LB Training Camp Player Notes

Linebackers:

Josh Bynes:

Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Stephen Tulloch was an every-down linebacker during his first four seasons with the Lions, but after a poor Week 1 performance, the coaches reduced his role in Week 2. The starting middle linebacker played 44 of 65 defensive snaps, mostly ceding duties to Tahir Whitehead, who had 17 snaps, when he exited, and coach Jim Caldwell declined to provide details for why Tulloch came out of the game at time. “We run different packages,” he said. “You’ll see a lot of different guys in on different situations depending on the team that we play.” The Lions did little effectively on defense Sunday as the Vikings, led by Adrian Peterson, ran for 199 yards. Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was an efficient 14 of 18 for 153 yards, too. Josh Bynes was the only linebacker who played every snap. Because he replaced DeAndre Levy on the weak side, Bynes’ large role comes as no surprise, but he was the linebacker the Lions chose to play in the dime package, not Tulloch. Travis Lewis started on the strong side again, but played just 10 snaps. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Copeland each played six snaps, mostly as pass rushers. “We have a lot of guys that can play a good brand of football,” Caldwell said. Those linebackers, though, were far from stellar. Tulloch’s six tackles led the group, and he played better than in Week 1. Bynes had five tackles, including one for loss, and Whitehead and Lewis had three tackles apiece.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/

Detroit Lions snap counts: Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick shoulder RB load against Vikings (Filling in for DeAndre Levy, linebacker Josh Bynes didn't leave the field against the Vikings, playing all 65 snaps. It will be interesting to see what the Lions do with him once Levy is able to return from his hip injury.) (9-21-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_amee.html

Free Press Lions' report card: Offensive line failed QB, RBs (Linebackers - C: The Lions subbed their linebackers freely depending on the package, but nothing worked against Peterson. Josh Bynes, starting his second game in place of ailing DeAndre Levy, lost outside contain on Peterson's 25-yard run, and Tahir Whitehead got cleaned out by Zach Line on Peterson's would-be touchdown that was overturned on replay. Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and played better than last week, but even when the Lions made plays things seemed to fall apart. Kyle Van Noy barreled through Peterson on a second-quarter pass rush, but he couldn't haul down Bridgewater before the QB shoveled a pass to Peterson for a big gain.) (9-20-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-report-card-minnesota-vikings/72542456/

Pettigrew, Levy miss full week of practice (Josh Bynes is expected to make a second straight start for Levy at weak-side linebacker.) (9-18-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_brandon_pettigrew_deandr.html

Video - Bynes on the Vikings mentality into Week 2:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Bynes-on-the-Vikings-mentality-into-Week-2/9153c09e-1266-4125-b6c4-f9b484aa0c44

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: What's up with the offense? (Q. Why isn't Tahir starting instead of Bynes, Tim? He was a quality starter last year.  A. Bynes and Whitehead play two very different spots. Bynes plays the WILL and Whitehead the SAM. They are different positions with different responsibilities. The question you should be asking is why Whitehead isn’t starting over Travis Lewis? Coaches have said that’s a performance decision. But here’s the kicker, Whitehead actually played 20 snaps on Sunday vs. 12 for Lewis. Whitehead played more and had the one tackle they were able to muster between them. Whitehead played well last year at the MIKE. Maybe we are learning he’s a better MIKE than SAM.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-Whats-up-with-the-offense/47018f17-2d37-4cd4-90c8-ac5bd503c294

Levy, Pettigrew miss Lions practice; Ngata, Tate return (Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata returned to practice after a one-day absence, but the Detroit Lions still are without star linebacker DeAndre Levy. Levy still has not practiced since Aug. 24 because of a hip injury, and the Lions are preparing to play their second straight game without him, Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m., Fox). Josh Bynes started in Levy's place last week and is expected to continue in the role.) (9-17-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/detroit-lions-injury-report/32567169/

Lions working to correct problems at linebacker (Entering the 2015 season, the linebacker corps looked to be the Lions’ best unit. DeAndre Levy blossomed into a legitimate star the past two seasons on the weak side. Stephen Tulloch, the middle linebacker, looked like his old self during the summer after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Tahir Whitehead, who started 2014 on the strong side before replacing Tulloch in the middle, proved he could be a solid defensive contributor. The Lions also brought back Josh Bynes, a fine situational player last season. Kyle Van Noy had a fresh start after missing half of his rookie season because of a core muscle injury. And Travis Lewis was back, too, after missing most of last year with a quad injury. A week into the season, though, the Lions already are answering questions about the unit despite having most of the linebackers who contributed — everyone except Ashlee Palmer — to last year’s No. 2 overall defense and top run-stopping group. Tulloch looked slow and struggled with some reads in last Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Levy didn’t play, and it’s unclear when he’ll return as he deals with a hip injury. And Lewis started over Whitehead, so the group looked quite different in Week 1 in addition to performing poorly. “It’s a matter of just tackling the ball carriers, and I believe that’s what we just have to get cleaned up this week,” Whitehead said of an overall defensive effort in Week 1 in which the Lions allowed 483 yards. Tulloch might be the biggest concern moving forward as he didn’t look like the same player he’d been in his first four seasons with the Lions. He had at least 111 tackles in each of his three full seasons with the Lions and 20 in the first three games last year, but notched just six Sunday while also struggling in pass coverage. Of course, some of the issues could be related to Levy’s absence. The game was just the third time Tulloch has played a game without Levy since joining the Lions in 2011. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin declined Thursday to specify anything in Tulloch’s problematic play. “I’m not going to talk about any individual and how they played, good or bad,” he said. Austin did say, though, that Tulloch is “fine” physically, which appeared to be the case as he flew around during training camp. “I’m not sure I can explain why you guys don’t think he had his best game,” Austin said. “It may not have been, but the bottom line is — and it wasn’t just Stephen — we had some things across the board that we needed to get corrected and need to be better at this week, and we’re working toward it.” The biggest miscues the Lions had were on short passes which the Chargers consistently turned into longer gains, whether it was wide receivers Keenan Allen or Stevie Johnson or tight end Ladarius Green. “Obviously, we had some problems and we didn’t get them fixed,” Austin said. “And that’s on me.” Lewis earned the start over Whitehead because he was more productive and played with a physical, downhill style during the summer, Austin said. Whitehead actually ended up playing more snaps, 20-12, Sunday, but he wouldn’t say why the coaches would go with him versus Lewis in certain situations. The Lions first benched Whitehead in the third exhibition, but he didn’t have much reaction when Lewis started Sunday. “It was like OK, whatever,” he said. “I don’t get paid to make big-time decisions like that as to who’s going to play and who’s going to play how much, or whatever the case is.” Bynes was the Lions’ best linebacker on the field Sunday, registering eight tackles filling in for Levy. Because the Lions train their linebackers at all three spots, there’s a chance he could stay in the lineup when Levy returns, too. Against the Vikings on Sunday, the group will have to play better, especially with running back Adrian Peterson back with Minnesota. Looking at his defense as a whole, Austin said he’s not worried because he thinks the issues were correctable. “I don’t like what happened last week, but I like our guys,” he said.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/lions-working-correct-problems-linebacker/72366254/

Lions' DeAndre Levy, Brandon Pettigrew miss practice again, might not play against Vikings (But Detroit remains without linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring), which poses some problems. At linebacker, the Lions struggled to defend the pass against San Diego, and Levy is the Lions' best linebacker in pass coverage. Although Josh Bynes played well in his place, Levy's presence is missed. And now that he's missed more than three weeks of practice, with just one practice remaining before the Vikings game, it is extremely unlikely he makes his return in Week 2.) (9-17-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_deandre_levy_brandon_pet.html

STATS PACK: Key stats from opening loss (A look at some key numbers from Sunday's defeat at San Diego: 3 - Last year's NFL interception leader Glover Quin picked up right where he left off in 2014. His interception for a touchdown was the first of his career and extended his season-opener interception streak to three in a row - all of his openers with the Lions.  8 - Josh Bynes tied for the team lead in tackles starting in place of DeAndre Levy. Rashean Mathis and Glover Quin also notched eight tackles in the game.) (9-15-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/STATS-PACK-Key-stats-from-opening-loss/01e61bd2-fc9b-4ca9-9a6e-07492de039b7

Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Travis Lewis made a surprising start at strong-side linebacker for the Lions in a Week 1 loss to the San Diego Chargers, proving Tahir Whitehead’s benching the last two weeks of the preseason wasn’t simply a motivational tactic. However, even though Lewis played on the opening drive, Whitehead actually played more snaps with 21 to Lewis’ 12. Neither player, though, played particularly well as Whitehead’s one tackle was the only statistical contribution by the duo. Josh Bynes, meanwhile, was the second linebacker, along with Stephen Tulloch, in the nickel package as he played 57 of the 79 defensive snaps. It’s unclear who will be the starting strong-side option moving forward — it could be Bynes when DeAndre Levy returns — but coach Jim Caldwell explained why Lewis earned the nod Sunday. “Some of it depends on package, but then also it depends on performance and he’s been performing well and did a nice job,” Caldwell said. “He’s been making plays for us.” In the four exhibitions, Lewis had 21 tackles compared to Whitehead’s eight, and even though Lewis was far from perfect, that same affinity for tackling is exactly how Whitehead earned the starting job last preseason. Last week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin explained the thought process behind the change during the exhibitions. “You don’t describe anything as a benching,” he said. “What you describe is a fact that somebody may have played better, and that’s what it is. … The one thing that we’ve always, since we’ve been here and we try to foster is it’s a meritocracy. You have to earn it and you play based on merit not because you were the starter the year before or because you were something somewhere else. “You come here, you show us what you have and it’s a week-to-week thing, it’s a year-to-year thing. And if you deserve it you’ll play.” Whitehead playing more than Lewis is a sign that the coaches might simply trust both players in different situations, but either way, they both need to produce more.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/

PFF's DET-SD grades: Rough start for Lions’ Stafford-Johnson connection (Top Performers: LB Josh Bynes (+2.2).) (9-14-15):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/14/det-sd-grades-rough-start-for-lions-stafford-johnson-connection/

Lions postgame: Ameer Abdullah, Glover Quin bright spots in loss to Chargers (Rashean Mathis, Quin and Josh Bynes each had eight tackles to lead the Lions’ defense.) (9-13-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_postgame.html

Free Press Lions' report card: Poor marks for linebackers, receivers (Linebackers - D: Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and recovered a second-half fumble, but he looked rusty in his return from a torn ACL. He missed a couple tackles, got cleaned out by a pulling lineman on Danny Woodhead's nine-yard touchdown run, and appeared to get crossed up on Stevie Johnson's 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Josh Bynes started in place of the injured DeAndre Levy and had eight tackles, but he's not as good in coverage as Levy. Travis Lewis started ahead of Tahir Whitehead but played just a handful of snaps as the third linebacker.) (9-13-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-report-card/72236260/

Detroit News Lions grades: Coaches failed to recalibrate (9-13-15) (Linebackers: Coach Jim Caldwell said DeAndre Levy's absence wasn't an excuse, so it won't factor into the grade. Stephen Tulloch looked lost several times, especially in coverage. Josh Bynes also got fooled on a screen that produced a big play, though he did have eight tackles. Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead combined for just one tackle, and much of tight end Ladarius Green's 74 receiving yards was on the linebackers. Grade: D.):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/lions-grades-coaches-failed-recalibrate/72233574/

MLive Detroit Lions Grades: Defense flops, RB Ameer Abdullah shines as team withers in San Diego (LBs: D-. The coverage in the middle of the field was exposed by Rivers on crossing routes as Detroit's linebackers were often out of position. Josh Bynes, filling in for DeAndre Levy, was arguably the best among the group. Stephen Tulloch, coming back from last season's ACL tear, struggled. He got swallowed up by blocks and finding himself out of place in coverage all game long.) (9-13-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/grading_the_detroit_lions_san_1.html

Lions inactives include Waddle, Jones, Levy (Waddle missed six games with an assortment of injuries last year. Cornelius Lucas will start in his place today. Along with Waddle and Warford, who was ruled out Friday, linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip), defensive tackle Caraun Reid, tight end Tim Wright, cornerback Nevin Lawson and receiver TJ Jones are inactive for the Lions. Manny Ramirez will start at right guard in place of Warford, and rookie first-round pick Laken Tomlinson will make his NFL debut at left guard. Josh Bynes will start at outside linebacker in place of Levy, and Ameer Abdullah is expected to handle return duties.) (9-13-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-chargers-nfl-inactives/72211640/

3 Detroit Lions to watch: A massive debut, a returning RB and DeAndre Levy's replacement (Linebacker Josh Bynes: There's still a slim chance DeAndre Levy suits up for the opener, but it's a long shot. That means Bynes is the next man up.  Bynes is a solid, not spectacular replacement, who will need to step up against the Chargers. Beyond his run gap assignments, Bynes will be tested in zone and man coverage by quarterback Phillip Rivers. San Diego has plenty of weapons, including receivers Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson, running back Danny Woodhead and tight end Ladarius Green, capable of attacking the middle of the field.) (9-13-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/3_to_watch_detroit_lions_san_d.html

Detroit Lions moving on to Josh Bynes, who is not DeAndre Levy (9-12-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_moving_on_to_jos.html

