tonight in Jacksonville. They play the Jaguars in their third preseason game. The Lions enter the contest with a 1-1 record. And despite the loss last week, the Lions' first unit on both offense and defense have looked good. Then again, what does the preseason even mean? In 2008, when the Lions went 0-16, they were 4-0 in the preseason and looked as if they were in store for a great regular season. The one real concern this training camp is that Haloti Ngata has yet to practice for the Lions. This isn't rest, a cautious attempt by coach Jim Caldwell to save a veteran some wear and tear. Ngata simply can't go. He's been sidelined with a hamstring issue that resulted from non-football activities. Caldwell won't even say that Ngata will for sure be ready for the opener in San Diego. That's a bummer. For sure, it's not ideal for the defensive tackle who was brought here to replace Ndamukong Suh. Those are big shoes, indeed. And if the Lions are to reach double digits for the first time in back-to-back seasons in team history, the defense is going to have to be very good again. It needs Ngata.) (8-28-15): http://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/parkersconfidential/rob-parker-ngatas-absence-a-concern-for-lions/34970564
Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (To fill the defensive tackle void, the Lions traded for Haloti Ngata. At 31, the longtime Raven can still dominate, but stylistically, he’s really more of a replacement for Fairley, not Suh. The problem is, Ngata is the only replacement Detroit brought in.) (8-28-15): http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford
Lions sign Joe Madsen to bolster offensive line depth; DeAndre Levy out again (Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), cornerback Chris Owens (unknown), cornerback Alex Carter (ankle), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (hamstring) and tailback Joique Bell (knee/Achilles) also did not practice on Wednesday.) (8-26-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_sign_joe_madsen_to_bolst.html
10 takeaways from Austin and Lombardi (There’s been a lot of talk about the Lions blitzing more to maintain the amount of pressure they got from last year’s front four that featured Ndamukong Suh and Co. While blitzing will always be a part of Austin’s scheme, he made it very clear that he won’t put his defense in a situation where his players are out of position. He expects to be able to get pressure from Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones and Haloti Ngata. He made the point that sometimes when a coordinator gets too creative he puts guys out of position.) (8-25-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/a97c2eb8-de1b-43c6-8ee3-7698a6173a39
Lions practice update: Ngata works on the side (Haloti Ngata has kept the rehab for his strained hamstring mostly behind closed doors -- until today. Ngata spent a few minutes during the open portion of Detroit Lions practice working on the side with trainers. He did some light running and bag work during the 20-minute portion of practice open to the media. Expected to help fill the void left up front by Ndamukong Suh, Ngata has not yet practiced with the team. He suffered a hamstring injury during summer workouts and is currently on the nonfootball injury list. Lions coach Jim Caldwell said before practice today that Ngata's "return-to-play protocol is on time," but he once again stopped short of saying that the five-time Pro Bowler will be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against the San Diego Chargers. "I'm concerned any time somebody's not practicing, no matter who it is or when," Caldwell said. "So, yeah, I'm always concerned, because there are no guarantees. And our business is about winning games, and we need to have everybody that's capable ready to go when that whistle blows.") (8-25-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/25/haloti-ngata-detroit-lions/32343019/
Wojo: Injured Ngata plays waiting game (8-25-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/25/wojo-lions-ngata-plays-waiting-game/32367919/
Haloti Ngata gets in side work during Lions practice; DeAndre Levy out (The Lions did get some good news on the injury front, with tight end Eric Ebron returning to practice after missing a couple days, and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata getting in some side work with a trainer. Ngata did some running, as well as bag work, during the 20 minutes of practice that were open to the media. The 340-pound defensive tackle was Detroit's star offseason addition, acquired via trade from the Ravens, but has not practiced since the start of training camp with a hamstring injury. Caldwell seemed to lose confidence that Ngata would be ready for the opener -- but his side work today indicates he's close to practicing, and at any rate, should have no trouble being ready to go for the Sept. 13 against San Diego. "I'm not concerned (about missing the opener)," Ngata told MLive this week. "I just have a lot of faith in our training staff, and I feel really good. They're just making sure I don't end up with a lingering injury throughout the season.") (8-25-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/haloti_ngata_gets_in_side_work.html
Teryl Austin, Joe Lombardi quotes from Monday (On DT Haloti Ngata: "We’d love to have him available, but the biggest thing for us is to make sure he’s available for the season. I know exactly what we’re going to get from Haloti (Ngata). He’s proven it year in and year out in this league, and so, it’s not an unproven entity that we’re waiting on. He’s a proven player and our biggest thing is making sure he’s healthy." On the possibility of not having Ngata for the start of the season: "We plan on having everybody and when we get closer to the season, then we will figure out who we have and we’ll go from there." On Ngata playing in a new scheme: "Well, I didn’t say that necessarily. I would love to see him, but if we don’t, it’s just, what are we going to do? There’s nothing, you know, I’m not going to make the guy come out and practice when he’s not ready, so we deal with it as it comes and I know Haloti (Ngata) and I know he’ll be ready to play." On DT Haloti Ngata and if he’s frustrated: "No, he’s working hard as he can to get better, but I don’t see any frustration.") (8-25-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi
Haloti Ngata was running off to the side of practice today. Also working on getting off a four-point stance. Good news for Lions (8-25-15): https://twitter.com/ttwentyman/status/636248808880521216
Video - Tapp on Ngata (8-25-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Tapp-on-Ngata/d753c445-1d36-4486-b552-3f8bba7287c0
Haloti Ngata feels he has a lot to prove when he returns (8-24-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Haloti-Ngata-feels-he-has-a-lot-to-prove-when-he-returns/96e18ff6-abbd-409a-ab4a-2b957686064f
Eric Ebron among 6 starters sidelined for Detroit Lions practice (Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), linebacker Kyle Van Noy (undisclosed), tight end Eric Ebron (undisclosed) and linebacker Kevin Snyder (hand) also missed practice, while tailback Joique Bell (Achilles/knee) and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (hamstring) remain on the physically unable to perform list. Caldwell also appears to be losing confidence that Ngata will be ready in time for the opener Sept. 13 against San Diego.) (8-24-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/eric_ebron_among_6_starters_si.html
Detroit Lions losing confidence that Haloti Ngata will be ready for opener? (8-23-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/confidence_waning_that_haloti.html
Detroit practiced without a laundry list of players today (DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), TE Eric Ebron (undisclosed), DT Caraun Reid (ankle), RG Larry Warford (ankle), RB Joique Bell (knee/Achilles), DT Haloti Ngata (hamstring), LB Kyle Van Noy (unknown), WR Lance Moore (excused for birth of child), LB Kevin Snyder (hand), CB Crezdon Butler (unknown) and safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (unknown) all did not practice on Sunday. Coach Jim Caldwell said after practice that most of the injuries are minor, although he seemed to express some concern about Van Noy.) (8-23-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_lb_kyle_van_noy_4.html
Jim Caldwell quotes from Sunday's practice (On needing to see DT Haloti Ngata on the field: "Whenever he is ready." On if he anticipates Ngata playing in the regular season opener: "You know, you don’t know. I can’t predict that. You know, it’s just one of those things that we have to kind of see where they are, you know. We’re hopeful. We look at how he’s been performing and going through just in terms of his rehab, you know, we’re optimistic." On if Ngata needs time because of the different system: "Not really, to be honest with you. No.") (8-23-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/23/9194775/jim-caldwell-quotes-sunday-practice
Pat Caputo - More questions raised than answered for Detroit Lions so far this preseason (The middle of the Lions’ defensive line remains a great unknown. There is nothing remaining in the preseason that will provide any answer for it. How serious is Caraun Reid’s ankle injury? Haloti Naga hasn’t practiced. The season is just three weeks away. It’s entirely possible the Lions’ defense will be every bit as strong this season without Ndamukong Suh. But it’s very unlikely if Reid and, particularly Ngata, aren’t effective players. Lets put it this way: It will not be good if Jermelle Cudjo vaults up the depth chart out of sheer necessity.) (8-22-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150822/pat-caputo-more-questions-raised-than-answered-for-detroit-lions-so-far-this-preseason
Lions' Calvin Johnson, Lance Moore out against Washington; expect lots of Corey Fuller (The rest of Detroit's inactives, according to the team: tailback Joique Bell (knee/Achilles), right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (ACL), defensive end Jason Jones (knee), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (hamstring) and cornerback Alex Carter (ankle).) (8-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_wrs_calvin_johnson_lance.html
NOTEBOOK: Swanson won't take starting role for granted (Joique Bell, Jason Jones, LaAdrian Waddle and Haloti Ngata have yet to return to practice from the PUP and NFI lists.)(8-18-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Swanson-wont-take-starting-role-for-granted/fd95f7eb-5bea-4729-8de8-007ee434309d
Detroit Lions mum on why Ameer Abdullah was held back at practice (Detroit practiced without the usual suspects: Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle, defensive end Jason Jones, tailback Joique Bell and cornerback Alex Carter. Ngata has done nothing on the side during training camp, though Caldwell has said he's rehabbing behind the scenes and is not in danger of missing the season opener.) (8-18-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_mum_on_why_ameer.html
Lions' contract negotiations with Ngata going well (8-18-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/18/9169609/lions-contract-negotiations-haloti-ngata
Detroit Lions notes: Golden Tate takes the high road over Harvin comments (Others who have not participated in training camp include Joique Bell, Haloti Ngata, Jason Jones and LaAdrian Waddle.) (8-17-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150817/detroit-lions-notes-golden-tate-takes-the-high-road-over-harvin-comments
ESPN Notes - Calvin Johnson continues a strong camp and Rashean Mathis has another good day (The injured guys are still working: The only player I have not seen with much side work is Haloti Ngata.) (8-15-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18320/calvin-johnson-continues-a-strong-lions-camp-and-rashean-mathis-has-another-good-day
Audio - Haloti Ngata on Sirius NFL Radio (8-15-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/audio/Haloti-Ngata-on-Sirius-NFL-Radio-081515/f36e1e08-81eb-4141-88bd-1b37af6a0914
Rashean Mathis among 6 starters out for Lions' preseason opener; Calvin Johnson active (Tailback Joique Bell (knee/Achilles), right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (ACL), defensive end Jason Jones (knee), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (hamstring) and cornerback Alex Carter (ankle) round out Detroit's inactives for the game. None of those players have practiced since the start of camp.) (8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/rashean_mathis_among_6_players.html
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Devin Taylor, Corey Robinson continue going opposite directions (Only Haloti Ngata remains free from activity during practice, but coach Jim Caldwell told reporters the defensive tackle is on track with his rehab.) (8-11-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_30.html
Detroit News Camp observations: Ngata makes progress with hamstring (Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, though, has been a casual observer through the first seven practices, but even though he’s not running around while his teammates practice, coach Jim Caldwell said Ngata has been made good progress recovering from a hamstring strain and expects him to return before the regular season begins. “He’s moving, running and he’ll be back soon,” Caldwell said. “I think he’ll be back soon, and that means sooner than the opener.” The Lions begin their exhibition slate Thursday against the New York Jets, but the regular season doesn’t begin until Sept. 13. Having played nine years in the NFL, Ngata shouldn’t need much time to prepare for the season, but he said last week it’s “definitely important” for him to play exhibition games. “I’ve just got to learn the technique still,” said Ngata, who joins the Lions after playing only for the Baltimore Ravens previously. “That’s something I’ve definitely still got to get better at, and the camaraderie kind of thing, getting the feel with other guys. That’ll come along once I get out there.” Ngata, who’s on the non-football injury list, could return as early as this week.) (8-10-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/camp-observations-ngata-makes-progress-hamstring/31416513/
Jim Caldwell's quotes from Monday (On DT Haloti Ngata's progress: "Yeah, very good progress. He's coming along. He's on schedule as the doctors have him, in terms of his pace of what he's supposed to be doing, etc. They have him doing a few more things inside. It's not necessary because he's not doing it out here doesn't mean he's not doing anything. He's moving and running and he'll be back soon." On if Ngata will be back by the regular season opener: "I think he'll be back soon and that means sooner than the opener.")(8-10-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/11/9128321/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-monday
Lions expect Ngata back before season opener (8-10-15): http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13410158/haloti-ngata-detroit-lions-expected-return-season-opener
Bell. Waddle, Ngata still out (8-10-15): https://twitter.com/paulapasche/status/630723911517343744