O'HARA: Bynes confident in his ability to start (9-11-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARA-Bynes-confident-in-his-ability-to-start/d322fc85-2074-4c31-98db-2da01b04e32e

Lions' Bynes: 'I'm not trying to be DeAndre Levy Jr.' (9-11-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/11/josh-bynes-detroit-lions/72077782/

Detroit Lions notes — Josh Bynes prepared to start for DeAndre Levy (It is uncertain if DeAndre Levy will play on Sunday. The Lions linebacker was listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report. If he doesn’t play, it’s likely that Josh Bynes will get the start in his place, although it’s not official. Bynes is entering his fifth NFL season, the second in Detroit. “I started in ‘13 (at weakside linebacker) so I’ve played it and of course we had preseason,’’ Bynes said. Look back at ‘13 in Baltimore that’s where I started and that where I played. I’m comfortable playing Will, playing the linebacker position that Levy plays.’’ Levy is one of the best in the NFL at what he does. “I’m not trying to be DeAndre Levy Jr., that’s not my job,’’ Bynes said. “Levy is him and I’m me, if the opportunity is there and if he’s not ready to go then so be it, I’m going to go out and play how Josh plays on Sunday.’’ It’s the “next man up” theory. “Same thing we always do when things happen across the NFL, it’s part of the business,’’ linebacker Stephen Tulloch said. “The next man steps up. Coach prepares us well to understand our responsibilities, how to attack certain things, get the job done.’’ Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was with the Ravens when Bynes played there so the defensive scheme is similar. “TA is a very good coordinator and he put us in good situation and put guys in situations to make plays,’’ Bynes said. “If the opportunity is available to go out there then I’m going to go out and do it.’’) (9-11-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150911/detroit-lions-notes-x2014-josh-bynes-prepared-to-start-for-deandre-levy

NOTEBOOK: Ngata nearing Detroit debut (Smart, solid and steady were the words Austin used Thursday to describe veteran linebacker Josh Bynes. With DeAndre Levy’s status for Sunday uncertain with a hip injury, Austin could turn to Bynes to fill the role of WILL linebacker in his defense. “Josh is a very, very smart player,” said Austin, who also spent time with Bynes when they were both in Baltimore. “He really understands first of all, our defense and what is required of him and he also has a very good understanding of what the other offenses are trying to do to him.” Bynes isn’t going to make as many “splash plays” as the All-Pro Levy, according to Austin, but he’s going to be in all the right spots and Austin expects him to be a steady, solid performer if he's called upon to play.  The Lions signed Bynes off the Ravens’ practice squad Sept. 23 last year and he was playing for them less than a week later vs. the Jets. “He’s a guy that understands our system, knows it, understands his responsibilities, very, very fine communicator with everybody around him and he’s going to be in the right place,” head coach Jim Caldwell said of Bynes. “So those things bode well for a guy that’s able to make a significant contribution.”  The Lions re-signed Bynes to a two-year contract worth more than $1.8 million this offseason. They’re obviously confident in his ability to step up and step in for Levy if needed. Caldwell said nothing changes in the way the Lions call their defense with Bynes in the game vs. Levy.) (9-10-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Ngata-nearing-Detroit-debut/546f4849-6224-4ed1-8274-48e96cf44890

Levy's injury won't change Lions' defensive approach (Josh Bynes is expected to start in Levy's place Sunday. "Obviously, this is not his first rodeo," Caldwell said of Bynes. "He's been around, he's played for us, he's played special teams, he's played in our linebacking corps, he's a guy that understands our system, knows it, understands his responsibilities. Very, very fine communicator with everybody around him, and he's going to be in the right place. So those things bode well for a guy that's able to make a significant contribution.") (9-10-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/10/detroit-lions-defense/72009562/

DeAndre Levy's long-term status unclear; Detroit Lions confident with Josh Bynes filling in (9-10-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/deandre_levys_long-term_status.html

Detroit Lions notes: Levy responds to treatment; Van Noy improves (If Levy is indeed out, it’s possible that Josh Bynes will get the start in his place. Caldwell didn’t say that, but it’s how it reads on the depth chart. “Obviously this is not (Bynes’) first rodeo, he’s been around us, he’s played for us, he’s played special teams, he’s played linebacking corps,’’ Caldwell said. ”He’s a guy who understands our system, knows it, understands his responsibilities - a very, very fine communicator with everybody around him and he’s going to be in the right place. So those things bode well for a guy who’s able to make a significant contribution.’’ Bynes, who is 26, is in his second season with the Lions after starting out his career for three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.  If it’s Bynes who starts, Caldwell said they won’t change the game plan. “We’re a package team, we do a lot of different things with a lot of different personnel groupings and whoever is in there — if (Levy’s) not in there – whoever is in there is going to be able to play and do the things we want him to do,’’ Caldwell said.) (9-10-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150910/detroit-lions-notes-levy-responds-to-treatment-van-noy-improves

Lions Happy With 'Next Man Up' Mentality, Should Levy Sit Out (Whether Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy plays this Sunday or never again is anybody’s guess at this point. Rumors have swirled about his mysterious hip injury, and head coach Jim Caldwell has refused to budge on his choice to decline comment on the situation. In a league where the phrase “next man up” is almost more popular than helmets, the Lions are taking the same approach, should Levy not be ready this weekend. Detroit opens the season at San Diego against the Chargers on Sunday at 4 p.m. “The thing that happens with an unexpected absence is the person that has to step up and play doesn’t get as many reps leading into the game as you’d like,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “At this point, I think we’re fine with the amount of reps that everybody has gotten and if we do have to play without DeAndre this week that the people who step in will be ready and it won’t be such a big deal.” Josh Bynes would be most likely to fill the spot that Levy would vacate, based off the depth chart. He has nine career starts, all for the Ravens in 2012 and 2013. Last season, he played in 13 games for the Lions and accumulated 19 tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception (returned for 17 yards). Of course, it’s tough to compare anyone to Levy’s statistics: 151 tackles (second in the league), 2.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one interception (returned for 13 yards). And his presence alone can affect how offenses attack. But both Austin and head coach Jim Caldwell are happy with what Bynes would bring, should his number be called.  “He’s very smart,” Austin said. “Plays faster probably than his time speed, and very solid, conscientious. I think what he’s going to bring is he’ll bring stability. If he has to play, we probably won’t get as many splash plays as we would with DeAndre because of the way DeAndre plays. But we’ll get a steady, solid performance.” Caldwell thought more of the same.  “This is not his first rodeo,” he said of Bynes. “He’s a guy that understands our system, knows it, understands his responsibilities – very, very fine communicator with everybody around him and he’s going to be in the right place. So those things bode well for a guy that’s able to make a significant contribution.”) (9-10-15):   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/09/10/lions-happy-with-next-man-up-mentality-should-levy-sit-out/

How the Detroit Lions will replace DeAndre Levy if he is out (Lions coach Jim Caldwell said coordinator Teryl Austin’s defense is more scheme-based, so while Levy is an extremely talented player with unique skills, they really believe the next player should be ready to go. That player would likely be Josh Bynes, who has far less experience than Levy. Consider that Bynes has 91 career tackles. Levy had more tackles than that last season. Bynes has one career interception. Levy had six in 2013 alone, when he was tied for second in the NFL in picks.  So they might believe the reserve should be able to fill in, but there will be some differences. Even Austin acknowledged that. “He really understands first of all our defense and what is required of him and he also has a very good understanding of what the other offenses are trying to do to him,” Austin said. “He’s very smart. Plays faster probably than his timed speed and [is] very solid, conscientious. I think what he’s going to bring is he’ll bring stability. “If he has to play, we probably won’t get as many splash plays as we would with DeAndre because of the way DeAndre plays. But we’ll get a steady solid performance.” Levy’s loss could be softened in two ways for the Lions. The first is they are coming off the preseason, where Bynes and Travis Lewis both received many reps so playing a good amount is still fresh instead -- instead if the injury came in Week 4 or 5, when they have been relegated to special teams work for a month. The second is Bynes has done this before. When he was signed off Baltimore’s practice squad last season, it came right after Stephen Tulloch’s ACL injury. Tulloch missed the rest of the season and Bynes teamed with Tahir Whitehead to fill in for Tulloch in the middle. And that’s the message the Lions players are going to try and give if Levy doesn’t play Sunday -- and why they believe they’ll be OK if Levy doesn’t play. “We’re not denying what type of skill set [Levy] has,” cornerback Rashean Mathis said. “It’s more about letting the guys know that we’re putting you in there for a reason and that means we trust you. “That’s the main thing, giving a guy who is coming in there, if he is not able to go, confidence that we trust you in our defense and this is why you’ve been getting all the reps in OTAs and training camp and the preseason.”) (9-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18724/how-the-detroit-lions-will-replace-deandre-levy-if-he-is-out

Source: Lions' Levy (hip) improving, won't need surgery (Josh Bynes is expected to start in Levy’s place Sunday alongside Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead.) (9-9-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/detroit-lions-deandre-levy-hip-injury/71963108/

DeAndre Levy still sidelined by injury as Lions begin preparations for Chargers (Josh Bynes would likely earn the start if Levy can't go.)(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 (Josh Bynes: He’s shown positional flexibility at linebacker and is a core special-teams player.) (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

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 (Critical moment: With 25 seconds left in the third quarter and Buffalo facing a 1st and 10 at the Detroit 25-yard line, Lions linebacker Josh Bynes was able to get to Simms in the backfield on a pass attempt. In the process of trying to throw the ball away, Simms inexplicably threw the ball backwards, which is a fumble. There to pick up the ball was Lions defensive tackle Kerry Hyder, who had already recovered two fumbles earlier in the game on mishandled snaps by Simms. The Lions were able to convert the fumble recovery into the Zenner game-winning touchdown run to give them a 17-10 lead early in the fourth quarter.) (9-3-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-vs-Bills-/d50028af-eaa0-40ef-9cfe-e012f00f393d

Lions win as roster battles go to wire (Among the biggest surprises Thursday was linebacker Tahir Whitehead playing deep into the second half. Travis Lewis earned the start at strong-side linebacker last week and started there again Thursday as Whitehead played in the middle. When Whitehead exited late in the first half, Lewis moved to the middle and Kyle Van Noy joined the linebacker corps that included Josh Bynes on the weak side. But Whitehead returned to play the middle again in the third quarter.  Whitehead said last week losing his starting job, even briefly, wasn't a punishment, but he embraced the challenge from his coaches. Lewis said he approached it as an open competition, and even if that's the case, it'd be hard to imagine he did enough to take Whitehead's starting job after a couple lackluster performances.  Van Noy's appearance was surprising. Even though he made his return to practice this week, Caldwell made it sound like the 2014 second-round pick was dealing with a serious injury and said it could take several weeks for him to recover.) (9-3-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/03/lions-win-roster-battles-go-wire/71678186/ 

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 top Buffalo in preseason finale (Defensive tackle Kerry Hyder recovered three fumbles.The third came in the third quarter after Josh Bynes sacked Simms.) (9-3-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150903/detroit-lions-top-buffalo-in-preseason-finale

Video - Highlight: Hyder records third fumble recovery with pressure and a hit from Bynes (9-3-15):   http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000521354/Who-was-Simms-passing-to

Detroit Lions snap counts: Starting defense gets a workout against Jacksonville (The Lions clearly wanted to get a lengthy look at Travis Lewis - 48 and Josh Bynes - 41 at multiple linebacking spots and the pair racked up a combined 89 reps against the Jaguars.) (8-29-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_snap_counts_jack.html

Detroit Lions stock report: Matthew Stafford ready for regular season, Zach Zenner strengthens case (Stock down -- Reserve linebackers:  The Lions rolled with Travis Lewis and Josh Bynes in the starting lineup, in place of DeAndre Levy and Tahir Whitehead. Both struggled. The Jaguars picked on Lewis in coverage throughout the first half with great success. It was confirmation for what most of us already know -- Levy is really important to Detroit's defensive success.  Whitehead, working with the second unit for unknown reasons, played well. He's clearly the Lions third-best linebacker. ) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report.html

9 potential starters sidelined for Lions, including 6 linemen; Calvin Johnson out too (Josh Bynes will start for Levy at weak-side linebacker.) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_potential_starters_sideline.html

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Roster watch (The battle is on for depth spots in the last two games, and versatility will play a role. Josh Bynes is one to watch, based on his play last year when he was signed from Baltimore’s practice squad after Tulloch went out for the year in Game 3. It was a sharp signing by the personnel department, as Bynes performed well as a spare linebacker.) (8-24-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Roster-watch/f00f0d89-7772-4948-881b-0fafd5e183d7

Lions roster: Bubble watch (The Lions typically keep six linebackers out of camp. DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes and Kyle Van Noy are in. Lewis and Copeland appear to be fighting for the last spot.) (8-22-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-roster-Bubble-watch/c6b6ad44-c101-4ebe-8895-22edd7eae28f

Lions' Joseph Fauria makes determined return: 'I don't want to be labeled' (Fauria was back to work Monday morning, though, and even made a highlight-reel grab over linebacker Josh Bynes along the sideline.) (8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_joseph_fauria_i_dont_wan.html

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: First-team offense looks good in scrimmage (Josh Bynes filled in for DeAndre Levy)(8-8-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_29.html

Matthew Stafford, Rashean Mathis shine in Lions mock game (Josh Bynes and Travis Lewis seem to be taking early hold of backup linebacker roles: In a logjam behind the four linebackers who are assured of making the roster – DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead and Kyle Van Noy – it seems like Bynes and Lewis are getting the most attention. They are core special-teams players and both received first-team defensive reps. Considering the backup linebackers need to be valuable on special teams, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Bynes and Lewis are seeing a lot of action early.)(8-8-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18168/matthew-stafford-rashean-mathis-shine-in-detroit-lions-mock-game-saturday

Lions mock game: Jeremy Ross first up as returner, Josh Wilson at nickel, Lucas at RT, Bynes at OLB with Levy out (8-8-15):  https://twitter.com/davebirkett/status/630028293186670592

NOTEBOOK: Fuller consistently making plays in practice ( Josh Bynes filled in for Levy in most of the team periods.) (8-6-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Fuller-consistently-making-plays-in-practice/d61dbae9-08c5-4ef1-8fe0-475221a79fdc

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Ryan Broyles gets physical, defense focuses on turnovers (DeAndre Levy sat out today's practice and it was Josh Bynes, not Kyle Van Noy, taking the first-team reps at the weakside spot.) (8-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_27.html

ESPN Lions Camp notes (Josh Bynes picks up some first-team reps: With DeAndre Levy sidelined Thursday, Bynes often lined up next to Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead in drills. Considering the packed nature of the linebacker position, any first-team reps should be noted. Bynes is also a strong special-teams contributor and had a role in the defense last season after he was signed following Tulloch’s knee injury, so he seems on a good path again. Bynes didn’t do anything that really stood out Thursday, but the fact that he received first-team reps could be significant.) (8-6-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18134/detroit-lions-rb-ameer-abdullah-is-starting-to-stand-out

Brandon Copeland:

Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Travis Lewis started on the strong side again, but played just 10 snaps. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Copeland each played six snaps, mostly as pass rushers.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/

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

Highlights from Lions coach Jim Caldwell's news conference (On whether versatility played into keeping seven linebackers instead of six: "Yes, every year is a little different. (Brandon) Copeland obviously does a little bit of both (linebacker and rush defensive end), and (Kyle) Van Noy does a little bit of both, so we have some flexibility with those guys. But, every year, just like we talked about the shape of your roster, kind of depends upon where you think your strengths and/or weaknesses are, and you have to sort of put yourself in position to compensate if there's a problem.") (9-7-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/detroit-lions-jim-caldwell/71861386/

A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Brandon Copeland: He can play rush end in certain passing situations and as a stand-up linebacker and is pretty good on special teams.) (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

Where Lions stand at each position after final cuts (This is likely the strongest unit on the team from top to bottom. Copeland made it over Julian Stanford and should be active for special teams contributions, and he could earn some snaps at defensive end, too. Otherwise, the top six has been set since the start of the offseason.) (9-6-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/06/where-lions-stand-at-each-position-after-final-cuts/71813142/

Concern over Larry Warford's health among things gleaned from Lions cuts (Copeland the surprising keep: Of all of the moves Detroit made, keeping the former Penn linebacker was the one I least expected. Copeland, who said this season was likely going to be his last chance to make the NFL, had done well on special teams throughout the preseason and also offers positional flexibility. Copeland did some pass rush work with his hands on the ground during training camp and also plays his traditional linebacker position. That flexibility, combined with special teams value, might have kept him around. Something to watch, though, is the health of Levy. Keeping seven linebackers could be a signal the Lions aren’t completely confident Levy will be ready for Week 1, but that will become clearer Monday and Wednesday.) (9-6-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18702/concern-over-larry-warfords-health-among-things-gleaned-from-lions-cuts

Twentyman: Lions Cut Their Roster To 53 (The Lions opted to go heavy at linebacker with the addition of Copeland. Typically, they’ve kept just six linebackers into the season. The Lions obviously like Copeland and the versatility he brings to the defense. He’s also a terrific special teamer.) (9-5-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Lions-cut-their-roster-to-53/acd5e7d6-9c7c-4c9f-92c2-fc99ec894784

10 Detroit Lions to watch as team hosts Buffalo to close out the preseason (Linebacker Brandon Copeland: Copeland is engaged in a heated battle for one of the final linebacker jobs. At 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, he offers a bigger build than his competition, capable of playing at the line of scrimmage and on short-yardage packages.) (9-3-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/10_detroit_lions_to_watch_buff.html

Tim Wright, Joseph Fauria provide interesting Lions storyline in preseason finale (The last linebacker slot: With Kyle Van Noy back practicing, there could be a tighter competition for a final linebacker position between Travis Lewis, Brandon Copeland and Julian Stanford. All offer special-teams value – although Lewis and Stanford have more experience – and all have at least caught some notice during camp. Lewis appeared to pull ahead, but this is another competition where Thursday night could actually play a factor.) (9-3-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18643/tim-wright-joseph-fauria-provide-interesting-lions-storyline-in-preseason-finale

Several jobs still up for grabs in Lions-Bills game (Brandon Copeland has been in this spot before, planted firmly on the Detroit Lions' roster bubble entering the fourth exhibition game, and if there's one thing he knows about the experience, it's not to underestimate the level of desperation on the field.  "I mean, it's some of the hungriest guys," Copeland said. "Not to take away from the other guys, but when I came into the NFL, one of the first things John Harbaugh said to all the rookies was, 'The only way any of you guys make this team is if you take food off of another grown man's plate.' And that's the definition of the fourth preseason game. "Obviously, all of the preseason is like that, but it comes to a complete head in that fourth preseason game, where you're lined up against somebody else, and either you're taking food off of their plate or they're taking food off of yours." While the Lions' 53-man roster is largely set, Copeland is one of a handful of players in legitimate competition for a job. How he and others perform in Thursday's exhibition finale against the Buffalo Bills (7:30 p.m., Channel 2) will go a long way toward determining where or whether they play this fall.  Special teams: The Lions appear set with their top six linebackers, so Copeland, who'll see time as a pass rusher against the Bills, probably has to earn a spot as a coverage specialist, meaning he's also competing for a job against guys such as Winn. The return job is unsettled, too, with Ross and Zenner among those who'll get opportunities Thursday.  "I've learned never to take anything for granted in this league, because I've seen guys who I've looked at on the offensive side and different teams and be like, 'Oh, there's no way this guy doesn't make the team,' and then he's not on the team," Copeland said. "So I'm not naïve enough to think that my ticket is written, by any means. I know that I have to have a great game this Thursday to ensure that I have a spot here in Detroit.") (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/

‘Opportunity’ is magic word tonight for on-the-bubble Lions (Special teams contributions also will play a role in determining which bubble players make the roster because even though they’re competing at their respective offensive or defensive positions, most of the back-end roster players only will play special teams unless injuries push them into the lineup. This could create an opportunity for a seventh linebacker like Brandon Copeland or Julian Stanford. “At the end of the day, what’s going to happen is going to happen, so me outthinking myself before the game is not going to help me do my job,” Copeland said.) (9-2-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/opportunity-magic-word-lions/71621372/

Ten Lions on the bubble (Brandon Copeland, LB:  With Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy, Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis, Kyle Van Noy and Josh Bynes looking like locks, Copeland or Julian Stanford must convince the Lions to keep a seventh linebacker. Copeland has made some nice plays on special teams.) (9-2-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/lions-bubble/71620742

Lions' Brandon Copeland closer than ever to making first NFL roster entering preseason finale (9-2-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_brandon_copeland_closer.html

Detroit Lions — Five things to watch in preseason finale against Bills (Linebacker Brandon Copeland said on Tuesday that he wants to get to the quarterback at least once in the game. He’s been impressive at camp, but the numbers might work against him. A good game and a sack or two would help his cause.) (9-2-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150902/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-to-watch-in-preseason-finale-against-bills

Detroit Lions notes: Roster cut to 75; Haloti Ngata so far, so good (Brandon Copeland knows what it’s like to be released from an nFL team. He spent training camp in 2013 with the Ravens and was released prior to the final cutdown. He spent most of 2013 on the Tennessee Titans practice squad. Then in 2014 he was out of football.  The pass rushing linebacker has had a good camp with the Lions.  He’s on the bubble though and knows he needs a good showing in Thursday’s final preseason game to help his cause. He says he’s going to go out, enjoy himself in the game because that’s when he plays his best. “You can’t control all the numbers, who gets cut, if you’re going to be here, practice squad. All you can control to the best of your ability is the way you play. That’s all I’m focusing on,’’ Copeland said on Tuesday.) (9-1-15):  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150901/detroit-lions-notes-roster-cut-to-75-haloti-ngata-so-far-so-good

Video - Copeland on being on the roster bubble (9-1-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Copeland-on-being-on-the-roster-bubble/994c81ce-b0da-4a0f-b503-3f83b59b414c

Lions-Jaguars PFF Grades: The Stafford-Tate Connection (PFF's Grades - Brandon Copeland: +1.2.) (8-30-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/30/9224573/lions-jaguars-pff-grades-matthew-stafford-golden-tate

Offense shines, defense struggles as Lions win (The third exhibition game normally provides the best indication for where players stand with roster cuts looming. Among the players who were on the early special teams units were linebackers Julian Stanford and Brandon Copeland and fullback Emil Igwenagu, who earned the start on offense, too.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/offense-shines-defense-struggles-lions-win/71358214/

Copeland using his many skills to land spot with Lions (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/copeland-using-many-skills-land-spot-lions/71345372/

10 Detroit Lions to watch: Starters, rookies and roster battles, oh my (Linebacker Brandon Copeland: Copeland is another talent who can take advantage of an injury, in this case Kyle Van Noy. The linebacker, picked up after a strong showing at the inaugural veteran combine, exhibits the versatility to play at the line of scrimmage, a necessary trait for the strongside spot in coordinator Teryl Austin's scheme.) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_to_watch_jackson.html

Some tight position battles with Detroit Lions could shake out on Friday (Brandon Copeland and Travis Lewis: They are both intriguing for different reasons. Copeland is more of a potential-type selection, and with Kyle Van Noy injured he could end up sliding into that role of a player who can play both linebacker and with his hand on the ground in special situations. He could see an extended look Friday. He could be competing with Lewis for a spot and while Lewis has never been even a rotational linebacker, he has a lot of special teams value. Pay attention to these two throughout Friday night.) (8-28-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18548/some-tight-position-battles-with-detroit-lions-could-shake-out-friday

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 (LB Brandon Copeland: The Lions signed Copeland out of the veteran combine, and have liked what they've seen out of him as a pass-rusher. He even got a few snaps with the starters on the first series against Washington, and finished the game with two tackles, including one for loss. If the Lions need an extra linebacker or pass-rusher, Copeland could end up making the roster -- particularly if Kyle Van Noy ends up on injured reserve.) (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 LB Brandon Copeland seeing time at DE: "When we first had Brandon in Baltimore, he was a defensive end in college. We were doing the same thing, making him a stand up backer. So he lost some weight, he was a bigger guy, then he lost some weight. So when we got him back, he’s all the way down in weight, but he still has the pass rushing traits, so we can play him off the ball and he can also give us a little flexibility in the rush package. So our way to get him some reps rushing is to play him at defensive end, but I think what it does is it allows him to develop his rush package here in the NFL. So if he is a linebacker and he is coming off as a blitzer he’s getting those rush reps. He does have a unique skill set because he is really fast and really explosive, so we’re just trying to see what he can do this preseason.") (8-25-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi

Lions roster: Bubble watch (Brandon Copeland, LB:  The Lions signed Copeland after the veteran combine in March and he’s come into training camp and proven he can do a lot of different things for them. Much like Kyle Van Noy, Copeland can be used as a situational pass rusher at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds.  He recorded two tackles in Washington, including a tackle for loss. He’ll have to up his production a bit vs. Jacksonville and Buffalo to make a good run at the 53.) (8-22-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-roster-Bubble-watch/c6b6ad44-c101-4ebe-8895-22edd7eae28f

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

Here are five guys to pay attention to -- both in terms of snaps and where they land on special teams -- against Washington (LB Brandon Copeland: He received no defensive work in the opener, but was a presence on special teams, primarily in the second half against the Jets. I’d expect the Lions to give him a long look against Washington to see what he can do both from a defensive standpoint -- he’s done some pass rush work along with the linebacker duties -- and in a special teams role. He’s probably off the roster (but on the practice squad) if the team was picked today, but he is a guy that can make a move up with one or two linebacker spots potentially open.) (8-20-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18367/can-detroit-lions-rookie-ameer-abdullah-repeat-his-preseason-opener-performance

Freep Lions observations: 'No reason' Abdullah limited in practice (Kellen Moore wasn't as sharp in reps with the third-team offense. Tahir Whitehead and Quandre Diggs broke up Moore passes on back-to-back plays. Whitehead's PBU came when the Lions were in a 4-4-3 defensive set, with Abdul-Quddus at safety and Kyle Van Noy, Stephen Tulloch and Travis Lewis as the other linebackers.  Diggs, who probably trails Josh Wilson and Nevin Lawson in the battle for the nickel cornerback spot, would have got beat by a quarterback with a stronger arm on his PBU, but he made a nice play to get his hand up and swat a pass away from TJ Jones.  Moore's only completion of that period came off a play-action fake, when Brandon Copeland appeared to bit on the run play and let Jones get behind him in coverage down the right sideline.) (8-18-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/lions-training-camp-notes/31948017/