5 who shined during first week of Lions training camp, and 5 who didn't (Thumbs down: DT Haloti Ngata - The Lions were asked all offseason about how they would replace Ndamukong Suh. Their answer was always two words: Haloti Ngata. He certainly has the credentials — five All-Pro teams kind of speaks for itself — but he’s also 31 years old and coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. It ended with a four-game suspension for PED use and he later admitted taking Adderal. Now he’s missed the first week of training camp while dealing with a tweaked hamstring. You’d like to think it's not a big deal, considering just how much football he’s played, but he’s also never played football in this scheme. In fact, he hasn’t had to learn a new scheme in nine years. He mentioned earlier in the offseason the transition was harder than he expected, and now, he’s missing some of the most valuable time there is to pick it up.)(8-10-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/5_who_shined_during_first_week.html#4
Joique Bell now cutting, appears to be nearing return; DeAndre Levy, Haloti Ngata still out (Haloti Ngata, Jason Jones and Alex Carter are sitting and not able to do much yet. They appear to be much further from a return.)(8-7-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/joique_bell_now_cutting_appear.html
Detroit Lions TE Joseph Fauria leaves camp after tweaking something; DeAndre Levy sits (Tailback Joique Bell (Achilles/knee), defensive end Jason Jones (knee), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (hamstring) and cornerback Alex Carter (ankle) also did not practice.) (8-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_te_joseph_fauria_3.html
NOTEBOOK: Team player Brandon Pettigrew embracing all roles (The same five players remained out Tuesday who sat out Monday. Joique Bell, LaAdrian Waddle and Jason Jones remain on the PUP list. Haloti Ngata is on the NFL list with a strained hamstring. Alex Carter rolled an ankle last week and remains out of practice.) (8-4-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Team-player-Brandon-Pettigrew-embracing-all-roles/275880f7-af33-437b-9d4b-58c6727765b6
Video - Ngata on the Defensive Line (8-4-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Ngata-on-the-defensive-line/2b0397ef-466d-412e-b15d-d91ab6feaf35
Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones here, but not doing anything. (8-3-15): https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/628292058692907008
Ngata has a minor hamstring pull (8-3-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/03/haloti-ngata-detroit-lions/31067691/
DT Caraun Reid:
Lions get back Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle against Vikings; Devin Taylor a healthy scratch (Detroit's inactives against Minnesota are: Linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip), tight end Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring), defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle), receiver TJ Jones, guard Taylor Boggs, offensive tackle Corey Robinson and defensive end Devin Taylor.) (9-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_get_back_larry_warford_l.html
INJURY REPORT: Week 2 game designations (Defensive tackles Haloti Ngata (shoulder) and Caraun Reid (ankle) are listed as questionable for Sunday on the injury report. Ngata missed practice Wednesday and has been a limited participant the rest of the week. Reid has been limited all week coming back from a high ankle sprain suffered the second game of the preseason.) (9-18-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/injury-report/article-1/INJURY-REPORT-Week-2-game-designations/a989e8a7-6442-4192-8812-39ab2966b74d
PRACTICE REPORT: Ngata and Tate return (The Lions also had guard Larry Warford (ankle), defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle) and cornerback Darius Slay (ankle) at practice for a second straight day. All three were limited.) (9-17-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/PRACTICE-REPORT-Ngata-and-Tate-return/f398e6d2-a1c4-48b1-bad6-71e9ebcd4d72
Levy, Pettigrew miss Lions practice; Ngata, Tate return (Defensive tackle Caraun Reid, guard Larry Warford and cornerback Darius Slay -- all battling ankle injuries -- took part in position drills for the second straight day. Reid should play as a rotational tackle, adding depth to the Lions' defensive line. "If he is healthy and he is ready to go, he would be part of our rotation," defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. "It's just a matter of getting him snaps. A few less snaps out of Haloti, a few less snaps out of Tyrunn (Walker) if we had Caraun back.") (9-17-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/detroit-lions-injury-report/32567169/
Tate, Ngata return to Lions practice; Levy still out (Guard Larry Warford (ankle) and defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle) were both limited, but look to be on track to play Sunday. If Warford starts at right guard Sunday, Manny Ramirez would likely move to left guard with first-round pick Laken Tomlinson being the top interior backup and possibly playing some snaps as a sixth offensive lineman.) (9-17-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/tate-ngata-return-lions-practice-levy-still/32568263/
Detroit Lions — Five things to know about the defense (The line could use a boost from defensive tackle Caraun Reid who had a good camp and preseason. He didn’t play on Sunday due to an ankle sprain, but has practiced this week. “If he is healthy and he is ready to go, he would be part of our rotation, just a matter of getting him snaps. A few less snaps out of Haloti (Ngata), a few less snaps out of Tyrunn (Walker) if we had Caraun back,” Austin said. A heavy rotation would serve the Lions well especially late in the game.) (9-17-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150917/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-to-know-about-the-defense
PRACTICE REPORT: Stafford listed as full participant (More good news for the Lions: Guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Caraun Reid returned to practice for the first time since suffering high ankle sprains in Week 2 of the preseason. Both players were inactive for last week’s game. The Lions listed both Warford and Reid as limited participants in Wednesday’s practice.)
(9-16-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/PRACTICE-REPORT-Stafford-listed-as-full-participant/8a2f3dda-ffc8-4e57-a052-c140d8cd1e3c
Lions practice report: Warford, Reid back; Levy out (Larry Warford and Caraun Reid returned to practice today for the first time in nearly a month, and both players appear on track to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m., Fox). Warford and Reid both suffered high ankle sprains in the Lions' Aug. 20 exhibition against Washington and have been out since. Both players took regular reps during position drills that were open to the media, and both appeared to be moving well as they changed direction. Warford is expected to return as the Lions' starting right guard if he does not have any setbacks in practice the next three days. Manny Ramirez likely would move back to left guard, sending rookie Laken Tomlinson to the bench. Reid could return as the Lions' No. 3 defensive tackle.) (9-16-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/16/detroit-lions-injury-update/32510601/
DeAndre Levy, TJ Jones out for Detroit Lions; Ameer Abdullah likely the returner (The Lions announced shortly before their Sunday opener against the San Diego Chargers that Jones is among the team's seven inactive players. That means Abdullah likely is returning kicks, and possibly punts as well. Receiver Golden Tate could also be in the mix for return duties. Lance Moore and Josh Wilson will be the backups. Detroit's other inactives offer few surprises: Linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip), right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (ACL/elbow), right guard Larry Warford (ankle), defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle) and tight end Tim Wright.) (9-13-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/deandre_levy_tj_jones_out_for.html
Lions injury report: Warford, Reid out; Levy doubtful (Larry Warford and Caraun Reid will miss Sunday's season opener against the San Diego Chargers (4 p.m., Fox) with high ankle sprains suffered last month.) (9-11-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/11/detroit-lions-injury-report/72063188/
Detroit Lions rule out Larry Warford, Caraun Reid for opener; LB DeAndre Levy doubtful (9-11-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_rule_out_larry_w.html
Larry Warford, Caraun Reid run at Lions practice, near return; likely not vs Chargers (9-11-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/larry_warford_caraun_reid_run.html
PRACTICE REPORT: Lions still without three players (The Lions were still without linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip), guard Larry Warford (ankle) and defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle) as they continued on-field preparations Thursday afternoon for Sunday’s matchup in San Diego. All three players sat out of practice on Wednesday as well. Levy's hip injury has forced him to miss two weeks of practice now. Warford and Reid haven’t been on the practice field since suffering high ankle sprains Week 2 of the preseason.) (9-10-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/PRACTICE-REPORT-Lions-still-without-three-players/306e08b6-a45b-4ea6-bb21-a8a23aaefa60
Lions Practice Report (Right guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Caraun Reid also missed practice today with ankle injuries they suffered in the Lions' Week 2 preseason loss at Washington, and the Lions are proceeding carefully with their injuries.) (9-9-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/detroit-lions-injury-report/71951232/
Don't expect to see these 4 potential Lions starters against Chargers (Levy, Waddle, Warford and Reid) (9-10-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/dont_expect_to_see_these_4_pot.html
Will Levy (hip) play in Lions' opener? 'We'll see' (Warford and Reid were both running off to the side early in practice, which is a sign that they're recovering well. Both players suffered a high ankle sprain in the second exhibition, which is an injury that can easily be aggravated.) (9-9-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/-levy-play--lions-opener-well-see/71951708/
Five things we learned about the Lions this preseason (No one player will be able to replace Ndamukong Suh - The Lions lost Suh in free agency this spring, and it didn't take long to realize that they can't rely on just one player to replace his impact on defense. Although they traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, the Lions are also counting on Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker and everyone else in the front seven to help fill the void created by Suh's departure this offseason. This will be one of the Lions' biggest challenges.) (9-8-15): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/five-things-we-learned-about-the-lions-this-preseason-090815
LB Levy, OG Warford, DT Reid miss Lions practice today (Tyrunn Walker is expected to start at defensive tackle next to Haloti Ngata, though Reid will play significant minutes if he's healthy.) (9-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/detroit-lions-injury-report/71848638/
DeAndre Levy still sidelined by injury as Lions begin preparations for Chargers (Two other starters, right guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Caraun Reid, also missed practice.)(9-7-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/deandre_levy_still_sidelined_b.html
A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Caraun Reid: He reshaped his body and worked out with Suh in the offseason, leading to him being a potential 2015 breakout contender.) (9-7-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18706/linebacker-is-a-deep-group-on-the-detroit-lions-53-man-roster
Ranking the 25 players most important to the Detroit Lions' 2015 success (No. 21 -- Caraun Reid: Reid's dealing with a high ankle sprain which could limit him early in the season, but the physically improved defensive tackle flashed much-needed potential as an interior pass rusher before suffering the injury.) (9-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/25_most_important_players_to_d.html
Where Lions stand at each position after final cuts (Hunt forced his way onto the roster in a fashion similar to George Johnson last year, and his speed should help him contribute on special teams. The Lions parted with 2014 fourth-round pick Larry Webster, who struggled in camp. Tackle Jermelle Cudjo was among the final cuts, which could mean the Lions expect Reid to be ready for Week 1.) (9-6-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/06/where-lions-stand-at-each-position-after-final-cuts/71813142/
9 thoughts on the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Reading the tea leaves, Caraun Reid is probably in pretty good shape. There are only three other defensive tackles on the team in Haloti Ngata, Tyrunn Walker and rookie Gabe Wright, so if there were fears he wouldn't be ready for next week's opener, the Lions likely would have kept DT Jermelle Cudjo, who was having a pretty good camp, rather than a seventh linebacker in Brandon Copeland. Reid hasn't practiced since suffering a high ankle sprain against Washington on Aug. 20, but expect to see him against the Chargers.) (9-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/9_thoughts_on_the_detroit_lion.html
Twentyman: Lions Cut Their Roster To 53 (Hunt took advantage of opportunities given to him all spring and summer and earned this initial roster spot. In the end, Hunt did more to secure a roster spot than Webster, who the Lions hope will clear waivers and be part of their practice squad. Cudjo did enough to make the roster, too, but the Lions typically only keep four defensive tackles. His release could be good news that Reid will be ready to go Week 1 after suffering a high ankle sprain in the second preseason game. Wootton, who was injured Thursday night vs. Buffalo, has been placed on the injured reserve list.) (9-5-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-cut-their-roster-to-53/acd5e7d6-9c7c-4c9f-92c2-fc99ec894784
NOTEBOOK: TE Tim Wright joins Lions (Linebacker DeAndre Levy, guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Caraun Reid sat out Tuesday’s practice in Allen Park. Levy is still suffering from an undisclosed injury that’s been nagging him for about a week and a half now. Warford and Reid suffered high ankle sprains in Washington the second week of the preseason. Their status for Week 1 of the regular season is still up in the air. “These guys are on pace and no setbacks at this particular point in time, so they’re getting better,” Caldwell said of Warford and Reid. “Now when that’s going to happen, you ask me, ‘Hey, are you sure he’s going to be ready for the first game?’ "I’m not sure. You know, until they’re out there and practicing and ready to go, you know, then I’ll tell you, ‘Yeah, he’s ready to go.’ But right now, I can’t tell you that.”) (9-1-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-TE-Tim-Wright-joins-Lions-/df1b55db-e66c-4ff9-8e82-4820390fecc6
Ansah, Van Noy back at practice; Levy still out (Linebacker DeAndre Levy, who also missed the Jaguars game, was one of four Lions who did not practice today. Alex Carter, Larry Warford and Caraun Reid also sat out, though Warford and Reid watched from the sidelines after ankle injuries kept them away from the team most of last week. It's still unclear whether Warford and Reid will be ready for the Lions' Sept. 13 season opener against the San Diego Chargers. Reid got out of his walking boot Saturday.) (8-31-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/31/detroit-lions-practice-injury-report/71477990/