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Saturday (On LB Brandon Copeland: "In regards to Brandon, he's got speed, he's got power. You can see that in terms of his coverage. Down the field he's running, he's still getting accustomed to the system and all those kinds of things, but he's got ability and I anticipate even this next game coming up that you'll probably see him get a little bit more activity. Not only in terms of the special teams, but also scrimmage time.") (8-16-15): http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/16/9160265/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-saturday

LB Copeland hoping to make team with special teams play (8-15-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/15/detroit-lions-brandon-copeland-special-teams/31804335/

Abdullah wasn't only Lions RB to impress vs. Jets (Linebacker Brandon Copeland and safety Brian Suite were the only two nonspecialists who did not play an offensive nor defensive snap. Copeland did take 13 special teams snaps, tied with Emil Igwenagu for most on the team.) (8-14-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/14/detroit-lions-ameer-abdullah/31706151/

Snap counts: Zenner gets long look with Lions (Linebacker Brandon Copeland, who also has done some work at defensive end, headlines the players who did not appear on offense or defense. He had 13 plays on special teams, though, which were tied for the most of any player.) (8-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/14/snap-counts-zenner-gets-long-look-lions/31721387/

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Devin Taylor, Corey Robinson continue going opposite directions (Defensive end Devin Taylor is getting some recognition for his strong camp, splitting first-team reps on the closed side of the formation with camp starter Darryl Tapp (in place of Jones). Taylor had a sack during team drills and dominated rookie Corey Robinson in one-on-one pass rush drills once again.  The backup offensive tackles had mixed results in the the one on one pass rush with Corey Wootton and Brandon Copeland making Xavier Proctor look like he just recently converted from defensive tackle.)(8-11-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_30.html

MLive Training Camp Notes (Xavier Proctor, on the other hand, is showing improvement, fending off Corey Wootton and Brandon Copeland twice.) (8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_2015_training_ca_10.html

Detroit News Camp observations: Backup QB battle ensues (Linebacker Brandon Copeland did some work during team drills as a defensive end. The Lions could do something similar with Kyle Van Noy at some point, but Tuesday was an opportunity for the 260-pound Copeland to showcase his versatility — and speed.) (8-4-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/04/camp-observations-backup-qb-battle-ensues/31140639/

Lions working LB Brandon Copeland as a down lineman today on the edge (8-4-15):  https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/628673211467722752

DeAndre Levy:

NOTEBOOK: Defense missing DeAndre Levy (The Detroit Lions’ defense misses All-Pro linebacker DeAndre Levy in a big way.  In last week’s loss in San Diego, a short passing game and bad tackling picked the defense apart.Sunday, in Minnesota, it was Adrian Peterson and the Vikings’ run game (199 rushing yards total) and some more bad tackling. Could Levy have made a big difference in both games? It’s hard to say for certain, but his presence certainly wouldn’t have hurt. So when will Detroit’s best player on defense be back on the field? “I’m getting close,” Levy said after the game. “I’m doing everything I can do to be able to be in the position to help us.” Levy confirmed that he suffered his hip injury on the field at practice following the Washington game. He'shoping to return to practice next week, but admitted that emotions following a loss can sometimes make a player try to speed their clock up. “Obviously, after a loss like this you want to be out there especially more,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can possibly do to get healthy.” Levy is a playmaker on that side of the ball, but he says it’s “execution” that's missing on defense through the first two weeks of the season.  “We’ve had stretches here and there where we have, but we haven’t been playing well enough,” he said. “There’s been a lot of breakdowns and it’s tough right now but it’s early, very, very early.  “We don’t want to have any let off regardless of who’s out there, who’s not out there. Regardless of whatever’s going on throughout the season, we’ve got to get this thing together.” Quickly, too. “Our defense misses consistent play,” head coach Jim Caldwell said when asked about missing Levy after the game. “That’s what we miss and right now, we’re not playing consistent.”) (9-20-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Defense-missing-DeAndre-Levy/d98dd256-4231-4933-aa32-129aec2d5e5c

Lions' Levy: I'm doing everything I can to get back (DeAndre Levy said he's "getting close" to returning from a hip injury that's kept him out of the first two games of the season, but the Detroit Lions linebacker declined to put a timetable on his recovery today. "I'm doing everything I can do to be in a position to help us," Levy said after the Lions' 26-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Asked if he hopes to return to practice this week, Levy said, "We'll see." "It's hard to say I'm aiming at this point today, but obviously after a loss like this you want to be out there especially more," Levy said. "I'm doing everything I can possibly do to get healthy." Levy has missed nearly a month of practice time since he suffered an injury that's been the subject of much speculation. He declined to address a published report that he contracted a parasite during his off-season travels to Chile and that's what's keeping him off the field, saying that's "not even worth asking about. I don't even know where that came from." He referenced the injury report when asked about the nature of his injury, and never referred to it as a hip injury. And he caught himself when asked how he suffered the injury in the first place. "After practice," he said. "Well, at practice." Levy last practiced Aug. 24, three days after the Lions' preseason loss at Washington and almost three weeks after he signed a four-year, $33-million contract extension that at the time made him the highest paid 4-3 outside linebacker in the league. The Lions have struggled mightily in Levy's absence this fall, giving up 59 points in their 0-2 start. Adrian Peterson ran for 134 yards on 29 carries Sunday, and last week the San Diego Chargers peppered the Lions with short passing plays. "We haven't executed these first two games," Levy said. "We've had stretches here and there where we have, but we haven't been playing well enough. There's been a lot of breakdowns and it's tough right now, but it's early. It's very, very early. We don't want to have any let off regardless of who's out there, who's not out there. Regardless of whatever's going on throughout the season, we got to get this thing together." Asked if the Lions' defensive issues will be solved once he returns, Levy demurred. "I can't say that," he said. "I can't say that.") (9-20-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-deandre-levy-hip/72530198/

Detroit News Lions grades: Offensive line failed to protect Stafford (Linebackers - The linebackers were exposed without DeAndre Levy. Even though the Lions limited TE Kyle Rudolph to 30 yards on five catches, little else improved from last week. The linebackers missed tackles and gave QB Teddy Bridgewater — 21 yards on six carries — too much running room. Grade: D) (9-20-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2015/09/20/lions-grades-offensive-line-neglected-protect-stafford/72538176/

 Lions miss DeAndre Levy, whose return is uncertain (DeAndre Levy still doesn’t know when he’ll return from a hip injury to help the Lions defense, but after watching another loss from the sidelines Sunday, he’s itching to play. “Obviously, after a loss like this, you want to be out there especially more, but I’m doing everything I could possibly do to get healthy,” he said after the Lions’ 26-16 loss to the Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Lions gave up 483 yards in a Week 1 loss to the Chargers, including 388 through the air. On Sunday, the Lions allowed 350 yards, including 199 on the ground. Having Levy on the field would make it easier for the Lions defense to perform, especially since he’s their best linebacker and has the sideline-to-sideline speed to cover both running backs and tight ends in the pass game, but coach Jim Caldwell again declined to make Levy’s absence an excuse. “What our defense missed is consistent play,” Caldwell said. “That’s a weakness, and right now we’re not playing consistent.” Caldwell said he’s “not certain” when Levy would be back on the field, and even though he wants to be back as soon as possible, Levy said it’s hard to say if there’s a chance he’ll be ready for Week 3. “I think I’m getting closer, though,” he said. Levy said he suffered the injury in the Lions’ first padded practice after the second exhibition game. He missed the final two exhibitions and hasn’t practiced in nearly a month. Asked about a report citing anonymous reports that he’s suffering from a parasite contracted in Chile, Levy said he’s doesn’t know where that idea came from. Regardless of what exactly is ailing Levy — it’s a hip muscle strain, according to his agent Joe Panos — the Lions desperately need him back on a defensive unit that has hardly resembled last year’s second-ranked group. “We haven’t executed these first two games,” he said. “We’ve had stretches here and there where we have, but we haven’t been playing well enough. There’s been a lot of breakdowns.”) (9-20-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/lions-miss-deandre-levy-whose-return-uncertain/72531548/

NBC analyst Rodney Harrison questions Detroit Lions teammates' respect for QB Matthew Stafford (Harrison's description isn't entirely accurate. The first player to come to Stafford's aid was injured tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who immediately shoved Barr. Rookie guard Laken Tomlinson also got in the defender's face, along with injured linebacker DeAndre Levy. Both Pettigrew and Tomlinson were quickly restrained by tight end coach Ron Prince.) (9-20-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/nbc_analyst_rodney_harrison_cr.html

Lions LB DeAndre Levy breaks silence on mystery hip ailment, nears return (9-20-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_lb_deandre_levy_breaks_s.html

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

Peterson powers Vikes over Lions - 7 thoughts (Discussing the fall off of the Lions' defense sans Ndamukong Suh is superfluous. More germane to the 2015 season is Detroit's best defender, DeAndre Levy, remaining out with an injury. It's not a very good or creative unit without the sideline-to-sideline tackling machine to clean up the messes. Sunday his absence was glaring against Peterson.) (9-20-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000534688/article/adrian-peterson-powers-vikings-past-lions

INJURY REPORT: Week 2 game designations (It appears the Lions will play another week without their best player on defense. After sitting out last week's season-opening loss at San Diego, All-Pro linebacker DeAndre Levy is listed as doubtful to play Sunday in Minnesota with a hip injury. He did not practice all week. Levy missed the last two games of the preseason and now it looks like the first two weeks of the regular season. The Lions aren’t expecting his injury to be a long-term situation, however. If that were the case, they would have used the short-term injured reserve designation on him. Instead, they used it on cornerback Alex Carter. Still, the Lions need their best linebacker back on the field sooner rather than later.) (9-18-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/injury-report/article-1/INJURY-REPORT-Week-2-game-designations/a989e8a7-6442-4192-8812-39ab2966b74d

Lions' Levy out again; agent says it is a hip strain (DeAndre Levy will miss his second straight game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m., Fox) because of what his agent described as a hip strain. Levy has not practiced since Aug. 24 because of an injury the star Detroit Lions linebacker has yet to address. Lions coach Jim Caldwell refused to say today how Levy suffered the injury. He walked over to a group of reporters during the open portion of practice to inquire about questions he fielded during his news conference earlier in the morning. Caldwell declined to address a published report that Levy contracted a parasite during his off-season travels to Chile and that's what is keeping him off the field. Last week, the fantasy sports website FanDuel reported that there was concern Levy was dealing with "possible internal damage" to his hip and could face an extended absence and surgery. "I don't address rumors and innuendo," Caldwell said. Joe Panos, Levy's agent, said there is no truth to the parasite report. "A hundred percent — a hundred percent — false," Panos said. "I want to say a lot more, but I have to be professional." Levy has not been available for interviews in the locker room in recent weeks and did not return a phone call seeking comment Friday. Asked about the report that his teammate was stricken by a parasite during his spring trip to South America, linebacker Stephen Tulloch smiled widely and said: "You guys, it's out of control. You can't listen to everything you hear. I don't know anything about that." Asked why he broke into a big grin, Tulloch said: "I laugh because it's the first time I heard it. I don't know anything about what's going on. I mean, when was the off-season, back in April? If he had some parasite, would he be alive? I don't know how it works. I don't know. Levy's OK." Levy did not play in the final two exhibition games, and he missed last week's opening loss against the Chargers with what the Lions listed on their daily practice report as a hip injury. The Lions struggled in pass coverage in Levy's absence as Philip Rivers rallied the Chargers from an 18-point first-half deficit for a 33-28 victory. Josh Bynes will make his second start in Levy's place Sunday against the Vikings alongside Tulloch and Travis Lewis. Tahir Whitehead also is expected to see time at linebacker. Caldwell repeated his oft-used line Friday when asked whether there's any concern that Levy could be dealing with a potential season-ending injury. "I think I've mentioned this, and after a while, you guys will be able to write these things 'cause I'm going to answer them the exact same way," Caldwell said. "Anybody that's listed on our report, anything can happen, OK? That's the nature of the business." The Lions decided to keep Levy on their 53-man roster at the end of training camp rather than use the injured reserve-designated for return spot, because they believed Levy would return to the field in a matter of weeks. That timetable remains in place. "You're looking at it differently than we're looking at it," Caldwell said. "We're looking at it for a reason. We have a little bit more information than you have, so we thought, obviously, the avenue in which we took is the appropriate one at this time.") (9-18-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/18/deandre-levy-hip-detroit-lions/72399602/

Pettigrew, Levy miss full week of practice (9-18-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_brandon_pettigrew_deandr.html

Column: Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell made wrong decision not dispelling DeAndre Levy rumor (9-18-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/column_detroit_lions_coach_jim.html

Lions' Jim Caldwell mum on whether DeAndre Levy has parasite; agent says report is bogus (9-18-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_jim_caldwell_declines_to.html

Detroit Lions — Brandon Pettigrew out; DeAndre Levy doubtful for Sunday (Even though DeAndre Levy has not practiced since Aug. 25, he has not been ruled out. Instead he has been given the “doubtful” designation on Friday’s injury report. Levy is dealing with a hip muscle strain.) (9-18-15):  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150918/detroit-lions-x2014-brandon-pettigrew-out-deandre-levy-doubtful-for-sunday

DeAndre Levy remains out, and Lions won't say when he'll return (The Detroit Lions still are not providing details about a hip injury to star outside linebacker DeAndre Levy, who remains out and hasn't practiced in nearly a month. Lions coach Jim Caldwell would not say Friday how Levy's injury occurred, when it happened or when the team might anticipate his return. Levy's injury is listed on past league reports simply as "hip." Asked about an unsourced report from the Detroit Sports Rag that suggested Levy contracted a parasite during the offseason, Caldwell said, "I don't address rumors and innuendo." Joe Panos, Levy's agent, told the NFL Network that the report is "100 percent false." Panos did not immediately return messages from ESPN. Caldwell has remained steadfast in not discussing players' injuries or how they occurred. He said he doesn't offer details or timelines because those are areas for doctors, not coaches, to handle and that he doesn't want to give information that might be inaccurate. When asked why the Lions did not use the injured reserve/designated to return tag on Levy for the first half of the season, Caldwell said the Lions have "a little bit more information" than the media and public has. Caldwell would not say whether the team is concerned Levy might miss a significant amount of time. "If anybody's listed on our report, anything can happen," Caldwell said.) (9-18-15):  http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13683841/detroit-lions-reveal-nature-deandre-levy-hip-injury

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/

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: What's up with the offense? (Q. Who did the Lions D miss more? Suh or Levy? I say Levy all day. No way Allen gets 15 grabs with Levy there.  A. Tough to say for certain, but I agree with you and I’ll say Levy. The Lions were picked apart on quick passes, short passes and screens. I’m not sure how much Suh would have made a difference there.
Levy, on the other hand, is one of the best cover linebackers in the league. He has terrific instincts when it comes to sniffing out some of those short passes and screen plays. The Lions missed him a lot last week.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-Whats-up-with-the-offense/47018f17-2d37-4cd4-90c8-ac5bd503c294

Lions working to correct problems at linebacker (Entering the 2015 season, the linebacker corps looked to be the Lions’ best unit. DeAndre Levy blossomed into a legitimate star the past two seasons on the weak side. Stephen Tulloch, the middle linebacker, looked like his old self during the summer after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Tahir Whitehead, who started 2014 on the strong side before replacing Tulloch in the middle, proved he could be a solid defensive contributor. The Lions also brought back Josh Bynes, a fine situational player last season. Kyle Van Noy had a fresh start after missing half of his rookie season because of a core muscle injury. And Travis Lewis was back, too, after missing most of last year with a quad injury. A week into the season, though, the Lions already are answering questions about the unit despite having most of the linebackers who contributed — everyone except Ashlee Palmer — to last year’s No. 2 overall defense and top run-stopping group. Tulloch looked slow and struggled with some reads in last Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Levy didn’t play, and it’s unclear when he’ll return as he deals with a hip injury. And Lewis started over Whitehead, so the group looked quite different in Week 1 in addition to performing poorly. “It’s a matter of just tackling the ball carriers, and I believe that’s what we just have to get cleaned up this week,” Whitehead said of an overall defensive effort in Week 1 in which the Lions allowed 483 yards. Tulloch might be the biggest concern moving forward as he didn’t look like the same player he’d been in his first four seasons with the Lions. He had at least 111 tackles in each of his three full seasons with the Lions and 20 in the first three games last year, but notched just six Sunday while also struggling in pass coverage. Of course, some of the issues could be related to Levy’s absence. The game was just the third time Tulloch has played a game without Levy since joining the Lions in 2011. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin declined Thursday to specify anything in Tulloch’s problematic play. “I’m not going to talk about any individual and how they played, good or bad,” he said. Austin did say, though, that Tulloch is “fine” physically, which appeared to be the case as he flew around during training camp. “I’m not sure I can explain why you guys don’t think he had his best game,” Austin said. “It may not have been, but the bottom line is — and it wasn’t just Stephen — we had some things across the board that we needed to get corrected and need to be better at this week, and we’re working toward it.” The biggest miscues the Lions had were on short passes which the Chargers consistently turned into longer gains, whether it was wide receivers Keenan Allen or Stevie Johnson or tight end Ladarius Green. “Obviously, we had some problems and we didn’t get them fixed,” Austin said. “And that’s on me.” Lewis earned the start over Whitehead because he was more productive and played with a physical, downhill style during the summer, Austin said. Whitehead actually ended up playing more snaps, 20-12, Sunday, but he wouldn’t say why the coaches would go with him versus Lewis in certain situations. The Lions first benched Whitehead in the third exhibition, but he didn’t have much reaction when Lewis started Sunday. “It was like OK, whatever,” he said. “I don’t get paid to make big-time decisions like that as to who’s going to play and who’s going to play how much, or whatever the case is.” Bynes was the Lions’ best linebacker on the field Sunday, registering eight tackles filling in for Levy. Because the Lions train their linebackers at all three spots, there’s a chance he could stay in the lineup when Levy returns, too. Against the Vikings on Sunday, the group will have to play better, especially with running back Adrian Peterson back with Minnesota. Looking at his defense as a whole, Austin said he’s not worried because he thinks the issues were correctable. “I don’t like what happened last week, but I like our guys,” he said.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/lions-working-correct-problems-linebacker/72366254/

Lions' DeAndre Levy, Brandon Pettigrew miss practice again, might not play against Vikings (But Detroit remains without linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring), which poses some problems. At linebacker, the Lions struggled to defend the pass against San Diego, and Levy is the Lions' best linebacker in pass coverage. Although Josh Bynes played well in his place, Levy's presence is missed. And now that he's missed more than three weeks of practice, with just one practice remaining before the Vikings game, it is extremely unlikely he makes his return in Week 2.) (9-17-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_deandre_levy_brandon_pet.html

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

KEY QUESTIONS: How did Ingram hit affect Stafford's play? (How much did the Lions miss linebacker DeAndre Levy?  The Lions were without their All-Pro linebacker and it showed. Levy hasn’t practiced in over two weeks with a hip injury. Caldwell spoke highly of Levy's impact, but wouldn't let his absence be an excuse.  “I don’t think there’s anybody that’s had any question about what he does for us,” Caldwell said. “He’s been a double-digit tackler the great majority of the time that he’s in any ballgame that he’s played for us and that being the case, I don’t want to at any point in time make you feel like we’re coming up with any kind of excuse. “Guys that are in the ball game are expected to do a job and do a job well and we’re all responsible for that and we had plenty of manpower to get it done. We just didn’t get it done.” How did the linebacker corps do in Levy’s absence?  “All of our guys I think across the board played extremely hard,” Caldwell said. “They give us great effort. They are certainly men that have great integrity and get after it, but nobody was perfect in that game.") (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/KEY-QUESTIONS-How-did-Ingram-hit-affect-Staffords-play/d4f93b29-9db5-4477-92e7-68b176884cd8

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Takeaways from Lions-Chargers (1. DeAndre Levy is underrated: That is the evidence from the Lions having to play a game without Levy, who is considered by many to be the best 4-3 outside linebacker in the league. Levy did not play because of what has been described as a hip injury.  Levy doesn’t get the attention of some other outside linebackers because he is not called on to rush the passer in the Lions’ scheme. Sacks get attention, and Levy doesn’t get them. What he does is make plays all over the field, and the Lions missed that Sunday. Play after play, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw short slants, and his receivers got yardage by breaking tackles. One of the biggest breakdowns on defense was giving backup tight end Ladarius Green a free release off the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter. Green was wide open, with an open lane to the end zone, for a 13-yard touchdown catch that gave the Chargers a 26-21 lead. 2. Levy vs. Ndamukong Suh: For one game, anyway, the Lions missed Levy more than they missed Suh, who now plays for the Dolphins after five seasons in Detroit. I’m not sure it’s even a close call. One thing is certain: The sooner Levy returns, the better. Absence, even for a game, has made the heart grow fonder of his all-around ability. And I admit to being one who thought missing a linebacker would not be that difficult to overcome.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Takeaways-from-Lions-Chargers/82c4b0f2-78c1-4e27-96e9-d40c75c56f25

Lions extra points: Overheard, talking points and more (Missing man - Linebacker DeAndre Levy was an ironman for the Lions last year, playing every snap on defense. He missed Sunday's game with a hip injury, and his absence showed. The Lions struggled against San Diego's underneath passing attack, and Levy is one of the best coverage linebackers in the game. Levy's status for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings is uncertain. "You have an impact player like Levy who's such a key part of our defense, you're always going to miss not having him," safety James Ihedigbo said. "But guys that were in there played their butts off.") (9-14-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/detroit-lions-overheard-talking-points/72239012/

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/

Niyo: Chargers show Lions defense it indeed is a new season (The quickest fix would be the healthy return of DeAndre Levy, their Pro Bowl linebacker who is clearly — and dearly — missed. But he’s sidelined with a hip injury for now, trying in vain to coach up his replacements as they shuttle in and out of the game. Without Levy, the middle of the defense looked a step slow Sunday, particularly in the second half as Keenan Allen turned into Kellen Winslow, tying the latter’s franchise record with 15 catches for 166 yards.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2015/09/13/chargers-show-lions-defense-indeed-new-season/72236824/

Caldwell: Levy’s absence no excuse for struggles (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/caldwell-levys-absence-excuse-struggles/72273594/

Halftime analysis: Detroit Lions' offense looks impressive against Chargers (But the defense has also allowed 206 yards and two long scoring drives. (Nearly three.) They clearly miss linebacker DeAndre Levy, who is out with a hip injury.) (9-13-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/halftime_analysis_detroit_lion.html

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 (Detroit Lions officially listed linebacker DeAndre Levy as doubtful with a hip injury. Levy's status had been the subject of much conjecture in recent days. He hasn't practice in nearly three weeks, since Aug. 24, and wasn't on the field alongside Warford and Reid doing side work with trainers during the open portion of practice today.) (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

10 takeaways from Austin and Lombardi (If linebacker DeAndre Levy is forced to sit out Sunday’s game, the Lions are likely to start Josh Bynes in his place. Austin admitted that Bynes probably wouldn’t make as many “splash plays” as Levy would, but he said Bynes is smart, steady and will always be in the right place.) (9-10-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/919e6e78-baba-460e-9083-20213bd92

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Who will lead Lions in rushing yards? (Q. How serious is Levy's injury?  A.  Serious enough to keep him out of practice the last two week's and make his status for Sunday uncertain. I don't get the impression this is a season-ending type thing or something that'll keep him out a prolonged period of time, though. Why do I say that? The Lions have known about this injury for a few weeks now. If they thought it was something that would keep him out an extended period of time, it's odd they would use the short-term IR designation on cornerback Alex Carter. Levy could sit out Sunday, but I'd be surprised if this was something that kept him out a long time without there being a setback involved.) (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

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

Levy's injury won't change Lions' defensive approach (DeAndre Levy is not expected to play in Sunday's season opener against the San Diego Chargers, but Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell said his star linebacker's potential absence won't change what his team is trying to accomplish on defense. "It doesn't change," Caldwell said. "We're a package team. We do a lot of different things with a lot of different personnel groupings, and whoever's in there, if he's not in there, whoever's in there is going to be able to play and do the things we ask him to do, plain and simple." Levy has not practiced in more than two weeks because of a hip injury that kept him out of the Lions' final two preseason games. Right guard Larry Warford and defensive tackle Caraun Reid, both out with ankle sprains, joined Levy on the sidelines today. Caldwell said Levy's health is improving - he hasn't had any setbacks in side running sessions with trainers - but he declined to say more about the specific nature of Levy's injury or a timetable for his return. "I think we went through this same thing with a number of different guys last year, guys that have been injured," Caldwell said. "And this game, you have to anticipate it. There's a 100% injury rate in this business, so you have to anticipate you're going to have to play without a number of guys so that's part of the reason why you build up your depth, that's a part of the reason why we go about the way in which we do to structure our practices and things of that nature that we got people in position. "Our business is about winning games. It's not about woe is me and what are we going to do if this guy's not there? We get rolling and try to find a way to win. That's our job and I think you'll see that all of our guys buy into that. It's next man who's behind him or next to him or wherever he might be that has to step in and do the job will do it." Levy, who's started every game the past two seasons at weakside linebacker, led the Lions with 151 tackles last year and had a team-best six interceptions in 2013. He's one of the team's most indispensable players, and his injury comes about a month after he signed a four-year, $33-million extension that at the time was the biggest contract for a 4-3 outside linebacker in NFL history.) (9-10-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/10/detroit-lions-defense/72009562/

DeAndre Levy's long-term status unclear; Detroit Lions confident with Josh Bynes filling in (9-10-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/deandre_levys_long-term_status.html

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

Detroit Lions notes: Levy responds to treatment; Van Noy improves (DeAndre Levy, who has a hip injury, is unlikely to play on Sunday but Lions coach Jim Caldwell would not rule him out. The coach rarely talks specifics about injuries and it was no different on Thursday. He wouldn’t say how Levy was injured or if surgery is an option. Levy hasn’t practiced since Aug. 25. “He’s improving, he’s responding to treatment. We’ll see how it goes,’’ Caldwell said of Levy.  If Levy is indeed out, it’s possible that Josh Bynes will get the start in his place.) (9-10-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150910/detroit-lions-notes-levy-responds-to-treatment-van-noy-improves