Lions' Reid out of walking boot, ankle getting better (The last time Caraun Reid suffered a high ankle sprain, he decided to play through the injury. "(It was) in college," Reid said. "We only played 10 games at Princeton. You don't have a choice when you play 10 games and your team's not great. So yeah, I did that before." Sidelined by another ankle injury since last week, Reid is taking a much more prudent approach with his health this time around. The second-year defensive tackle said he got out of a walking boot Saturday, and depending on how fast he heals, he could return for the Detroit Lions' season-opener in two weeks against the San Diego Chargers. "(I'm) walking, so that's good," Reid said. "Any progress is good progress as long as I'm moving forward." The Lions are counting on Reid to be a key player up front on a defensive line that's rebuilding at the tackle position after losing Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley in free agency. Reid and Tyrunn Walker are competing for the starting spot next to Haloti Ngata, and Reid has drawn rave reviews for his work this summer. He said Saturday that he doesn't expect the injury to set slow his development. "(It) interrupts me running," Reid said. "Mentally, I'm still OK, I'm still in meetings, doing everything I can. It's not great not being able to be out there, but work through it." Reid will miss his second straight preseason game Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, and he said he'll be back on the field "as soon as possible." "It's a longer season," Reid said. "I'm just trying to make sure I'm healthy whenever I can.") (8-29-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/detroit-lions-caraun-reid-injury/71398728/
Injury 'disrupts, doesn't destroy' Caraun Reid's big plans (After spending the past week in a walking boot, Caraun Reid was back to walking around in shoes Saturday. The Lions' second-year defensive tackle suffered a left high ankle sprain in last Thursday's exhibition against Washington and is not sure when he'll return to the field. Reid had one of the most impressive offseasons among Lions players after transforming from a guy who was replaced by Andre Fluellen in the defensive tackle rotation as a rookie, to one competing for the starting job left vacant when Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley left in free agency. The 2014 fifth-round pick said he was looking forward to playing in every game this year after appearing in 12 last season, but recognizes the injury could affect that plan. "It disrupts it, but it doesn't destroy it," Reid said. "So, I'm just moving on from here." With Reid injured, Tyrunn Walker appears to have a significant edge in their competition to be a starter, but even if he's a reserve option, Reid would play a big role as the No. 3 tackle in the rotation this year. While it's frustrating not being able to prove himself with the regular season drawing near, he'll work to do whatever he can to return as quickly as possible.) (8-29-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/injury-disrupts-doesnt-destroy-caraun-reids-big-plans/71400492/
Video - Reid on his recovery (8-29-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Reid-on-his-recovery/9d321386-ccec-48b2-b27f-63ac11d9fdf5
9 potential starters sidelined for Lions, including 6 linemen; Calvin Johnson out too (Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), Haloti Ngata (hamstring), Caraun Reid (ankle) and Jason Jones (knee) -- one possible configuration for the starting defensive line -- will be out entirely Friday night in Jacksonville.) (8-28-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_potential_starters_sideline.html
Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (Tyrunn Walker, fourth-round rookie Gabe Wright, last year’s fifth-rounder Caraun Reid and journeyman Jermelle Cudjo. (General rule of thumb: the more guys in contention for playing time at a single position, the worse shape that position is in.)) (8-28-15): http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford
Lions starters may play past halftime but not Megatron (Caraun Reid and Larry Warford will miss Friday's game and next week's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills with high ankle sprains.) (8-26-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/26/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/32398291/
Caraun Reid still rocking the walking boot in Lions facilit (8-26-15): https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/636575615068602368
Haloti Ngata gets in side work during Lions practice; DeAndre Levy out (Joining Van Noy and Levy as practice absentees were: Offensive tackle Michael Williams (unknown), defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), tailback Joique Bell (knee/Achilles), defensive tackle Caraun Reid, right guard Larry Warford, cornerback Chris Owens and Ngata.) (8-25-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/haloti_ngata_gets_in_side_work.html
Detroit Lions notes — Kyle Van Noy defended by Teryl Austin (Caraun Reid, who sustained an ankle sprain in Thursday’s game, remains out of practice. It’s uncertain when he’ll return and if that will before the season opener on Sept. 13 at San Diego. The second-year defensive tackle had made great strides since his rookie year. “I don’t think it will stall him. He’s a tremendous worker, tremendous guy,’’ Teryl Austin said. “The biggest thing we need to do is get him healthy and I think once he gets healthy, he’ll come back and he’ll be, continue to ascend for us.” It was expected that Reid would start alongside Haloti Ngata or be in the rotation. “It’s always a loss when you have a guy that you think is going to be in the rotation, you plan on being in the rotation, but as always, we’ll, whoever the next guy is, we anticipate that he will step up and play well for us until Caraun is back if he’s not available,’’ Austin said.) (8-25-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150825/detroit-lions-notes-x2014-kyle-van-noy-defended-by-teryl-austin
Teryl Austin, Joe Lombardi quotes from Monday (On DT Caraun Reid’s injury stunting his progression: "I don’t think it will stall him. He’s a tremendous worker, tremendous guy. The biggest thing we need to do is get him healthy and I think once he gets healthy, he’ll come back and he’ll be, continue to ascend for us." On how big of a loss Reid is: "Well, it’s always a loss when you have a guy that you think is going to be in the rotation, you plan on being in the rotation, but as always, we, whoever the next guy is, we anticipate that he will step up and play well for us until Caraun (Reid) is back if he’s not available.") (8-25-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi
Lions' Reid in boot; Van Noy, Ebron, Ansah miss workout (Caraun Reid peered around a corner during the Detroit Lions' open locker room period today, then quickly hobbled the other way. Reid, who has had a strong camp in his bid for a starting defensive tackle spot, wore a walking boot on his left foot, lending credence to the belief that he won't play again for the Lions this preseason. Reid was one of five Lions starters who did not practice today, for injury reasons. Reid and Warford will miss Friday's exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (8 p.m., CBS), and there's concern that Warford's injury could linger into the season.) (8-24-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/24/detroit-lions-injury-report/32280555/
Eric Ebron among 6 starters sidelined for Detroit Lions practice (Caraun Reid and Larry Warford, important players at important positions, missed a third straight Detroit Lions practice Monday afternoon. Reid is a starting candidate at defensive tackle, where the Lions are replacing their top three players from a year ago, while Warford is the best player on the team's reworked offensive line. Both suffered ankle injuries during the first quarter of Thursday's preseason loss in Washington.)
(8-24-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/eric_ebron_among_6_starters_si.html
Detroit practiced without a laundry list of players today (DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), TE Eric Ebron (undisclosed), DT Caraun Reid (ankle), RG Larry Warford (ankle), RB Joique Bell (knee/Achilles), DT Haloti Ngata (hamstring), LB Kyle Van Noy (unknown), WR Lance Moore (excused for birth of child), LB Kevin Snyder (hand), CB Crezdon Butler (unknown) and safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (unknown) all did not practice on Sunday. Coach Jim Caldwell said after practice that most of the injuries are minor, although he seemed to express some concern about Van Noy.) (8-23-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_lb_kyle_van_noy_4.html
Pat Caputo - More questions raised than answered for Detroit Lions so far this preseason (The middle of the Lions’ defensive line remains a great unknown. There is nothing remaining in the preseason that will provide any answer for it. How serious is Caraun Reid’s ankle injury? Haloti Naga hasn’t practiced. The season is just three weeks away. It’s entirely possible the Lions’ defense will be every bit as strong this season without Ndamukong Suh. But it’s very unlikely if Reid and, particularly Ngata, aren’t effective players. Lets put it this way: It will not be good if Jermelle Cudjo vaults up the depth chart out of sheer necessity.) (8-22-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150822/pat-caputo-more-questions-raised-than-answered-for-detroit-lions-so-far-this-preseason
Four Downs: Orlovsky Feeling Comfortable And Confident (Walker had a sack and forced fumble vs. the Redskins. Caruan Reid, who’s battling Walker for the starting role next to Ngata, had a sack last week vs. the Jets.) (8-21-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/FOUR-DOWNS-Orlovsky-feeling-comfortable-and-confident/c188163d-6b57-4c18-af78-9d3faae6f61f
Lions' Warford, Reid dealing with high ankle sprains (The Detroit Lions could be without starters Larry Warford and Caraun Reid for the rest of the preseason after both players suffered high ankle sprains in Thursday's loss to Washington. Reid injured his left ankle on the second play of the game when his leg gave out on a pass rush, and Warford left after two offensive series when Ameer Abdullah fell on the back of his right leg. Neither player returned to the field, and Lions coach Jim Caldwell refused to put a timetable on their recoveries today. "It's going to be a little while, but I'm not certain," Caldwell said. The Lions open the regular season in just over three weeks, on Sept. 13 against the San Diego Chargers. It's doubtful Warford or Reid will be available for next week's preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and considering the positions they play and their importance to the team, it makes little sense to play either in the exhibition finale Sept. 3 against the Buffalo Bills even if they've been cleared to return. Reid, who's in the midst of a strong training camp, is expected to join Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker as a rotational player at the Lions' thin defensive tackle position. Ngata has missed all of training camp so far with a hamstring injury.) (8-21-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/21/lions-injury-report/32149901/
Recap: Lions At Redskins (The Lions didn’t come out of the game unscathed on the injury front. Starting defensive tackle Caraun Reid and starting right guard Larry Warford both left the game early with ankle injuries. Reid was injured on the second play of the game. Warford was injured a short time later when his right leg got caught under a pile and he fell backwards awkwardly. Warford stayed in for one more play, but then took himself out. Both players were taken to the locker room for further evaluation. Their status will be updated following Caldwell’s postgame press conference.) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-at-Redskins/cce7020b-6e20-48a4-aa49-a2850958279b
Lions' Larry Warford, Caraun Reid head to locker room with ankle injuries (8-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/larry_warford_caraun_reid_head.html
Detroit Lions — Five things learned from loss to Redskins (The starting defense, especially the line, looks sharp. Just ask quarterback Robert Griffin III who couldn’t get anything going before he was knocked out of the game with a stinger and possible concussion. On the play that forced him out, he fumbled and then Gabe Wright recovered the ball while Corey Wootton hit Griffin. The previous play Jermelle Cudjo sacked Griffin for a loss of four yards. Griffin dropped back to pass eight times, he got hit on six and had one batted down. He was 2-of-5 for 8 yards passing. Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker was fierce in there as was Caraun Reid until he went out with an injured ankle. Remember they’re still playing without Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones.) (8-20-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150820/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-learned-from-loss-to-redskins
5 things to watch: Lions at Redskins (Defensive Tackle Play - It’s hard to really get a good gauge on what the Lions’ starting defense will look like in the middle without Haloti Ngata on the field. He’s still dealing with a strained hamstring and will miss his second preseason game tonight. While the defense only allowed 67 total yards and three points to the Jets last week, 41 of those yards came on the Jets’ opening possession against the No. 1 defense. Included among those yards were six rushes for 25 yards, which is better than a 4.0 per carry average. Four of those runs were right up the middle. Tyrunn Walker didn’t have a great game and was outplayed by Caraun Reid. Walker and Reid will get the start again tonight and the Lions will be looking for them to be much more stout against the run inside.) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/5-things-to-watch-Lions-at-Redskins/0a3dc84e-75ca-4c67-a56f-84cd4f6933dd
O'hara's Final Thoughts: Slay wants Washington's receivers to test him (D Heat: Devin Taylor gave snaps to George Johnson last season after a promising rookie year. With Johnson leaving for Tampa Bay as a free agent, Taylor is making a statement again. Taylor had two sacks and combined with tackle Caraun Reid for the Lions’ only sack in the game against the Jets.) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-FINAL-THOUGHTS-Slay-wants-Washingtons-receivers-to-test-him/50672a42-f51f-415a-873e-84024b16315a
Lions vs. Washington: Five things to watch Thursday (Interior design: One of the few areas of weakness last week, the Lions did not get much push from their starting defensive tackles. Caraun Reid has had a better camp and seems to be ahead of Tyrunn Walker for the starting spot next to Haloti Ngata, but the Lions need more consistent play out of both.) (8-19-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/19/detroit-lions-washington-redskins/31984749/
Detroit Lions — Five things to watch vs. Redskins in preseason action (Defensive tackle Caraun Reid had a sack last week and looked strong. He and Tyrunn Walker should start. It’s expected Haloti Ngata will be back for the regular season, so these two have the opportunity to show they can start alongside him.) (8-19-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150819/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-to-watch-vs-redskins-in-preseason-action