Lions Happy With 'Next Man Up' Mentality, Should Levy Sit Out (Whether Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy plays this Sunday or never again is anybody’s guess at this point. Rumors have swirled about his mysterious hip injury, and head coach Jim Caldwell has refused to budge on his choice to decline comment on the situation. In a league where the phrase “next man up” is almost more popular than helmets, the Lions are taking the same approach, should Levy not be ready this weekend. Detroit opens the season at San Diego against the Chargers on Sunday at 4 p.m. “The thing that happens with an unexpected absence is the person that has to step up and play doesn’t get as many reps leading into the game as you’d like,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “At this point, I think we’re fine with the amount of reps that everybody has gotten and if we do have to play without DeAndre this week that the people who step in will be ready and it won’t be such a big deal.” Josh Bynes would be most likely to fill the spot that Levy would vacate, based off the depth chart. He has nine career starts, all for the Ravens in 2012 and 2013. Last season, he played in 13 games for the Lions and accumulated 19 tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception (returned for 17 yards). Of course, it’s tough to compare anyone to Levy’s statistics: 151 tackles (second in the league), 2.5 sacks, five passes defensed and one interception (returned for 13 yards). And his presence alone can affect how offenses attack. But both Austin and head coach Jim Caldwell are happy with what Bynes would bring, should his number be called.  “He’s very smart,” Austin said. “Plays faster probably than his time speed, and very solid, conscientious. I think what he’s going to bring is he’ll bring stability. If he has to play, we probably won’t get as many splash plays as we would with DeAndre because of the way DeAndre plays. But we’ll get a steady, solid performance.” Caldwell thought more of the same.  “This is not his first rodeo,” he said of Bynes. “He’s a guy that understands our system, knows it, understands his responsibilities – very, very fine communicator with everybody around him and he’s going to be in the right place. So those things bode well for a guy that’s able to make a significant contribution.”) (9-10-15):   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/09/10/lions-happy-with-next-man-up-mentality-should-levy-sit-out/

DeAndre Levy likely to miss opener (Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy is "most likely out" Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, a source told ESPN Insider Adam Schefter on Thursday. Levy has missed the past two weeks of practice -- including workouts Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the Chargers -- although he was watching off to the side Thursday. If Levy cannot play, Josh Bynes would likely take his place in the lineup.  Lions coach Jim Caldwell would not say much about Levy's injury Thursday other than that he is "improving." Caldwell would not give specifics on how the injury occurred or what the timetable is for a return.  A source told Schefter that Levy will not need surgery. This was first reported by the Detroit Free Press.  Levy signed a four-year extension during the preseason after becoming one of the top 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL during the past two seasons. In 2013, he tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions. Last season, he led the league with 117 solo tackles and was second in the NFL with 151 total stops. The Lions have been preparing under the assumption that Levy would not be available Sunday. "We've been practicing without him, so we're ready to go if he's ready to go," defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. "And if he's not ready to go, we'll have men in there who are ready.") (9-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13626360/deandre-levy-detroit-lions-unlikely-play-vs-san-diego-chargers

How the Detroit Lions will replace DeAndre Levy if he is out (DeAndre Levy stood off to the side of the Detroit Lions linebackers Thursday afternoon during practice. This has been his spot most days over the past two weeks since he injured his hip soon after signing a four-year contract extension. In the preseason, this was looked at as potentially a way to rest the linebacker if he had any sort of injury, which he clearly did. Now, it is a spot the Lions would prefer Levy not be in. The 28-year-old outside linebacker is a key piece of Detroit’s defense and one of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in the league. He might be the best coverage linebacker in the NFL. So now the Lions likely have to replace him at least for Sunday’s season opener against San Diego and potentially for longer than that as well. The Lions insist, though, that this changes nothing. “If that’s the case, we want to get him back as fast as we can,” defensive end Darryl Tapp said. ‘But it’s not going to change what we do.” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said coordinator Teryl Austin’s defense is more scheme-based, so while Levy is an extremely talented player with unique skills, they really believe the next player should be ready to go.) (9-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18724/how-the-detroit-lions-will-replace-deandre-levy-if-he-is-out

Lions coach Jim Caldwell mum on status of linebacker DeAndre Levy (DeAndre Levy hasn’t practiced in two weeks at linebacker for the Detroit Lions because of a hip injury and as of now, his status for the season-opener against San Diego is up in the air at best. “He’s improving. He’s responding to treatments,” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. “We’ll see how it goes.” Caldwell wouldn’t go into specifics about Levy’s injury, including how it happened and how long he thinks the outside linebacker might be out. When asked if it was a long-term injury to Levy, Caldwell wouldn’t give much of an answer. “You never know,” Caldwell said. “They are not out there today and who knows what’s going to happen. We’ll see.” With Levy potentially out, the Lions would likely look to Josh Bynes to replace him in the starting lineup. Bynes was signed by Detroit last season off of the Baltimore practice squad and he ended up filling in part of the time for middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch in 2014 when Tulloch tore his ACL and missed the season. Levy signed a four-year contract extension worth more than $37 million in August, securing his services for the Lions through the 2019 season. Levy was injured later in the preseason. The 28-year-old Levy led the NFL in solo tackles last season with 117 and was tied for second in the league in interceptions in 2013 with six. If Levy is unable to play, it will be the first time he has missed a game since the 2012 season. “He’s very valuable,” cornerback Rashean Mathis said. “But if he can’t go, it’s just like any other player that’s down. It has to be the next man up. That’s how we have to treat it. It doesn’t change our defensive scheme. We believe we have players that can plug the gap. “Of course you want all of your horses running when it’s time to run, but if he is not able to go, then we trust the guys that we put in there.”) (9-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18720/lions-coach-jim-caldwell-mum-on-status-of-star-linebacker-deandre-levy

Source: Lions' Levy (hip) improving, won't need surgery (DeAndre Levy likely will miss Sunday’s season opener against the San Diego Chargers, but the Detroit Lions linebacker is improving from the hip injury that’s kept him out of practice the last two weeks. The fantasy sports website FanDuel reported Wednesday that Levy could miss extended time with “possible internal damage” to his hip and may require surgery. But a person familiar with the diagnosis, while declining to detail the injury, said Levy will not require surgery and has shown signs of improvement. Levy did not practice Wednesday, but the source said he has been running on the side with trainers out of view of reporters and has not suffered any setbacks in his rehab. The Lions, believing Levy will return in a matter of weeks, decided not to use their short-term injured reserve designation on Levy on Sunday. Had they placed Levy on IR-designated for return, he would have missed at least the first half of the season. Lions coach Jim Caldwell did not offer an update on Levy before practice Wednesday, and the team declined comment on the FanDuel report.) (9-9-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/detroit-lions-deandre-levy-hip-injury/71963108/

Practice Report: Levy Dealing With Hip Injury (9-9-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/PRACTICE-REPORT-Levy-dealing-with-hip-injury/05d460df-452f-4b89-b9d3-8d63478af011

Report indicates possible 'extended absence' for Levy (The Lions have been extremely quiet regarding star linebacker DeAndre Levy's injury, ignoring questions about what's ailing him until listing his hip on the injury report Wednesday and declining to put a timetable on his return. Will Carroll, who works for Fan Duel, wrote on Twitter that Levy will miss Sunday's season opener in San Diego and could have an "extended absence, surgery." "Concern is possible internal damage," he wrote. A Lions spokesman declined comment on the report. Although Carroll currently writes for the daily fantasy sports site, he previously worked for Sports Illustrated, Baseball Prospectus and Bleacher Report, among other outlets. Asked Wednesday if he would play Sunday, Levy said, "We'll see." The Lions used their injured reserve with designation for return slot on cornerback Alex Carter Sunday. If there was a concern that Levy could miss eight weeks, they likely would've waited instead of using it on the rookie. Levy has missed practice the last two weeks and didn't play in the final two exhibitions. If he can't play, Josh Bynes would likely start on the weak side, though Tahir Whitehead, the presumed starter on the strong side, or Travis Lewis could work over there, too.) (9-9-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/report-indicates-possible-extended-absence--deandre-levy/71967538/

Will Levy (hip) play in Lions' opener? 'We'll see' (The Lions are still missing three key contributors in practice, and it remains unclear whether or not they'll be available for the season opener in San Diego Sunday. Linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip), right guard Larry Warford (ankle) and defensive tackle Caraun Reid (ankle) remained the only players out in Wednesday's practice.
After being tight-lipped while Levy sat the past two weeks, the Lions finally indicated his injury on the first regular-season injury report Wednesday. Asked if he planned to play Sunday, Levy said, "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. Linebacker Tahir Whitehead (elbow), and right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (elbow) and tight end Eric Ebron (ankle) were limited. While Ebron and Whitehead will both likely start Sunday, it’s unclear whether or not Waddle is ready to take over for Cornelius Lucas after missing most of the offseason.) (9-9-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/-levy-play--lions-opener-well-see/71951708/

Report: Lions' DeAndre Levy out against Chargers, has 'possible internal damage' (9-9-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/report_lions_deandre_levy_out.html

Detroit Lions LB DeAndre Levy dealing with a hip injury; 3 teammates limited (9-9-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_lb_deandre_levy_8.html

Lions' DeAndre Levy, Caraun Reid, Larry Warford sit again with just 2 practices left before opener (9-9-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_deandre_levy_caraun_reid.html

Detroit Lions notes: DeAndre Levy injury could be serious, per report (DeAndre Levy could miss Sunday’s game and be out for an extended time according to Will Carroll, an injury expert for FanDuel.com.  Carroll reports that the linebacker will be out possible for an extended time.
 Late Wednesday afternoon he Tweeted: “DeAndre Levy out this weekend. Concern is possible internal damage. Could be extended absence, surgery. Trying to manage symptoms.’’ On Wednesday’s injury report — the first of the season — Levy was listed with a hip injury. He has not practiced since Aug. 25.  The Lions open the regular season at the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. “He obviously jumps off the film, what really impresses me is how he does a little bit of everything. ... He really can do it all. We’re expecting him to be out there and be at his best,’’ Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said on a conference call early on Wednesday evening. A Lions spokesman would not comment on the report.) (9-9-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150909/detroit-lions-notes-deandre-levy-injury-could-be-serious-per-report

Grantland: Watching Watt, the Inevitability of Dez, and Steve Smith's Retirement Tour: Meet the 2015 NFL Triangle All-Stars (Linebacker: DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions: After being named second-team All-NFL and generally causing havoc for one of the league’s best defenses all season, DeAndre Levy spent his winter living the best life anyone has ever lived. It included — but was not limited to — skinny dipping in the Amazon, standing on top of an airborne plane, and sledding down a volcano in Nicaragua. People apparently sled down volcanoes. I don’t know. Of course, he had reason to celebrate. Levy has been an absolute terror his past couple of seasons in Detroit, and what’s scariest is that he does it in so many ways. He had six interceptions in 2013, and last year, he was one of the best run defenders in football. The guy just moves, and at times, his combination of speed and ferocity seems like it’s a better fit for National Geographic than the NFL.) (9-8-15):   http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-nfl-preview-triangle-all-stars-dez-bryant-jj-watt-steve-smith/

Levy, Warford, Reid miss Lions practice (Linebacker DeAndre Levy missed practice again after sitting out all of last week. The Lions have not specified what is ailing him, but they'll have to say by Wednesday when they release their first injury report.) (9-7-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/levy-warford-reid-miss-lions-practice/71848944/

DeAndre Levy still sidelined by injury as Lions begin preparations for Chargers (9-7-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/deandre_levy_still_sidelined_b.html

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 notes: Abdullah ready to return punts, kicks (The NFL will release its first injury report on Wednesday afternoon so it can be determined what is wrong with Levy. Caldwell again refused to say on Monday what was wrong and if Levy will be ready to play on Sunday. "Not certain. He's not out there today, there's no guarantee,'' Caldwell said.) (9-7-15):  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150907/detroit-lions-notes-abdullah-ready-to-return-punts-kicks

A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (DeAndre Levy: One of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in the game, his coverage skills are particularly important even as Detroit likely blitzes him more this year.) (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 - How big of a loss would DeAndre Levy be for Lions? (9-7-15):   http://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/71857260/

Ranking the 25 players most important to the Detroit Lions' 2015 success (No. 5 -- DeAndre Levy:
Outside linebacker might be the least important spot in a 4-3 defense, but Levy is unquestionably the heart and soul of Detroit's unit. He's great in coverage, fills run lanes with the best of them and could have an added impact as a blitzer in 2015.) (9-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/25_most_important_players_to_d.html

Concern over Larry Warford's health among things gleaned from Lions cuts (Copeland the surprising keep: Of all of the moves Detroit made, keeping the former Penn linebacker was the one I least expected. Copeland, who said this season was likely going to be his last chance to make the NFL, had done well on special teams throughout the preseason and also offers positional flexibility. Copeland did some pass rush work with his hands on the ground during training camp and also plays his traditional linebacker position. That flexibility, combined with special teams value, might have kept him around. Something to watch, though, is the health of Levy. Keeping seven linebackers could be a signal the Lions aren’t completely confident Levy will be ready for Week 1, but that will become clearer Monday and Wednesday.) (9-6-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18702/concern-over-larry-warfords-health-among-things-gleaned-from-lions-cuts