Camp Spotlight: Tackle Riley Reiff (The Lions worked on their two-point-conversion offense and defense during a team period and the first-team offense scored on four of their five attempts by my count. Reiff was able to put Ansah to the ground on the first rep. He stood up Caraun Reid on another rep. Reiff struggled a couple of times blocking at the second level in another team period. He missed a block on James Ihedigbo on a play run away from Reiff around the right tackle. Overall it was a nice practice for Reiff.) (8-17-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Camp-Spotlight-Tackle-Riley-Reiff/c1e8af0b-80ba-473a-aed2-caf52946608a
Camp notes: Could Igwenagu make Lions as TE? (Travis Swanson and Manny Ramirez were rocks in the pass-rush drill, barely giving up ground to Tyrunn Walker (Swanson, though Walker got better push on their second rep) and Caraun Reid (Ramirez).) (8-17-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/17/emil-igwenagu-/31892773/
Camp observations: Lions unveil 2-point attack (On those 2-point tries, the group of defensive linemen on the first play was Darryl Tapp, Ezekiel Ansah, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker, Phillip Hunt and Jermelle Cudjo.) (8-17-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/camp-observations-lions-unveil-2-point-attack/31894665/
Notebook: Defensive Line Off To A Good Start (The players upfront along the Lions’ defensive line entered Thursday’s preseason opener vs. the Jets with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I mean, who could blame them? For the last six months they’ve been answering more questions about who isn’t playing along their line than who actually is. The defensive line certainly has something to prove and they got off to a good start in a 23-3 stomping of the Jets. The Jets amassed just 123 total yards, were 3-of-12 on third down and netted just 67 yards on the ground. “Yeah, we did a lot of good things out there tonight,” said second-year defensive tackle Caraun Reid, who finished with a tackle, a sack and a quarterback hit. “I think it was a great first start for us, and we have to improve on (it). But it’s good to see where we’re at as a defensive line. The Lions aren’t as talented a unit as they were last year, but they’re probably deeper, especially at defensive end. They're going to rely on more players to get the job done upfront this year, but the expectations from the coaching staff haven’t changed. “I think there was some good things and I think we still have a lot of things to work on,” Caldwell said when asked about his defensive line. “That’s another area that’s very, very difficult to say exactly what was going on until you see that film. But there’s some guys who made some plays. “Caraun, obviously, with the sack. Devin (Taylor) made some plays here and there. (Jermelle) Cudjo made a nice play on a third down. Pretty good effort by those guys.”) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Defensive-line-off-to-a-good-start/afc43b8e-4bc1-48a9-b924-fd364c4fff09
O'hara's Burning Questions: What Did The Offense's Opening Drive Mean? (Four Downs: So Far So Good For Lions Run Game (Q. Ready Reid: Reid bulked up physically in the offseason with the expectation of taking on a bigger role after playing sparingly at defensive tackle as a rookie. What did his performance show? A. It showed that the work made a difference. He’s bigger and stronger, and that showed on two plays. He got penetration on a running play that forced the back to change direction. The defense smothered the play. And later in the first half Reid led the way on a sack of rookie quarterback Bryce Petty that forced a punt. Devin Taylor also was in on that sack. No one is going to forget Ndamukong Suh because of what anybody did in the first exhibition game, but they ought to remember that Reid’s stock is rising.) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara-burning-questions/article-1/OHARAS-BURNING-QUESTIONS-What-did-the-offenses-opening-drive-mean/1a45ac04-e7c4-41a1-883a-44c04c2db262
Detroit 23, N.Y. Jets 3: Plenty to like from Lions' exhibition debut (Most of the Lions' first-team defense played just one series against a Jets team that was without its top quarterback Geno Smith, who suffered a broken jaw in a locker room fight earlier this week. The Jets, behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, drove 41 yards in 10 plays on their opening drive after a long kick return and converted a fourth-and-1 run on the possession. Darius Slay had four tackles on the drive, and Devin Taylor and Caraun Reid shared a sack in the first half for the Lions.) (8-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/13/detroit-lions-new-york-jets-exhibition/31682513/
Five observations from Lions' first exhibition (Sack lunch: Caraun Reid is making a strong case for winning the starting defensive tackle job next to Haloti Ngata. Reid and Tyrunn Walker have been nose-to-nose in training camp, but Reid showed nice moves, especially on his inside rush for a sack of Bryce Petty in the second quarter.)(8-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/14/detroit-lions-extra-points/31692871/
Lions ground Jets in exhibition opener (Reid was a standout on defense. In the first half, he had a tackle and split a sack with defensive end Devin Taylor on a play in which Reid easily bullrushed through left guard Dakota Dozier.) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/13/jets-lions-exhibition-season/31660483/
Snap counts: Zenner gets long look with Lions (Defensively, the Lions wanted an extended look at a couple of 2014 draft picks as cornerback Nevin Lawson played 29 snaps, the most of any defensive player, and defensive end Larry Webster played 27. Defensive tackle Caraun Reid had 16 snaps and linebacker Kyle Van Noy had 19.) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/14/snap-counts-zenner-gets-long-look-lions/31721387/
Detroit Lions stock report: Kellen Moore fails to take advantage of opportunity (Stock up -- Defensive tackle Caraun Reid: The second-year defensive tackle out of Princeton lived up to the praise he's received this offseason, combining with defensive end Devin Taylor on a third-down sack early in the second quarter. Reid also showed his burst off the line, getting into the backfield and altering the path of Jets running back Bilal Powell before he was dropped for a one-yard gain by Tyrunn Walker.) (8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report_ame.html
Ameer Abdullah makes dazzling debut in Detroit Lions win against Jets (The most encouraging sign from the defense occurred up front. The Lions are trying to figure out how to replace Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley and George Johnson this offseason -- four of their top six players at the position. Caraun Reid and Devin Taylor both looked like they might be ready for bigger roles in that grouping, turning in good showings in camp, then wrecking New York up front -- including combining for a second-quarter sack that forced a punt. Reid blew up the play on the inside, simply overpowering New York guard Dakota Dozier. Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker were at defensive tackle (8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/ameer_abdullah_makes_dazzling.html
A quick recap on who's winning, and who's losing, the Detroit Lions' job battles (Defensive tackle — Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker started the game, as expected, with Haloti Ngata still out with a hamstring injury. They're battling for the same starting job, and Reid still looks like he has the edge, even if Walker has gained ground in recent days. Reid blew up a third-down play early in the second quarter, simply overpowering New York's interior line and collapsing the pocket. He combined for Devin Taylor for the sack. He also set up Walker's only tackle, blowing off the ball to alter Jets tailback Bilal Powell's path. The Lions gave up a draft pick to grab Gabe Wright in the fourth round of the draft, so he's definitely making the team behind Ngata, Reid and Walker. But Jermelle Cudjo deserves a shout-out for yet another productive day, this time tallying one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.)(8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/a_quick_recap_on_where_the_det.html
Young Detroit Lions shine in win over Jets (Defensive tackle Caraun Reid, who is battling for a starting role, made the most of his chances and was credited for half a sack of Jets’ quarterback Bryce Petty along with Devin Taylor. Reid, who trained with Ndamukong Suh in the offseason, could have gotten there on his own.) (8-14-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150813/young-detroit-lions-shine-in-win-over-jets
Detroit Lions — Five things learned from preseason opener (Caraun Reid made his case to start at defensive tackle. It’s tough to judge defensive and offensive lines until they see game action. He passed. His half a sack (he could have gotten there on his own) was impressive. He is not Ndamukong Suh but his play can help people forget about losing Suh.) (8-14-15): http://oplions.blogspot.com/2015/08/detroit-lions-five-things-learned-from.html
Jim Caldwell comments on Lions' win over Jets (On the defensive tackles' performance: "I think there were some good things and I think we still got a lot of things to work on and that's another area that's very, very difficult to say exactly what was going on until you get a chance to look at that film . There were some guys that made some plays. Caraun (Reid) was obviously the sack and Devin (Taylor) made some plays here and there and Jermelle (Cudjo) made a nice play on a third down to stop things like that. Pretty good effort out of those guys.") (8-14-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/14/9145911/lions-jets-preseason-quotes-jim-caldwell
Lions players comment on win over Jets (Lions DT Caraun Reid: On the defense's overall performance tonight: "Yeah, we did a lot of good things out there tonight. We did what we accomplished, did what we practiced. We just have to take this opportunity. I think it was a great first start for us, and we have a lot to improve on. But it's good to see where we're at as a D-Line." On if his body feels better now compared to last year: "Absolutely. I feel a lot better than I did last year, a lot more confident. I was able to do some things that I couldn't do last year and that's what I need. That's what I set up to accomplish." On the opportunity to face an opponent's offensive line: "Yeah, it was great. It was great to get out with them. It will be great even later on when we get to prepare more for the opponent. But it was good to go against some great players. Their center (Nick Mangold) is an All-Pro, so it's great to go against a great guy like that." On his sack tonight: "It was cool. I enjoyed it. It was great in the moment, then I just moved on to the next play. But it's one of those things that you kind of set out to do and you hope you can get a lot more when the season starts.") (8-14-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/14/9145897/lions-jets-preseason-quotes-players
Ameer Abdullah, journeyman Greg Salas shine in Lions' preseason opener (Maybe that dude could start: The interior of the defensive line looked somewhat suspect against the New York starters, but Caraun Reid put together a nice bull rush for a sack of Bryce Petty. He looked like someone who has enough speed to start next to Haloti Ngata at tackle, which is what the Lions are trying to figure out during the preseason.)(8-14-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18256/ameer-abdullah-journeyman-greg-salas-shine-in-detroit-lions-preseason-opener
Winners and losers from Lions' first preseason game (Winners - Caraun Reid and Devin Taylor - Both of these players have had a pretty strong camp so far, and they put together a nice play to combine for a sack on Thursday night. Reid in particular looked quite good against the Jets, and he is making a strong case to be a full-time starter at defensive tackle.) (8-14-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/13/9145923/lions-jets-preseason-winners-losers
PFF Grades for Jets-Lions (Life after Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairly was bumpy in this game. Tyrunn Walker and Caraun Reid started at DT and both graded negatively, especially against the run.) (8-14-15): https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/08/14/grades-for-jets-lions/
Video - Postgame 1 on 1 with DT Caraun Reid (8-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Postgame-1-on-1-with-DT-Caraun-Reid/e06e9502-1202-4be6-83af-e295918c9319
5 things to watch in Lions' preseason opener (Suh who? In Game 1 A.D. (After 'Damukong), the Lions will start two of the unproven defensive tackles they're counting on to help soften the loss of Ndamukong Suh's free agent departure. Both Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker have had their moments in camp, and they'll be front and center in the trenches with Haloti Ngata out with a hamstring injury.) (8-12-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/12/detroit-lions-jets-geno-smith/31528637/
Ten Lions to watch in exhibition opener (Caraun Reid, DT: A fifth-round pick last year, Reid probably will be one of the last starters pulled. Reid has shown an explosive first step and good speed and power in camp. Now, he has to show it against live competition if he wants to be the Week 1 starter.) (8-12-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/12/ten-lions-watch-thursday-jets/31561587/
Freep Camp Notes - Lions offense sloppy with preseason opener on deck (He probably wouldn't have picked up many yards on the play, but Ameer Abdullah had one run in a team period that shows why he'll be so tough for teams to tackle this fall, slithering through a tiny space to get by an unsuspecting Caraun Reid. Abdulah, who stands 5-feet-9, runs with a low center of gravity and is able to hide behind his big offensive linemen.) (8-11-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/11/detroit-lions-training-camp-observations/31494755/
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Devin Taylor, Corey Robinson continue going opposite directions (Back to the one-on-one pass rush, it wasn't a particularly good day for center Travis Swanson. He struggled with the power rushes of Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker, who both drove the center back into the center.) (8-11-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_30.html