Mailbag: How many deep shots will Matthew Stafford take? (Q. Should we be genuinely concerned about Levy's "nagging injury?" He's kind of important, after all.  A. Yes and no. I would not be concerned that DeAndre Levy sat out either of the last two preseason games. He's a veteran who prepares well, so no sense in throwing him out there if he's dealing with any sort of injury. The bigger concern, in my opinion, has been the missed practices since there's no reason he shouldn't practice. He'll be a guy to pay attention to both Monday and Wednesday when the Lions practice. As long as he returns for one of those, your fears should be fine. If he doesn't practice Wednesday, then you should start having some concern about whether or not he'll be ready for Week 1.) (9-5-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18685/mailbag-how-many-deep-shots-will-matthew-stafford-take

Tapp grateful for NFL career: 'Kid's game for king's ransom' (Stephen Tulloch said the craziest pre-game ritual he's seen was linebacker DeAndre Levy warming up shirtless in the snow at Lambeau Field in 2012.) (9-2-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/lions-darryl-tapp-grateful-for-nfl-career-kids-game-for-kings-ransom/71600994/

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

DeAndre Levy's absence reaches a week after another missed Lions practice (DeAndre Levy's absence has now hit a week.   The Detroit Lions linebacker missed another practice Tuesday. He has not worked out since last week Monday.   Coach Jim Caldwell has said Levy is dealing with a medical issue, but declined to specify.   Levy did not play in last week's exhibition against Jacksonville, and is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. He missed a few days early in training camp as well, though Caldwell said some of that could have been for rest. Detroit opens the regular season next week against the San Diego Chargers. It's unclear whether Levy's injury will impact his availability for that game.) (9-1-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/deandre_levys_absence_reaches.html

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.) (9-1-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18617/calvin-johnson-tied-with-dez-bryant-for-top-receiver-in-2015-nfl-rank

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' Kyle Van Noy makes surprising return to practice; Ezekiel Ansah, Eric Ebron back too (Linebacker DeAndre Levy missed a fourth straight practice, and also did not play Friday night in the preseason game against Jacksonville. He missed time earlier in camp, too, but Detroit has continued to decline comment on the injury.  Levy signed a four-year, $33 million contract extension last month and is expected to be a centerpost of the defense now that Ndamukong Suh is in Miami.) (8-31-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_kyle_van_noy_makes_surpr.html

Lions' Calvin Johnson likely won't play against Bills in preseason finale (It would be a shock if linebacker DeAndre Levy played, after missing the past four days of practice with an unknown injury.) (8-31-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_calvin_johnson_likely_wo.html

Offense shines, defense struggles as Lions win (One point of concern will be the Lions’ struggles to cover tight ends without DeAndre Levy, who sat while recovering from an injury. Jaguars tight ends had eight catches for 123 yards through 2-1/2 quarters, and starter Julius Thomas did not play.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/offense-shines-defense-struggles-lions-win/71358214/

Detroit Lions stock report: Matthew Stafford ready for regular season, Zach Zenner strengthens case (Stock down -- Reserve linebackers:  The Lions rolled with Travis Lewis and Josh Bynes in the starting lineup, in place of DeAndre Levy and Tahir Whitehead. Both struggled. The Jaguars picked on Lewis in coverage throughout the first half with great success. It was confirmation for what most of us already know -- Levy is really important to Detroit's defensive success.  Whitehead, working with the second unit for unknown reasons, played well. He's clearly the Lions third-best linebacker. ) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report.html

9 potential starters sidelined for Lions, including 6 linemen; Calvin Johnson out too (Linebacker DeAndre Levy (unknown), right guard Larry Warford (ankle), right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (ACL), linebacker Kyle Van Noy (unknown), tailback Joique Bell (Achilles/knee) and cornerbacks Alex Carter (ankle) and Chris Owens (unknown) also won't play.) (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 (Inside linebacker DeAndre Levy was as good as anyone at his position, showing fluidity, quickness and an understanding of angles week in and week out. But he wasn’t the driving force either.  Expect plenty of blitzes from Levy, who is great in this capacity.  Levy, a sensational reader-and-reactor, will have less space and more bodies around him in 2015.) (8-28-15):   http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford

Levy, Ansah miss Lions practice again (DeAndre Levy missed his second straight practice with an undisclosed injury today and appears unlikely to play in the Detroit Lions' third exhibition, Friday against the Jacksonville Jaguars (8 p.m., CBS). Levy practiced with the team Sunday and Monday, but he has not taken part in any drills during the open portion of practice the last two days. The Lions' leading tackler last year, Levy signed a four-year, $33-million extension with the team earlier this month.) (8-26-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/26/detroit-lions-injury-report/32401685/

Lions sign Joe Madsen to bolster offensive line depth; DeAndre Levy out again (While the Lions had an extra body on the offensive line during practice, they continue to be light at linebacker, where Kyle Van Noy and DeAndre Levy are dealing with injuries.  Levy, who also missed some time during the first week of camp, hasn't practiced since Sunday with an unknown injury. He likely won't play Friday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.) (8-26-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_sign_joe_madsen_to_bolst.html

DeAndre Levy a surprise absence at Lions practice (Linebacker DeAndre Levy wasn't at practice and wasn't even watching during the 20-minute portion open to the media. Levy did practice every day since last Thursday's exhibition, so for now, there's no reason to think it's serious. Levy also sat some days during training camp as he recovered from an upper-body injury, but considering he played in both exhibition games, that lingering injury seems to be behind him.) (8-25-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/25/deandre-levy-a-surprise-absence-at-lions-practice/32345037/

Haloti Ngata gets in side work during Lions practice; DeAndre Levy out (The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday afternoon that they've lost Kyle Van Noy for the foreseeable future, then an hour later took the practice field without star linebacker DeAndre Levy. With coach Jim Caldwell speaking to reporters before practice, Levy's absence won't be clarified until Wednesday afternoon.) (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 LB DeAndre Levy and his next step and evolution as a player: "I don’t know, he’s pretty good. I would think – I’ve watched him and even the year before. I know everybody talked about his interceptions, I thought he was a tremendous runplayer. He’s just a fine, fine all-around player and the biggest evolution or the next step for him is just to consistently keep it going, which I think he will.") (8-25-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi

DeAndre Levy thinks about long-term impact of football, admires Chris Borland's decision to retire (8-24-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_deandre_levy_chr.html

Lions linebackers might blitz more this season (8-23-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/23/lions-linebackers-might-blitz-season/32245769/

Detroit Lions practice notes: Pass-catchers struggle with drops during final session open to media (Ameer Abdullah made a difficult grab during red zone work, fully extending on the run to snag a pass near the goal line while covered by linebacker DeAndre Levy.) (8-23-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_practice_notes_p.html

Lions licking wounds after loss at Washington (On the second drive, safety James Ihedigbo and linebacker DeAndre Levy had hits on Griffin during a three-and-out.) (8-20-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/20/lions-licking-wounds-loss-washington/32094485/

Detroit Lions starters show defensive dominance against Washington (Play of the game: This might have been a play that won't show up on the stats, but DeAndre Levy blitzed early in the first quarter and completely leveled Griffin, the Washington quarterback, just after he threw it but within the legal amount of time. The pass was incomplete, but it showed the Lions are going to be willing to blitz -- and maybe blitz often -- this season.) (8-20-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18390/detroit-lions-starters-show-defensive-dominance-against-washington

Video - Levy on Whitehead (8-18-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Levy-on-Whitehead/ccb34606-68fd-481e-9fb6-5b73bfed8a1c

Freep Observations from Lions camp: Don't sleep on DT Cudjo (Calvin Johnson is good for a dazzling play or two every practice. Today, he made a diving catch on a post route over top of DeAndre Levy in seven-on-seven drills.) (8-15-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/15/lions-training-camp-standouts/31797691/

Audio - DeAndre Levy on Sirius NFL Radio (8-15-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/audio/DeAndre-Levy-on-Sirius-NFL-Radio-081515/3a0eba5a-196c-4862-a814-161cb8445cb8

Lions players comment on win over Jets (Lions LB DeAndre Levy: On his assessment of the defense tonight: "I think it was a decent start. I think the ones, we wanted to go out there a little bit better and not give up three points and a fourth-down conversion. But it feels good to get out here and officially get rolling against a different team to kind of see where guys are." On if the first preseason game is used to shake off the rust: "Absolutely. I think that's true for myself, and everybody can probably say that a little bit. The live action is different than the reps you get in the spring, the reps you get in the fall. So it's just step one of getting things going and hopefully we can continue to sharpen our sword a little bit and knock off the rust." On continuing to improve from last season with the new roster additions: "I think that's key, in just improving what we do. Just continue to come out there and work and get better and try to just improve on the things we did well. There's obviously a lot of mistakes from last year that we need to get better at and improve on.") (8-14-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/14/9145897/lions-jets-preseason-quotes-players

Notebook: Revamped Reid Playing Important Role On D-line (Play of the Day -  Today we aren’t highlighting a single play, but rather a sequence of plays in a pass blocking drill by rookie fullback Michael Burton. In consecutive reps in a drill where the running backs have to keep a blitzing linebacker off the quarterback, Burton stonewalled both Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy in consecutive reps. That’s a good sign for Burton, who’s responsibilities are going to include pass blocking, along with being a lead blocker, short-yardage runner and receiver out of the backfield. Levy wasn’t going to let the rookie get the better of him twice though. He won the second rep vs. Burton. Still, it was impressive to see the rookie fullback stand his ground against two really good linebackers in this league.) (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

Freep Lions camp observations: Michael Burton can block (The Detroit Lions spent most of practice today working on run-game type situations. They did a nine-on-seven run drill early in practice, spent a period working on red-zone plays and did their first period of one-on-one blitz pickup of camp. While the blocking drills is slanted heavily towards defenders, over pitting overmatched running backs against linebackers like Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy, one of the standouts of the drill was rookie fullback Michael Burton. Burton, a fifth-round pick out of Rutgers, is the odds-on favorite to win the fullback job, and he showed a little bit of why today. In his first match-up with Tulloch, who's as tough to block as anyone in the drill, Burton stonewalled the middle linebacker, mirroring his movement on a spin move. Burton split his two reps against Levy, stonewalling the outside linebacker in their first meeting before Levy beat him on the rematch. As good as Tulloch and Levy are physically, Burton said it's even more of a challenge to match up with them mentally because of their unique ability to read a player's body language and answer with a pass-rush move or otherwise be able to shed a block.  When Levy beat him the second time, Burton said "he had a very good move, something that he adjusted from the first time when I got him." "It's just, I really enjoy going against those types of players, especially those two because like I said they've played a lot of football, they're very good players," Burton said. "Ultimately that's just going to make me better so to get out there and just out there and compete with those guys is really special." Tulloch tipped his cap to Burton after the drill, too. "Good player, solid," Tulloch said. "Still young, but you can tell he wants to be in there, stick his nose in there as far as blocking and having good contact."  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.) (8-10-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes/31418325/

MLive Training Camp Notes (Rookie fullback Michael Burton shined, stonewalling Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy on his first two reps. Given what I've seen the past few years, that's an impressive accomplishment. Burton wasn't able to make it a perfect day though, as Levy zipped past him on a final rep.) (8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_2015_training_ca_10.html

DeAndre Levy is back at practice working through pass-rush drills at Lions Camp today (video of Levy vs Burton) (8-10-15):  https://twitter.com/Lions/status/630728501222633472

Burton stops both Levy and Tulloch in blitz pickup drill. That's very impressive. Levy got the rook on a second snap (8-10-15):  https://twitter.com/Justin_Rogers/status/630727511769526272

Still no Alex Carter at Lions practice. Levy and Fauria back in action (8-10-15):  https://twitter.com/Justin_Rogers/status/630718205166796800

Oakland Press Detroit Lions notes: Stafford, offense solid in mock game (DeAndre Levy and Joe Fauria each missed their third straight day of practice. Neither injury is expected to be long-term.)(8-8-15):  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150808/detroit-lions-notes-stafford-offense-solid-in-mock-game

DeAndre Levy, Joe Fauria out again for scrimmage (8-8-15):  https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/630024612739465217

Joique Bell now cutting, appears to be nearing return; DeAndre Levy, Haloti Ngata still out (Elsewhere on the injury front, linebacker DeAndre Levy missed his second straight day of practice. Caldwell said he tweaked something earlier this week, and the injury appears to be minor.)(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 (Elsewhere on the injury front, newly minted linebacker DeAndre Levy sat out practice with a minor injury but is not expected to miss much time. "He just had a little bit of a tweak, so we backed off a little bit," Caldwell said of Levy, who signed a four-year extension with the club Wednesday. "There'll be some guys you see from time to time that'll happen. It's nothing serious -- we don't think it's serious, I should say.") (8-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_te_joseph_fauria_3.html

NOTEBOOK: Levy happy with new extension (DeAndre Levy was terrific in team drills and even got to Stafford once on a blitz. He always seems to be around the football.)(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 (DeAndre Levy, fresh off agreeing to a contract extension, was explosive with one strip-sack and another sack, both on Matthew Stafford.)(8-5-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-lions-pads-ratchet-intensity/31201307/

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Matt Prater does his best Kickalicious impression (If you thought DeAndre Levy might relax a little after locking down a long-term contract extension, you thought wrong. The outside linebacker spent a healthy amount of time in the backfield, dropping running back Ameer Abdullah for a loss and recording a strip-sack on Stafford.) (8-5-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_26.html