Notebook: Revamped Reid Playing Important Role On D-line (Caraun Reid is expected to be a big part of the Lions’ defensive line this year. He and Tyrunn Walker are competing for the starting spot next to Haloti Ngata. Even if Reid doesn't win the starting job, the way the Lions rotate their defensive tackles, he’ll still play an important role. Reid knew he had to change his body this offseason if he was going to handle the increased workload. He worked out with Ndamukong Suh and went from 305 pounds to 295 and lost three percent of his body fat. “I’m in great shape,” Reid said after Monday's morning practice. “I’m in phenomenal shape.” The lost weight and added strength have changed the way Reid plays and moves inside. “It’s just completely different,” he said. “Night and day.” Head coach Jim Caldwell has taken notice. "He’s more explosive, he’s running better, not to say that he couldn’t run before. He’s a very good athlete, but he’s improved in all those areas,” Caldwell said. “Almost in every single area, he’s improved which is good.” Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said he’s looking for someone who can rush the passer to pair next to Ngata. A quicker and more explosive Reid is better equipped to be that kind of player than he was last year. Reid and Walker will probably start inside for the preseason opener vs. the Jets on Thursday, but as soon as Ngata gets back from a strained hamstring, he’ll assume his spot in the lineup and Reid and Walker will compete to be his right-hand man. “It’s healthy,” Caldwell said of the competition. “You know, (Tyrunn) Walker is a real fine athlete, big guy who can run, has experience and very versatile, so that’s a real good battle in there between those two guys.” When the team signed Walker back in March to a one-year, $1.75 million deal it seemed pretty clear he’d be the starter next to Ngata. It’s a credit to Reid, and the work he’s put in this offseason, that he’s right there in the thick of things.) (8-10-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Revamped-Reid-playing-important-role-on-d-line/0bf61d8a-3c0c-4e79-a7ef-b2da7f96abc9
Detroit Lions Caraun Reid’s explosiveness could be key to starting role
(8-10-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150810/detroit-lions-caraun-reids-explosiveness-could-be-key-to-starting-role
Jim Caldwell's quotes from Monday (On DT Caraun Reid: "He's made real good progress. You know, you can tell, not only has he changed physically, just in terms of his overall body comp, but his strength, his explosiveness has also improved. He's playing well. That's kind of what you see typically from a guy who's going into his second year that's worked extremely hard in between to try to get to the point where he measures up to what this league requires, so he made a pretty sizable leap physically and also you can see it in his play now. We'll get an opportunity to see a little bit more here come preseason, but he's improved." On how Reid is moving differently: "Sure. He's more explosive, he's running better, not to say that he couldn't run before. He's a very good athlete, but he's improved in all those areas. Almost in every single area, he's improved which is good." On how the competition between Reid and DT Tyrunn Walker is playing out: "It's healthy. You know, (Tyrunn) Walker is a real fine athlete, big guy who can run, has experience and very versatile, so that's a real good battle in there between those two guys.")(8-10-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/11/9128321/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-monday
Video - Reid on the defensive line (8-10-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Reid-on-the-defensive-line/95269edc-5eec-4e4e-8063-275886a8bebe
Walker, Reid at defensive tackle for scrimmage. Larry Webster at DE (8-8-15): https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/630028521675595776
Freep Camp observations: Defense ahead of offense (Manny Ramirez and Caraun Reid had nice battle, with Ramirez getting his arms into Reid to win the first snap, then Reid knifing inside of Ramirez on the second.)(8-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/07/lions-training-camp-thoughts/31322327/
ESPN Lions Camp notes (Tyrunn Walker will be one to watch: In a somewhat wide-open competition at defensive tackle, both Walker and Caraun Reid have taken a lot of first-team reps with Haloti Ngata out because of a strained hamstring. It feels more and more likely that one of those two players will end up lining up next to Ngata, and I was impressed by Walker on Thursday.) (8-6-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18134/detroit-lions-rb-ameer-abdullah-is-starting-to-stand-out
Teryl Austin's quotes from Day 4 of training camp (On the battle between DT Caraun Reid and DT Tyrunn Walker for the starting position on the defensive line next to DT Haloti Ngata: "Those guys are both doing well. I think they're both practicing hard. They both bring a little different skill set, but they both can be effective at what they do. So it's going to be a heck of a battle. And the big thing I can say is they'll both play for us and they'll both play a lot for us.") (8-6-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/6/9113735/lions-training-camp-quotes-teryl-austin-day-4
NOTEBOOK: Levy happy with new extension (For the first time in camp the offensive and defensive lines took part in pass rushing drills with the pads on. Overall I’d give the win to the offensive line. Manny Ramirez got the win over Caraun Reid.)(8-5-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Levy-happy-with-new-extension/205e8e1c-d1c9-4d22-91d3-f1c20d1f0014
Camp Spotlight: Defensive tackle Caraun Reid (Reid continued to take first-team reps on Tuesday and is expected to do so at least until Ngata returns from a strained hamstring. The defensive line drills are the most exciting of the individual portion of practice because of the competition among the players. Reid took on rookie Gabe Wright in a quickness drill on the two-man sled. The object is to come off the ball and engage the sled before the other guy. Reid called out Wright to be his opponent and Wright got the better of him, beating him to the sled both times. It’s hard to judge defensive lineman until the pads come on, especially in team drills, but Reid did get some good penetration a couple times against the offense, once forcing a running back into another gap. The pads come on Wednesday night at Novi, which means the hitting and the evaluation of both lines really begins.) (8-4-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Camp-Spotlight-Defensive-tackle-Caraun-Reid/5d1b55ca-ff22-4e4b-a058-362cfe5f0457
Freep Camp Notes - RB Abdullah impressive again, more (In an 11-on-11 red-zone drill Laken Tomlinson knocked Caraun Reid off balance with a quick jolt to the upper body.) (8-4-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/04/detroit-lions-training-camp-observations/31140041/
MLive Camp Notes (With Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones out, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker and Darryl Tapp have taken the majority of the first-team reps up front. Devin Taylor also continues to get some work at defensive tackle.) (8-4-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_25.html
Video - Caraun Reid highlights (8-4-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Caraun-Reid-highlights/1a3088e4-147e-4850-99f2-62d58a3eb273
Freep Camp Notes (Tyrunn Walker and Caraun Reid worked with the first-team defense at tackle Monday after the Lions placed Haloti Ngata on the non-football injury list with a hamstring strain he suffered this summer.) (8-3-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/03/detroit-lions-training-camp-observations/31085707/
DT Tyrun Walker:
Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Defensive tackles: Haloti Ngata, 50; Tyrunn Walker, 48; Jermelle Cudjo, 21; Gabe Wright, 10. Analysis: Despite dealing with a shoulder injury, Ngata played 77 percent of the snaps. He and Walker are clearly the best two tackle options by a mile, and it’s unclear how much of a role Caraun Reid will have when he returns.) (9-21-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/
Worst players at every position for Week 2 (Defensive interior – Tackle: Tyrunn Walker, Lions (-3.1) - Walker was nearly invisible against the Vikings, making only one tackle (a clean-up) and putting up little-to-no fight against a rushing attack that ran for 199 yards.) (9-21-15): https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/21/worst-players-at-every-position-for-week-2/
NOTEBOOK: Defense missing DeAndre Levy (Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker limped off the field late in the game.) (9-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Defense-missing-DeAndre-Levy/d98dd256-4231-4933-aa32-129aec2d5e5c
Notebook: Ngata not an easier task than Suh for the Lions (For the first time in four years, the Vikings are preparing against a Detroit Lions defense that will be without defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who left to sign with Miami in free agency. In that December 11, 2011 divisional matchup against the Vikings, Suh was suspended after he stomped on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith. Two years later, Suh received a $100,000 fine from the league after taking out center John Sullivan's knees on an interception return. The Lions replaced Suh, a troublemaker within and outside of the rules, this offseason with former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who is "not an easier task whatsoever," guard Brandon Fusco said. "They're still a pretty good defensive line," Fusco said. "Physical up front. Stout in the run. So it's not an easier task whatsoever. Haloti Ngata has been around this league for a while and they've got a guy in [Tyrunn] Walker who's pretty good up front. He's no slouch. They rely on their front four and you just really have to out-physical them." That's a tall task right now for a Vikings offensive line that was overmatched by a 49ers' front that sacked quarterback Teddy Bridgewater five times in Monday night's loss. Though the Lions allowed roughly 400 passing yards and 33 points to San Diego in their opener, the defensive line accounted for four tackles behind the line of scrimmage, three quarterback hits, two sacks and a forced fumble. Fusco has faced Ngata once before, in a December 2013 game, and the Vikings were able to hold him without a sack and just one tackle. "Suh is more just playing in your chest and power you," Fusco said. "Haloti, he kind of mixes it up well with swim, kind of shows his hands and gets back with nice moves. He's more finesse than Suh, but he's got that power you can't sleep on." Suh's partner in the trenches, Nick Fairley, also left Detroit in free agency, opening up a spot for the aforementioned Walker, a 2012 undrafted defensive tackle out of Tulsa. Walker spent his first three NFL seasons in New Orleans, two of those years with Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson. "Tyrunn, he's more of a power guy," Johnson said. "He's a big, massive dude that knows how to push and use leverage. He's instinctive, but he's pretty quick. Our offensive line just have to be prepared and brace for it." Walker burst out of the Week 1 gate with a team-high seven quarterback hurries in the Lions' loss at San Diego, according to Pro Football Focus, but also three missed tackles. The Vikings are just as wary against the new-look Lions as they were last year, when they surrendered six sacks on Bridgewater in the Week 6 loss at TCF Bank Stadium. Coach Mike Zimmer said he doesn't see much of a difference with Suh out of the NFC North. "Not much really," Zimmer said. "Ngata is a big, physical guy like Suh was and their front tries to get after you every single play if they can. It hasn't changed really at all.") (9-17-15): http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Notebook_Lions_Haloti_Ngata_not_easier_task_for_Vikings_than_Suh091715
Detroit Lions Twitter Talk: On a silver lining not named Ameer Abdullah and going for 4th down (Q. Besides the obvious performance by Abdullah who was the biggest bright spot? A. I really liked what I saw from the return game, but I'll go with defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker. Yeah, he missed some tackles against the run, but he played a huge number of snaps and generated pressure a staggering seven times as a pass rusher. That's even more impressive when you factor in how quickly Rivers was getting rid of the ball.) (9-16-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_twitter_talk_12.html
Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Defensive tackles: Tyrunn Walker (58 of 79), Haloti Ngata (53), Jermelle Cudjo (26), Gabe Wright (13). Analysis: Walker played 73 percent of the snaps, which is close to how much Ndamukong Suh played last year. It makes sense for the 25-year-old to play more than the 31-year-old Ngata, and when the elder tackle exited, Walker moved to the left side to fill his spot and focus more on run support. Cudjo has more trust right now from his coaches than Wright, a fourth-round rookie.) (9-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/
Opposing offenses are catching up to Lions ("All I can say is we just need to get there a little bit faster," defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker said. Walker actually had a strong debut for the Lions. In 58 snaps, he had seven quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. No other defensive tackle had more than four. Rivers ensured much of Walker's pressure was for naught, and the combination of quick passes and well-timed runs helped the Chargers accumulate 483 total yards.) (9-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/opposing-offenses-catching-lions/72287662/
Detroit Lions snap counts: DT Tyrunn Walker proves capable of playing heavy load (One of the great things about Ndamukong Suh is his endurance, even as a 300-plus pounder. As a member of the Detroit Lions, you could always pencil the defensive tackle to work around 80 percent of the plays. Suh's gone. This isn't just another rehashing of recent history. It's simply setting up the impressive fact that Tyrunn Walker, one of the players brought in to help revamp Detroit's defensive tackle group, proved capable of handling a similarly heavy workload. Despite field-level temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in San Diego, Walker was on the field 58 snaps against the Chargers on Sunday. More impressively, he racked up a very Suh-like seven QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.) (9-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_tyru.html
PFF's DET-SD grades: Rough start for Lions’ Stafford-Johnson connection (Defensively, the Lions limited the Chargers to 3.2 yards per carry on the ground, a good result considering the offseason departure of tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. DT Haloti Ngata (0.0) was double-teamed often and proved difficult to move, while another offseason addition, DT Tyrunn Walker (+1.8), put forth an impressive display after two seasons of good production in limited snaps with the Saints. Walker logged a career-high 57 snaps, collected seven pressures, and frequently squeezed the pocket with effective bull rushes against Chargers’ LG Orlando Franklin (-0.6) and C Chris Watt (-6.8). Walker had one of the Lions top 5 grades.) (9-14-15): https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/14/det-sd-grades-rough-start-for-lions-stafford-johnson-connection/
Free Press Lions' report card: Poor marks for linebackers, receivers (Defensive line - B-: The Chargers worked mostly underneath routes and the quick passing game, but the Lions still didn't get enough pressure on Philip Rivers. Phillip Hunt had an early sack on Rivers, and Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor converged for a coverage sack later in the game. Tyrunn Walker and Jason Jones drew costly encroachment penalties, twice giving the Chargers first downs on third-and-short. Haloti Ngata had three tackles and did a good job occupying bodies in his first game as a Lion.) (9-13-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-report-card/72236260/
Chargers, with 30 straight points, shred Lions defense (The Chargers, though, drove methodically on the ensuing drive. An unnecessary roughness penalty on Ihedigbo helped, too, as he hit Allen in the head on a tackle, turning a 19-yard catch into a net gain of 34 yards. A few plays later, defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker’s encroachment penalty converted a third-and-1 for San Diego, and Danny Woodhead scored on a 9-yard run the next play, cutting the Lions’ lead to 21-10 with 5:02 left in the half.) (9-13-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/chargers-straight-points-shred-lions-defense/72227852/
10 takeaways from Austin and Lombardi (Opportunities come few and far between in this league, so Austin is excited about the opportunity for defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker to be a starter and key contributor along the defensive line this season. Walker is a versatile player who had a good preseason. This is his first opportunity to be a full-time starter and Austin thinks "he’ll play well this year.") (9-10-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/919e6e78-baba-460e-9083-20213bd92
Walker looking to make name for himself with Lions (9-10-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/10/walker-looking-make-name-lions/72039206/
Five things we learned about the Lions this preseason (No one player will be able to replace Ndamukong Suh - The Lions lost Suh in free agency this spring, and it didn't take long to realize that they can't rely on just one player to replace his impact on defense. Although they traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, the Lions are also counting on Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker and everyone else in the front seven to help fill the void created by Suh's departure this offseason. This will be one of the Lions' biggest challenges.) (9-8-15): http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/five-things-we-learned-about-the-lions-this-preseason-090815
LB Levy, OG Warford, DT Reid miss Lions practice today (Tyrunn Walker is expected to start at defensive tackle next to Haloti Ngata, though Reid will play significant minutes if he's healthy.) (9-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/detroit-lions-injury-report/71848638/
A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Tyrunn Walker: He has the size and speed off the ball to be an effective interior pass-rusher, but how he handles an increased snap load from what he saw in New Orleans is a question.) (9-7-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18706/linebacker-is-a-deep-group-on-the-detroit-lions-53-man-roster
Ranking the 25 players most important to the Detroit Lions' 2015 success (No. 13 --Tyrunn Walker: Adding Walker was potentially the Lions' most underrated move of the offseason. The powerful interior lineman should help the team continue to dominate against the run, while his bull rush has the potential to collapse the pocket from time to time.) (9-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/25_most_important_players_to_d.html
PFF Grades (Watch out for the bull rush of DT Tyrunn Walker. He got another four hurries, and Jacksonville’s Zane Beadles was the latest guard to find out that once he gets into your pads, the idea of anchoring is easier than the execution.) (8-31-15): https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/08/31/grades-for-jaguars-lions/
Lions-Jaguars PFF Grades: The Stafford-Tate Connection (PFF's Grades - Tyrun Walker: +2.1, Tyrunn Walker has been a force on the defensive line and continued to run right through people to get to the QB. This guy is incredibly strong. I'm excited to see what he can do during the regular season. Like Boggs, Cudjo has cooled down a bit after a strong first half of preseason action. His negative grade was a result of just 23 snaps and he failed to cook up any pressure in the backfield.) (8-30-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/30/9224573/lions-jaguars-pff-grades-matthew-stafford-golden-tate
Injury 'disrupts, doesn't destroy' Caraun Reid's big plans (With Reid injured, Tyrunn Walker appears to have a significant edge in their competition to be a starter, but even if he's a reserve option, Reid would play a big role as the No. 3 tackle in the rotation this year. While it's frustrating not being able to prove himself with the regular season drawing near, he'll work to do whatever he can to return as quickly as possible.) (8-29-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/injury-disrupts-doesnt-destroy-caraun-reids-big-plans/71400492/
The 5 Best Moves The Detroit Lions Made During The Offseason (5. Signed DT Tyrunn Walker to a one-year, $1.75 million contract: The Lions signed Tyrunn Walker — previously with the New Orleans Saints — to help cushion the blow of losing both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley from the defensive line. Walker, 25, played in all 16 games for the Saints in 2014, primarily as a backup. The 6-foot-3, 294-pound defensive tackle out of the University of Tulsa recorded 2.5 sacks and 19 combined tackles last season. Walker has started all three of the Lions’ preseason games so far, totaling four tackles and one forced fumble. He is a cheap option who will most likely rotate into the Lions’ defensive line and get a handful of starts.) (8-29-15): http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/08/29/the-5-best-moves-the-detroit-lions-made-during-the-offseason/
Detroit 22, Jacksonville 17: Lions' defense needs work (With mostly backups up front – Tapp, Devin Taylor, Tyrunn Walker and Gabe Wright started on the defensive line – the Lions didn’t record any sacks on Bortles and let the Jacksonville quarterback scramble for 38 yards on four carries.) (8-28-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/71354100/
Lions Zach Zenner drags defenders into end zone for game-winning TD against Jags (Lowlights - The defensive line didn't apply nearly enough pressure on Bortles, who had all day to find his guys, and found them more often than not. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown and no picks. Hunt and Tyrunn Walker were the only guys up front who were doing much of anything.) (8-28-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_zach_zenner_drags_defend.html
Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (Tyrunn Walker, fourth-round rookie Gabe Wright, last year’s fifth-rounder Caraun Reid and journeyman Jermelle Cudjo. (General rule of thumb: the more guys in contention for playing time at a single position, the worse shape that position is in.)) (8-28-15): http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford
Tyrunn Walker's powerful bull rush gets a twist from Lions coaching staff (8-25-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/tyrunn_walkers_bull_rush_looks.html
Jim Caldwell quotes from Monday (On DT Tyrunn Walker: "You know, he, before he arrived, we kind of had an opportunity to kind of look at him and see what he’s able to do, his body of work on film. You notice, number one, he’s extremely versatile, he was lined up at several different spots, that he understood the defensive scheme in which he was in and then he was also productive, ran to the ball with some energy and enthusiasm, but also took care of his gap responsibilities and made plays. So we are seeing the exact same thing from him. Early on in the spring, you couldn’t tell, you know, a little bit he was kind of getting into the flow of things, but since we had the pads on and we started working, you know, he’s certainly showed us what he’s capable of doing." On Walker’s bull rush: "Yeah, but I think, you know, he’s got a repertoire. You know, Kris (Kocurek) and those guys do a great job with getting those guys ready and, you know, in this league, if you do the same thing all the time, it won’t be very long before those big offensive lineman lock you down, you know, big strong guys get their hands on you, it’s over. You better have a counter move and I think he does have one. That one, you notice because of the fact that, you know, he jacked up 75 (Redskins G Brandon Scherff) in the game and knocked him all the way back into the quarterback. That jumps out at you, but that’s not the only thing that he does. You know what I mean? Not only that, you know, I think, you know, he’s one of those guys who will catch you by surprise once in awhile, so you know, I think Jacksonville is taking a look at that film. I don’t think he’ll catch any of those guys by surprise. If he’s back there in the backfield, it’s because he worked for it.") (8-24-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/24/9202201/jim-caldwell-quotes-monday-practice
Video - Walker on adjusting to the defense (8-24-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Walker-on-adjusting-to-the-defense/e48fb1c8-5a70-434d-b82d-17dcbe75055b
Four Downs: Orlovsky Feeling Comfortable And Confident (Walker had a sack and forced fumble vs. the Redskins. Caruan Reid, who’s battling Walker for the starting role next to Ngata, had a sack last week vs. the Jets.) (8-21-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/FOUR-DOWNS-Orlovsky-feeling-comfortable-and-confident/c188163d-6b57-4c18-af78-9d3faae6f61f
What we learned: 11 takeaways from Thursday (3. Tyrunn Walker, competing to replace Ndamukong Suh, was impressive pushing the pocket at defensive tackle.) (8-21-15): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000513917/article/what-we-learned-rgiii-hits-setback-taylor-thrives
Lions licking wounds after loss at Washington (Ziggy Ansah and Tyrunn Walker split the first sack on the opening drive, leading to a third-and-long Washington didn't convert.) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/20/lions-licking-wounds-loss-washington/32094485/
Detroit Lions stock report: Undrafted RB Zach Zenner continues to make case for roster spot (Stock up -- Tyrunn Walker: The defensive tackle looked like a beast in the opening quarter, blowing up rookie guard Brandon Scherff on his way to splitting a sack of Robert Griffin III with linemate Ezekiel Ansah. Walker's raw power also got him into the backfield on a couple carries. He'll likely need to adjust his technique so he doesn't get taken out of plays by wham and trap blocks.) (8-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report_was.html
Detroit Lions — Five things learned from loss to Redskins (The starting defense, especially the line, looks sharp. Just ask quarterback Robert Griffin III who couldn’t get anything going before he was knocked out of the game with a stinger and possible concussion. On the play that forced him out, he fumbled and then Gabe Wright recovered the ball while Corey Wootton hit Griffin. The previous play Jermelle Cudjo sacked Griffin for a loss of four yards. Griffin dropped back to pass eight times, he got hit on six and had one batted down. He was 2-of-5 for 8 yards passing. Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker was fierce in there as was Caraun Reid until he went out with an injured ankle. Remember they’re still playing without Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones.)(8-20-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150820/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-learned-from-loss-to-redskins
Winners and losers from Lions' second preseason game (Winners: Tyrunn Walker - Walker was absolutely dominant on Thursday night, and he showed why the Lions' move to sign him was so highly regarded this past offseason. He absolutely abusedBrandon Scherff on one play, leading to this memorable GIF in the link below.) (8-20-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/20/9179617/lions-redskins-preseason-winners-losers
Video - Walker on the defensive line against Washington (8-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Walker-on-the-defensive-line-against-Washington/10759817-a286-4c02-acc5-292f3044c43a
5 things to watch: Lions at Redskins (Defensive Tackle Play - It’s hard to really get a good gauge on what the Lions’ starting defense will look like in the middle without Haloti Ngata on the field. He’s still dealing with a strained hamstring and will miss his second preseason game tonight. While the defense only allowed 67 total yards and three points to the Jets last week, 41 of those yards came on the Jets’ opening possession against the No. 1 defense. Included among those yards were six rushes for 25 yards, which is better than a 4.0 per carry average. Four of those runs were right up the middle. Tyrunn Walker didn’t have a great game and was outplayed by Caraun Reid. Walker and Reid will get the start again tonight and the Lions will be looking for them to be much more stout against the run inside.) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/5-things-to-watch-Lions-at-Redskins/0a3dc84e-75ca-4c67-a56f-84cd4f6933dd
Detroit Lions — Five things to watch vs. Redskins in preseason action (Defensive tackle Caraun Reid had a sack last week and looked strong. He and Tyrunn Walker should start. It’s expected Haloti Ngata will be back for the regular season, so these two have the opportunity to show they can start alongside him.) (8-19-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150819/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-to-watch-vs-redskins-in-preseason-action
Lions vs. Washington: Five things to watch Thursday (Interior design: One of the few areas of weakness last week, the Lions did not get much push from their starting defensive tackles. Caraun Reid has had a better camp and seems to be ahead of Tyrunn Walker for the starting spot next to Haloti Ngata, but the Lions need more consistent play out of both.) (8-19-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/19/detroit-lions-washington-redskins/31984749/
Ten Lions players to watch vs. Washington (DT Tyrunn Walker: The free-agent acquisition looked like the powerful pass rusher the Lions need on the interior during training camp, but Caraun Reid played better in the first exhibition game. Walker remains the favorite to start next to Haloti Ngata, but strong play Thursday would help his cause.) (8-19-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/19/ten-players-watch-vs-washington/31992373/
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Nevin Lawson finishes strong camp with pick, pass breakup (In one-on-one pass-rush drills, Tyrunn Walker and Larry Warford split their reps, with the defensive tackle driving the guard back with raw power on the first and Warford anchoring and holding firm on the second.) (8-18-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_32.html
Camp notes: Could Igwenagu make Lions as TE? (Travis Swanson and Manny Ramirez were rocks in the pass-rush drill, barely giving up ground to Tyrunn Walker (Swanson, though Walker got better push on their second rep) and Caraun Reid (Ramirez).) (8-17-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/17/emil-igwenagu-/31892773/
Camp observations: Lions unveil 2-point attack (On those 2-point tries, the group of defensive linemen on the first play was Darryl Tapp, Ezekiel Ansah, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker, Phillip Hunt and Jermelle Cudjo.) (8-17-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/camp-observations-lions-unveil-2-point-attack/31894665/
Detroit Lions training camp notes: Gabe Wright impresses, Greg Salas gets first-team work (In one-on-one pass-rush drills, Travis Swanson had no answer for the power of Tyrunn Walker.) (8-17-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_31.html
Detroit News Camp Notes - Calvin Johnson is Lions’ top star in practice, too (Larry Warford also made an excellent recovery against Tyrunn Walker, who had a lightning-quick first snap but was diverted to his right by Warford.) (8-15-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/15/calvin-johnson-lions-top-star-practice/31799653/
Five observations from Lions' first exhibition (Sack lunch: Caraun Reid is making a strong case for winning the starting defensive tackle job next to Haloti Ngata. Reid and Tyrunn Walker have been nose-to-nose in training camp, but Reid showed nice moves, especially on his inside rush for a sack of Bryce Petty in the second quarter.)(8-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/14/detroit-lions-extra-points/31692871/
Detroit Lions stock report: Kellen Moore fails to take advantage of opportunity (Reid also showed his burst off the line, getting into the backfield and altering the path of Jets running back Bilal Powell before he was dropped for a one-yard gain by Tyrunn Walker.) (8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report_ame.html
Ameer Abdullah makes dazzling debut in Detroit Lions win against Jets (Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker were at defensive tackle.) (8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/ameer_abdullah_makes_dazzling.html
A quick recap on who's winning, and who's losing, the Detroit Lions' job battles (Defensive tackle — Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker started the game, as expected, with Haloti Ngata still out with a hamstring injury. They're battling for the same starting job, and Reid still looks like he has the edge, even if Walker has gained ground in recent days. Reid blew up a third-down play early in the second quarter, simply overpowering New York's interior line and collapsing the pocket. He combined for Devin Taylor for the sack. He also set up Walker's only tackle, blowing off the ball to alter Jets tailback Bilal Powell's path. The Lions gave up a draft pick to grab Gabe Wright in the fourth round of the draft, so he's definitely making the team behind Ngata, Reid and Walker. But Jermelle Cudjo deserves a shout-out for yet another productive day, this time tallying one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.)(8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/a_quick_recap_on_where_the_det.html
PFF Grades for Jets-Lions (Life after Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairly was bumpy in this game. Tyrunn Walker and Caraun Reid started at DT and both graded negatively, especially against the run.) (8-14-15): https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/08/14/grades-for-jets-lions/
5 things to watch in Lions' preseason opener (Suh who? In Game 1 A.D. (After 'Damukong), the Lions will start two of the unproven defensive tackles they're counting on to help soften the loss of Ndamukong Suh's free agent departure. Both Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker have had their moments in camp, and they'll be front and center in the trenches with Haloti Ngata out with a hamstring injury.) (8-12-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/12/detroit-lions-jets-geno-smith/31528637/
Tyrunn Walker impressing in Detroit Lions defensive tackle battle (8-12-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18223/tyrunn-walker-impressing-in-detroit-lions-defensive-tackle-battle
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Devin Taylor, Corey Robinson continue going opposite directions (Back to the one-on-one pass rush, it wasn't a particularly good day for center Travis Swanson. He struggled with the power rushes of Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker, who both drove the center back into the center.) (8-11-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_30.html
Freep Lions camp observations: Michael Burton can block (Van Noy joined Tulloch, Levy and Tahir Whitehead working with the first-team defense in a run period when the Lions were using their 4-4-3 defense. Credit to Van Noy in that he's put together a couple nice days of practice. One play after his pass breakup, when Tyrunn Walker beat Larry Warford to get good pressure on Stafford, Van Noy was in on a tackle on a running play that would have went for no or minimal yards. In one-on-one pass-rush, the Lions' first-team offensive line out-dueled their defensive line. Larry Warford showed powerful legs to beat Tyrunn Walker on their two matchups.) (8-10-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes/31418325/
Jim Caldwell's quotes from Monday (On how the competition between Reid and DT Tyrunn Walker is playing out: "It's healthy. You know, (Tyrunn) Walker is a real fine athlete, big guy who can run, has experience and very versatile, so that's a real good battle in there between those two guys.")(8-10-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/11/9128321/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-monday
5 who shined during first week of Lions training camp, and 5 who didn't (Thumbs up: DT Tyrunn Walker - He had a slow start this offseason. Literally. The first-year Lion was getting off the ball slowly, and never really looked that impressive. But once the pads came on last week, Walker instantly popped on the field. The 294-pounder hits like he has cement in his shoulder pads, and has had little trouble tossing aside linemen. It’s not always pretty, but he looks like a guy who knows how to blow up an offensive line.)(8-10-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/5_who_shined_during_first_week.html#9
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: First-team offense looks good in scrimmage (Tyrunn Walker stuffed George Winn at the goal line on 4th-and-1.)(8-8-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_29.html
Warford pancakes Tyrunn Walker, who tried to split the gap but overextended (8-8-15): https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/630040589808070656
Tapp and Walker just destroyed the OL on goal line play. Tapp got into pads before guard was out of his stance (8-8-15): https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/630035493380562945
Walker, Reid at defensive tackle for scrimmage. Larry Webster at DE (8-8-15): https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/630028521675595776
Freep Camp observations: Defense ahead of offense (A few more pass-rush drill notes: Travis Swanson took two good reps at center, first holding off Roy Philon and then locking up Tyrunn Walker, who was slow getting off the ball.)(8-7-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/07/lions-training-camp-thoughts/31322327/
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Defense dominates 2-minute drill work (Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker looked powerful in run-game competition today, bulling over the team's starting interior line. Walker drew a hold on one snap and a stop in the backfield on another. Center Travis Swanson got a pair of stops in the drill, putting the breaks on Walker and Roy Philon.) (8-7-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_28.html
Video - Tyrunn Walker highlights (8-7-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Tyrunn-Walker-highlights/8b17b770-db9c-43ac-a7e1-d28657a97ce5
Camp Spotlight: Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker (Practice report: Walker had a nice day in both individual and team drills. In sled drills with his fellow defensive lineman, he had three reps against the smaller and speedier Darryl Tapp, but it was Walker who was quicker out of his stance and first to engage the sled two of the three reps. In pass rushing drills with the offensive lineman, Walker had a nice bull rush on Larry Warford that could have been scored either way. Center Travis Swanson got the better of Walker in their only rep together though, standing Walker up and holding his ground nicely. The defense outperformed the offense most of the day Friday, including going 6-0 in situational drills. Walker was part of the first-team unit that stuffed the offense's run game and scored the win twice. The Lions value Walker’s versatility and he’s shown early on in camp that he can play the run and get himself into the backfield.) (8-7-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Camp-Spotlight-Defensive-tackle-Tyrunn-Walker/23e5d056-cf47-49b4-b84d-306e56c45d1c
Detroit News Camp observations: 'Tweaks' sideline Levy, Fauria at practice (The offensive and defensive lines competed in one-on-one drills again, and the offensive linemen had the better performance a second day in a row. Some of the studs Thursday were Corey Robinson, Larry Warford, Cornelius Lucas, Travis Swanson and Tyrunn Walker.) (8-6-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-tweaks-sideline-levy-fauria-at-practice/31242329/
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Ryan Broyles gets physical, defense focuses on turnovers (Tyrunn Walker's raw power also showed up in the drill as he bullied backup interior linemen Braxton Cave and Darren Keyton on back-to-back reps.) (8-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_27.html
ESPN Lions Camp notes (Tyrunn Walker will be one to watch: In a somewhat wide-open competition at defensive tackle, both Walker and Caraun Reid have taken a lot of first-team reps with Haloti Ngata out because of a strained hamstring. It feels more and more likely that one of those two players will end up lining up next to Ngata, and I was impressed by Walker on Thursday. He had good burst in the individual drills and really seemed to manhandle the players he was facing. Most of those were second-teamers during the individual period, but the speed is clearly there.) (8-6-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18134/detroit-lions-rb-ameer-abdullah-is-starting-to-stand-out
Teryl Austin's quotes from Day 4 of training camp (On the battle between DT Caraun Reid and DT Tyrunn Walker for the starting position on the defensive line next to DT Haloti Ngata: "Those guys are both doing well. I think they're both practicing hard. They both bring a little different skill set, but they both can be effective at what they do. So it's going to be a heck of a battle. And the big thing I can say is they'll both play for us and they'll both play a lot for us.") (8-6-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/6/9113735/lions-training-camp-quotes-teryl-austin-day-4
NOTEBOOK: Levy happy with new extension (Darryl Tapp, Larry Webster and Tyrunn Walker put in a few nice performances for the defense. For the first time in camp the offensive and defensive lines took part in pass rushing drills with the pads on. Overall I’d give the win to the offensive line. Larry Warford split his battle with Tyrunn Walker.)(8-5-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Levy-happy-with-new-extension/205e8e1c-d1c9-4d22-91d3-f1c20d1f0014
Free Press Camp observations: Lions hold first practice in pads (Tyrunn Walker and Larry Warford also had a good battle in one-on-ones. Warford stoned Walker to the point he barely got knocked off the line of scrimmage in their first snap, but Walker got into Warford's hands right off the ball on the second snap and rushed past the right guard. Walker and Caraun Reid are battling for the starting defensive tackle spot next to Haloti Ngata, with Walker currently playing the spot Ngata would occupy if he was healthy. Not sure if it was Ameer Abdullah's fault, but a few plays after Riddick's nice blitz pickup, the Lions gave up a sack when Walker came untouched up the middle. Abdullah kicked out to his right to block Tapp, who didn't appear to be a threat on the play.) (8-5-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/05/riley-reiff-detroit-lions/31197729/
MLive Camp Notes (With Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones out, Caraun Reid, Tyrunn Walker and Darryl Tapp have taken the majority of the first-team reps up front. Devin Taylor also continues to get some work at defensive tackle. The team hasn't put on pads, so I'm not going to bury defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker at this stage, but he really hasn't shown much this offseason. One thing I noticed during individual drills, which focus on burst off the line of scrimmage, he's consistently one of the slowest tackles on the roster. One of Walker's most valuable assets is his versatility, but to thrive in Detroit's scheme, you have to be lightning quick off the ball and be disruptive in the backfield. We'll see how the situation develops as camp progresses. Maybe my perspective is warped after having watched Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley the past three years.) (8-4-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_25.html
Freep Camp Notes (Tyrunn Walker and Caraun Reid worked with the first-team defense at tackle Monday after the Lions placed Haloti Ngata on the non-football injury list with a hamstring strain he suffered this summer.) (8-3-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/03/detroit-lions-training-camp-observations/31085707/
DT Gabe Wright:
Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Defensive tackles: Haloti Ngata, 50; Tyrunn Walker, 48; Jermelle Cudjo, 21; Gabe Wright, 10. Analysis: Despite dealing with a shoulder injury, Ngata played 77 percent of the snaps. He and Walker are clearly the best two tackle options by a mile, and it’s unclear how much of a role Caraun Reid will have when he returns.) (9-21-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/
Free Press Lions' report card: Offensive line failed QB, RBs (Defensive line - C-: Adrian Peterson finished with 134 yards rushing on 29 carries, so it wasn't a banner day for the Lions' front seven. Haloti Ngata beat center Joe Berger to break up a quick pass on the opening series, but Jermelle Cudjo and Gabe Wright got shoved around on Peterson's 25-yard run later in the series. Give the line credit for stopping Peterson on a third-and-goal rush from the 1, and Ziggy Ansah (seven tackles, three for loss, and a sack) had a nice day. But Teddy Bridgewater proved too elusive for the Lions' pass rush.) (9-20-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-report-card-minnesota-vikings/72542456/
First-quarter update: Vikings 7, Lions 0 (The Vikings jumped out to an early lead, riding running back Adrian Peterson during an 11-play, 76-yard touchdown drive on the game's opening possession. The beastly back gained 50 yards on the series, including 25 on one carry when the Vikings offensive line overpowered Detroit's defensive tackle tandem of Gabe Wright and Jermelle Cudjo.) (9-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/first-quarter_update_lions_vik.html
Audio - Lions Lowdown podcast: Gabe Wright's NFL debut (9-18-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/18/lions-lowdown-podcast-gabe-wright/72394680/
Lions rookie report: Despite low marks, Tomlinson happy (DT Gabe Wright (fourth round): Wright saw time as the fourth defensive tackle, playing 13 snaps (half of what Jermelle Cudjo saw as the No. 3 tackle) and making one tackle.) (9-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/detroit-lions-laken-tomlinson/72244748/
Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Defensive tackles: Tyrunn Walker (58 of 79), Haloti Ngata (53), Jermelle Cudjo (26), Gabe Wright (13). Analysis: Walker played 73 percent of the snaps, which is close to how much Ndamukong Suh played last year. It makes sense for the 25-year-old to play more than the 31-year-old Ngata, and when the elder tackle exited, Walker moved to the left side to fill his spot and focus more on run support. Cudjo has more trust right now from his coaches than Wright, a fourth-round rookie.) (9-14-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/
A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Gabe Wright: The rookie is going to be a rotational end, at best, this season as he learns the game. It could be tough if he’s forced into a bigger role.) (9-7-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18706/linebacker-is-a-deep-group-on-the-detroit-lions-53-man-roster
Detroit Lions — Five thoughts on the 53-man roster (The seven members this year’s draft class must have made an impression in training camp and the preseason because they all made the cut. I wouldn’t expect much from Corey Robinson this year but obviously the team didn’t want to lose him on waivers. Gabe Wright is one of just four defensive tackles so he could be in the rotation from the get-go.) (9-5-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150905/detroit-lions-xadx2014-five-thoughts-on-the-53-man-roster
10 Detroit Lions to watch as team hosts Buffalo to close out the preseason (Defensive tackle Gabe Wright: It's been a rough start for the rookie out of Auburn, who has often been overpowered by NFL offensive linemen during the preseason. Wright is going to be part of the rotation at some point this season, possibly as soon as Week 1, so it would be nice to see the young defensive tackle protect his gap better against the Bills.) (9-3-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/10_detroit_lions_to_watch_buff.html
Detroit 22, Jacksonville 17: Lions' defense needs work (With mostly backups up front – Tapp, Devin Taylor, Tyrunn Walker and Gabe Wright started on the defensive line – the Lions didn’t record any sacks on Bortles and let the Jacksonville quarterback scramble for 38 yards on four carries.) (8-28-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/71354100/
Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (Tyrunn Walker, fourth-round rookie Gabe Wright, last year’s fifth-rounder Caraun Reid and journeyman Jermelle Cudjo. (General rule of thumb: the more guys in contention for playing time at a single position, the worse shape that position is in.)) (8-28-15): http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford
Teryl Austin, Joe Lombardi quotes from Monday (On DT Gabe Wright and his progress: "I think he’s doing fine. He’s a developing player who is going to play for us. Like all young players he’s going to take some lumps, but he’s going to continue to grow. He’s got a tremendous motor. He’s got a good football IQ and so that’s part of the growth process I think with young players and he’s in the middle of it right now. We like where he is. We like where he’s going and so we’re going to continue to move forward with him.") (8-25-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi
O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Roster watch (Two of the Lions’ fourth-round picks – end Larry Webster from 2014 and tackle Gabe Wright this year – have to develop.) (8-24-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Roster-watch/f00f0d89-7772-4948-881b-0fafd5e183d7
Detroit News Camp Notes - Lions shuffle linemen with Warford out (Cudjo playing ahead of rookie fourth-round pick Gabe Wright is little surprise because of Cudjo’s experience, and Cudjo should earn a roster spot if Reid isn’t ready for Week 1.) (8-23-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/23/lions-shuffle-linemen-warford/32248229/
Four Downs: Orlovsky Feeling Comfortable And Confident (Fourth Down Rookie Report - Gabe Wright, DT: Wright recorded a tackle and was part of a team sack that resulted in a fumble, which he recovered.) (8-21-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/FOUR-DOWNS-Orlovsky-feeling-comfortable-and-confident/c188163d-6b57-4c18-af78-9d3faae6f61f
Extra points: Stafford sharp, run defense not (The biggest area of concern on defense? Stopping the run. It's hard to get a read on what the Lions have at defensive tackle since Haloti Ngata hasn't practiced, but Caraun Reid left Thursday's game with an ankle injury, Gabe Wright got pushed around up front, and Washington's backup backs had a handful of big plays.) : http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/21/detroit-lions-preseason/32100215/
Recap: Lions At Redskins (The second-team defense got in the action in the second quarter and recorded a team sack that resulted in a Griffin III fumble and recovery by rookie defensive tackle Gabe Wright. It was the play Griffin was injured on.) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-at-Redskins/cce7020b-6e20-48a4-aa49-a2850958279b
Washington 21, Detroit 17: Lions' starters fare well in preseason (Gabe Wright, a rookie fourth-round pick, recovered a fumble when Griffin lost the ball trying to avoid a pass rush in the second quarter.) (8-20-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/20/detroit-lions-washington-redskins/32093793/
Lions licking wounds after loss at Washington (Lions rookie defensive tackle Gabe Wright, who played significantly after Caraun Reid (ankle) left in the first series, recovered Griffin's fumble at the Washington 11. ) (8-20-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/20/lions-licking-wounds-loss-washington/32094485/
Detroit Lions — Five things learned from loss to Redskins (The starting defense, especially the line, looks sharp. Just ask quarterback Robert Griffin III who couldn’t get anything going before he was knocked out of the game with a stinger and possible concussion. On the play that forced him out, he fumbled and then Gabe Wright recovered the ball while Corey Wootton hit Griffin. The previous play Jermelle Cudjo sacked Griffin for a loss of four yards. Griffin dropped back to pass eight times, he got hit on six and had one batted down. He was 2-of-5 for 8 yards passing. Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker was fierce in there as was Caraun Reid until he went out with an injured ankle. Remember they’re still playing without Haloti Ngata and Jason Jones.)(8-20-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150820/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-learned-from-loss-to-redskins
Video - Video - Griffin takes another hit from Wooten, Wright recovers fumbles (8-20-15): http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000513816/Griffin-takes-another-hit-fumbles-the-ball
10 Detroit Lions to watch: Receivers still jockeying for position in wide open roster battle (Defensive tackle Gabe Wright: The rookie out of Auburn had a strong week of practice and appears to be getting more comfortable with his assignments within the defensive scheme. Let's see if Wright's practice habits can carry into game action.) (8-20-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_detroit_lions_players_to_wa.html
O'HARA: Gabe Wright well aware of expectations for defense (8-18-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARA-Gabe-Wright-well-aware-of-expectations-for-defense/20b672f9-8060-45f0-81cd-90a3152043ca
ESPN Camp Notes - Stephen Tulloch looks ready; Nevin Lawson has standout practice for Lions (Taylor Boggs was once again dominant in one-on-one pass rush drills as an interior lineman, including an impressive rep against defensive tackle Gabe Wright. He's been mostly going against players who won't be on the roster in a month, but he has driven more players to the ground than any other lineman in camp -- at least from what I've caught.) (8-18-15): http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18344/stephen-tulloch-looks-ready-for-detroit-lions-and-nevin-lawson-has-standout-practice
Camp observations: Lions unveil 2-point attack (Gabe Wright had one of the best one-on-one pass rush plays of training camp. He exploded off the snap so quickly that it was hard to tell which lineman was supposed to block him, though it looked like Taylor Boggs. In a game, Wright would’ve had one of the easiest sacks ever.) (8-17-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/camp-observations-lions-unveil-2-point-attack/31894665/
Detroit Lions training camp notes: Gabe Wright impresses, Greg Salas gets first-team work (In one-on-one pass-rush drills, it was a nice day for rookie Gabe Wright. He drove guard Larry Warford as deep into the pocket as any defensive tackle this camp, then timed the snap perfectly to blaze past Taylor Boggs before the interior lineman could even get out of his stance.) (8-17-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_31.html
Jim Caldwell's quotes from Saturday (On what he has seen from DT Gabe Wright: "You know, he's learning and he's improving and he's getting better. He's got all of the attributes that you're looking for in terms of he loves the game, he's got great passion, he's got an infectious enthusiasm. He did some things pretty well in the game, but he also learned a couple lessons as well. There's some pretty big, physical guys in our league, but I think Gabe is a quick study, and I anticipate fully that he'll be better this next game than he was the last game. He's coming along.") (8-16-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/16/9160265/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-saturday
Freep Observations from Lions camp: Don't sleep on DT Cudjo (Cudjo is the Lions' fifth defensive tackle for now, and that isn't likely to change barring injury. He's outplayed rookie Gabe Wright so far, though Wright has fared well for a rookie and is secure in his roster spot after the Lions traded a third-round pick in 2016 to draft him.) (8-15-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/15/lions-training-camp-standouts/31797691/
Gabe Wright’s passion for the game shows (8-15-15): http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20150815/SPORTS/150819692
Video - Wright on his first game as a Lion (8-15-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Wright-on-his-first-game-as-a-Lion/2af15f77-29d9-4c66-8746-c27d84f5e766
Four Downs: So Far So Good For Lions Run Game ((Third Down Rookie Report - Gabe Wright, DT: Wright and the rest of the defenders on the interior of the Lions defensive line did a good job against the Jets run game all night. The Jets ran for 67 total yards on 22 carries (3.0 average). Wright had one tackle.) (8-14-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/FOUR-DOWNS-So-far-so-good-for-Lions-run-game/e92257d1-1d66-4cd5-a374-2be6d5517bca
Abdullah wasn't only Lions RB to impress vs. Jets (The Lions took a long look at most of their draft picks. Besides Robinson and Tomlinson, Gabe Wright played 22 snaps at defensive tackle, Michael Burton 17 at fullback and Abdullah 15 (the same as Riddick) at running back.) (8-14-15): http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/14/detroit-lions-ameer-abdullah/31706151/
A quick recap on who's winning, and who's losing, the Detroit Lions' job battles (Defensive tackle — Caraun Reid and Tyrunn Walker started the game, as expected, with Haloti Ngata still out with a hamstring injury. They're battling for the same starting job, and Reid still looks like he has the edge, even if Walker has gained ground in recent days. Reid blew up a third-down play early in the second quarter, simply overpowering New York's interior line and collapsing the pocket. He combined for Devin Taylor for the sack. He also set up Walker's only tackle, blowing off the ball to alter Jets tailback Bilal Powell's path. The Lions gave up a draft pick to grab Gabe Wright in the fourth round of the draft, so he's definitely making the team behind Ngata, Reid and Walker. But Jermelle Cudjo deserves a shout-out for yet another productive day, this time tallying one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.)(8-14-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/a_quick_recap_on_where_the_det.html
Lions rookie check-in: Preseason Week 1 (Gabe Wright: Wright did not draw any headlines with his play on Thursday, despite racking up 22 defensive snaps (50% of total snaps). Wright mostly played in the second and third quarters. He did make the stat sheet with one assisted tackle, but his performance was overall underwhelming. He rarely got any penetration into the backfield and was often manhandled, as seen in the video in the link below (look directly under the circled Tahir Whitehead). Ouch.) (8-14-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/14/9153591/lions-rookie-check-in-preseason-week-1
MLive Training Camp Notes (Also, if you're looking for an under-the-radar guy on the offensive line, Taylor Boggs has looked strong in the one-on-one drills, holding down the fort against second-team linemen, including rookie Gabe Wright. Boggs has spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears, but should still have practice squad eligibility.) (8-10-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_2015_training_ca_10.html
Gabe Wright running with the 1s, just won a run block battle vs. Swanson (8-8-15): https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/630032753258577920
Detroit News Camp observations: 'Tweaks' sideline Levy, Fauria at practice (The offensive and defensive lines competed in one-on-one drills again, and the offensive linemen had the better performance a second day in a row. Some of the duds were Devin Taylor, Larry Webster, Roy Philon and Gabe Wright.) (8-6-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-tweaks-sideline-levy-fauria-at-practice/31242329/
MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Ryan Broyles gets physical, defense focuses on turnovers (As always, the head-to-head competition between the defensive linemen was spirited. One best-of-three matchup stood out as defensive end Darryl Tapp and rookie defensive tackle Gabe Wright were pitted against each other on the sled to see who had the faster reaction off the snap. Tapp won the first rep, taunting his young counterpart, but Wright made an impressive recovery to win the last two and take the victory. We've written about it a number of times, but Tapp's energy is contagious in that room and translates to the practice field for the entire group.) (8-6-15): http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_27.html
Larry Warford taking young Gabe Wright to school in one-on-ones (8-6-15): https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/629371756793495556
NOTEBOOK: Levy happy with new extension (For the first time in camp the offensive and defensive lines took part in pass rushing drills with the pads on. Overall I’d give the win to the offensive line. Travis Swanson handled rookie defensive tackle Gabe Wright.)(8-5-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Levy-happy-with-new-extension/205e8e1c-d1c9-4d22-91d3-f1c20d1f0014
Detroit News Camp observations: For Lions, pads ratchet up intensity (The one-on-one competitions in the trenches was the first chance to truly judge the linemen, and the offensive line won the night. Among the duds were Corey Robinson, Xavier Proctor, Philon and Gabe Wright.)(8-5-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-lions-pads-ratchet-intensity/31201307/
Camp Spotlight: Defensive tackle Caraun Reid (Reid took on rookie Gabe Wright in a quickness drill on the two-man sled. The object is to come off the ball and engage the sled before the other guy. Reid called out Wright to be his opponent and Wright got the better of him, beating him to the sled both times.)(8-4-15): http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Camp-Spotlight-Defensive-tackle-Caraun-Reid/5d1b55ca-ff22-4e4b-a058-362cfe5f0457
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