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 3 of training camp (On LB DeAndre Levy agreeing to terms on a contract extension: "Obviously, to have his services for an extended period of time, a guy that's as productive as he is. He's quite a talent, he's the kind of guy we like in our organization, just a tremendous person, but also one that sets a great standard for the rest of the group. He's one of the guys I really like also because of the fact that he is ‘more deeds than words' and he puts them into action. So he's quite a guy, and we're glad to have him." On what makes Levy great: "He's instinctive. Number one, he's an extremely hard worker. I had a conversation with him this morning in the weight room early, and he has a routine that's unnatural because he works so hard and so well. But you can see his body is fine-tuned, he knows himself, but then also he studies. He studies the game, works at it, tries to be the absolute best he can be and I think that translates. And you'll see that show up on Sundays and Mondays whenever we play." On having to account for Levy on the field when he previously coached as an offensive coordinator: "You had to know absolutely where he was and you know he's going to be a factor. Typically if you just watch the ball, he's going to show up pretty quickly." On if there is relief after agreeing to terms with Levy: "You know, the nature of the business is that those things happen. This is not utopia, right? The norm is that it could go either way. I've been through a number of different ones through my years, and some get done quickly and some take a while.") (8-5-15):  http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/6/9107325/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-3

Lions just sent six and Mr. Rich Man DeAndre Levy got home with a strip sack on Stafford (8-5-15):  https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/629083080029007872

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 2 of training camp (On LB DeAndre Levy putting football first: "I think all of them take that posture. Particularly, once the season has started. During the offseason, there's a lot of those things that are going on where they're real focused in on trying to make this team better. We certainly appreciate his effort and his focus. He's an unusual guy and obviously, he's played extremely well for us and we anticipate the same this year." On what more Levy can do: "We'd like him to do much of the same that he's been doing. Anytime you make over a 100 and some odd tackles and do a great job of leading. He doesn't say much. He's one of the guys that-it's a mark of a true leader is a man that can lead himself. He can lead himself and so he sets a great standard for us. What he's been doing has been outstanding so he helps us rise to a little different level defensively.") (8-4-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/5/9096669/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-2

Video - Levy On The Defense (8-4-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Levy-on-the-defense/39e784ad-99e5-4d6d-b44f-7aa5d7a2640a

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 1 of training camp (On LB DeAndre Levy's leadership skills both on and off the field: "Well, one of the things that I think is overrated a lot of times is the guys that make a lot of noise, and the ‘Rah-rah' kind of guys. He's not one of those guys. He leads by example and says very few words. But when he does speak, everybody listens. But nevertheless you can tell from Instagram that he's pretty daring, he lives his life on the edge a little bit, but you can see out there on the football field that he runs, makes plays, is instinctive, and can do it all. He does a great job of setting the tone. The bar is pretty high, but the way he plays his position with the rest of the linebackers, he sets a great example for them.")(8-3-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/4/9091091/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-1

Travis Lewis:

Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Travis Lewis started on the strong side again, but played just 10 snaps. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Copeland each played six snaps, mostly as pass rushers. “We have a lot of guys that can play a good brand of football,” Caldwell said. Those linebackers, though, were far from stellar. Tulloch’s six tackles led the group, and he played better than in Week 1. Bynes had five tackles, including one for loss, and Whitehead and Lewis had three tackles apiece.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/

O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Role reversal for Lions' defense (Not just for starters: Travis Lewis was a surprise starter to many in the opening game, but Tahir Whitehead got more playing time. Whitehead played 20 defensive snaps to 12 for Lewis.  It was the first start of his career for Lewis, who was active for only two games last year. Whitehead played all 16 games with 15 starts, including the last 13 at middle linebacker after Stephen Tulloch went out for the season. Whitehead did not complain about not starting, and said the number of snaps played is partly a reflection of game situations. Whitehead was used often in the red-zone defense.  “It’s all about a matter of if it was a three-and-out or a 12-play drive,” Whitehead said. “That can dictate how many plays you can play in a game. If they’re driving the field, the snap count can go up. “It’s mainly off of personnel. Whatever personnel they present us, we match personnel.”)
(9-20-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/final-thoughts/article-1/OHARAS-FINAL-THOUGHTS-Role-reversal-for-Lions-defense/a2e996c0-172a-4a07-bd62-9b0a4bcf4375

Ask Kyle: On Matthew Stafford, and who are the Lions' fastest players at each position (Q: What's the deal with Travis Lewis starting over Tahir Whitehead? Does last year not matter at all? — cedhorton. A: This is one that has puzzled writers as well. Tahir Whitehead was pretty good last year in the middle, and even if there was some slippage this year, he still looks better than Travis Lewis. At least to us. Obviously the coaches see or know something we don't. But whatever that something is, we are not privy to. Lewis played 12 defensive snaps against San Diego, without registering a single stat. That never happened to Whitehead in 17 games last year. Q: Why don't the Lions use Kyle Van Noy strictly as a situational pass rusher like Seattle uses Bruce Irvin?  Seems like that would get him some reps on the field. — Jam Hatter. A: At what position? He doesn't really play the weak side. Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead are both better in the middle. Whitehead and Travis Lewis are both better on the strong side. Van Noy would be well-served to get some live reps, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen at some point. But I don't see him getting the Quandre Diggs treatment just yet. The Lions got Diggs a series in both halves against San Diego, so he would have experience if he's needed later in the year. But Diggs also has proven to be competent on the field, while I'm not sure Van Noy has. He was abused in pass coverage during the early parts of training camp, and though he improved some, there were still breakdowns from him both in practice and the exhibitions. I'm not sure the Lions can trust him, yet, to go on the field and execute his assignments. And especially not as well as all the guys who are in front of him. With all the breakdowns the Lions already have at linebacker, and in pass-coverage, they can't afford to have Van Noy out there when they have better options.) (9-19-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/ask_kyle_on_matthew_staffords.html

Detroit Lions notes: Brandon Pettigrew out, DeAndre Levy doubtful; Tahir Whitehead’s changing role (Travis Lewis replaced Tahir Whitehead as the starting strongside linebacker in the opening game on Sunday. He’ll keep that role until Whitehead or someone else outplays him. Even though Lewis started, Whitehead had more defensive snaps. Lewis had a dozen, Whitehead had 20. Caldwell said Whitehead has a multiple role. “You’ll see, he plays, does quite a few things for us. And often times, it just kind of depends on the package in which we’re using. And also, it depends on who we’re facing. What kind of team, what kind of attack they have. I think you’re going to see that time and time again with us from a positional standpoint.’’ Caldwell said it particularly happens with linebackers because they have so many situational groupings and the cast of characters changes within the structures.) (9-18-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150918/detroit-lions-notes-brandon-pettigrew-out-deandre-levy-doubtful-tahir-whiteheads-changing-role

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: What's up with the offense? (Q. Why isn't Tahir starting instead of Bynes, Tim? He was a quality starter last year.  A. Bynes and Whitehead play two very different spots. Bynes plays the WILL and Whitehead the SAM. They are different positions with different responsibilities. The question you should be asking is why Whitehead isn’t starting over Travis Lewis? Coaches have said that’s a performance decision. But here’s the kicker, Whitehead actually played 20 snaps on Sunday vs. 12 for Lewis. Whitehead played more and had the one tackle they were able to muster between them. Whitehead played well last year at the MIKE. Maybe we are learning he’s a better MIKE than SAM.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-Whats-up-with-the-offense/47018f17-2d37-4cd4-90c8-ac5bd503c294

NOTEBOOK: Issues correctable; Austin likes his defense (Whitehead on losing starting spot - Tahir Whitehead stepped in last year and did a terrific job filling in for the injured Stephen Tulloch at the MIKE linebacker position.  That performance a year ago gave the Lions a lot of hope that Whitehead would have a great year in 2015 moving back to his more natural SAM spot.  The start to Whitehead's season thus far isn't what he or the Lions expected.  Whitehead lost his starting spot to Travis Lewis, which he admits surprised him.  “I keep things simple for myself,” Whitehead said. “I can’t get all caught up in hoopla about, ‘why aren’t you playing’ or ‘you should be playing this’ or ‘you should be playing that' or ‘you could have helped us do this.’  “At the end of the day, that’s neither here or there. If I’m on the field, I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m helping my team. If I’m off the field I’m going to root my guys on.”  Lewis starting over Whitehead was a performance decision, according to coaches. Lewis will remain the starter until “somebody plays better than him," according to Austin.  “What we saw was the body of work (Lewis) put in during camp and the ability that he just played a little better at the time,” Austin said. “The one thing that we’ve always stressed since we’ve been here is the fact that we’re going to play the guys that are deserving to play and he deserved to play.”  Both Lewis and Whitehead saw action last week. Whitehead played 20 snaps and Lewis played 12.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Issues-correctable-Austin-likes-his-defense/3a0cf434-ba3a-49c8-9c16-ea947027ad02

Lions working to correct problems at linebacker (Entering the 2015 season, the linebacker corps looked to be the Lions’ best unit. DeAndre Levy blossomed into a legitimate star the past two seasons on the weak side. Stephen Tulloch, the middle linebacker, looked like his old self during the summer after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Tahir Whitehead, who started 2014 on the strong side before replacing Tulloch in the middle, proved he could be a solid defensive contributor. The Lions also brought back Josh Bynes, a fine situational player last season. Kyle Van Noy had a fresh start after missing half of his rookie season because of a core muscle injury. And Travis Lewis was back, too, after missing most of last year with a quad injury. A week into the season, though, the Lions already are answering questions about the unit despite having most of the linebackers who contributed — everyone except Ashlee Palmer — to last year’s No. 2 overall defense and top run-stopping group. Tulloch looked slow and struggled with some reads in last Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Levy didn’t play, and it’s unclear when he’ll return as he deals with a hip injury. And Lewis started over Whitehead, so the group looked quite different in Week 1 in addition to performing poorly. “It’s a matter of just tackling the ball carriers, and I believe that’s what we just have to get cleaned up this week,” Whitehead said of an overall defensive effort in Week 1 in which the Lions allowed 483 yards. Tulloch might be the biggest concern moving forward as he didn’t look like the same player he’d been in his first four seasons with the Lions. He had at least 111 tackles in each of his three full seasons with the Lions and 20 in the first three games last year, but notched just six Sunday while also struggling in pass coverage. Of course, some of the issues could be related to Levy’s absence. The game was just the third time Tulloch has played a game without Levy since joining the Lions in 2011. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin declined Thursday to specify anything in Tulloch’s problematic play. “I’m not going to talk about any individual and how they played, good or bad,” he said. Austin did say, though, that Tulloch is “fine” physically, which appeared to be the case as he flew around during training camp. “I’m not sure I can explain why you guys don’t think he had his best game,” Austin said. “It may not have been, but the bottom line is — and it wasn’t just Stephen — we had some things across the board that we needed to get corrected and need to be better at this week, and we’re working toward it.” The biggest miscues the Lions had were on short passes which the Chargers consistently turned into longer gains, whether it was wide receivers Keenan Allen or Stevie Johnson or tight end Ladarius Green. “Obviously, we had some problems and we didn’t get them fixed,” Austin said. “And that’s on me.” Lewis earned the start over Whitehead because he was more productive and played with a physical, downhill style during the summer, Austin said. Whitehead actually ended up playing more snaps, 20-12, Sunday, but he wouldn’t say why the coaches would go with him versus Lewis in certain situations. The Lions first benched Whitehead in the third exhibition, but he didn’t have much reaction when Lewis started Sunday. “It was like OK, whatever,” he said. “I don’t get paid to make big-time decisions like that as to who’s going to play and who’s going to play how much, or whatever the case is.” Bynes was the Lions’ best linebacker on the field Sunday, registering eight tackles filling in for Levy. Because the Lions train their linebackers at all three spots, there’s a chance he could stay in the lineup when Levy returns, too. Against the Vikings on Sunday, the group will have to play better, especially with running back Adrian Peterson back with Minnesota. Looking at his defense as a whole, Austin said he’s not worried because he thinks the issues were correctable. “I don’t like what happened last week, but I like our guys,” he said.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/lions-working-correct-problems-linebacker/72366254/

Detroit Lions — Five things to know about the defense (Travis Lewis will continued to start at strongside linebacker instead of Tahir Whitehead. “What we saw was the body of work (Lewis) put in during camp and the ability that he just played a little better at the time. The one thing that we’ve always stressed since we’ve been here is the fact that we’re going to play the guys that are deserving to play and he deserved to play.” Austin said Lewis will start until somebody plays better than him.) (9-17-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150917/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-to-know-about-the-defense

Caldwell: Levy’s absence no excuse for struggles (While Lewis and Tahir Whitehead didn’t have the same production as Levy might have, Tulloch struggled in his first game back since his season-ending injury against the Packers in Week 3 last season.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/caldwell-levys-absence-excuse-struggles/72273594/

Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Travis Lewis made a surprising start at strong-side linebacker for the Lions in a Week 1 loss to the San Diego Chargers, proving Tahir Whitehead’s benching the last two weeks of the preseason wasn’t simply a motivational tactic. However, even though Lewis played on the opening drive, Whitehead actually played more snaps with 21 to Lewis’ 12. Neither player, though, played particularly well as Whitehead’s one tackle was the only statistical contribution by the duo. Josh Bynes, meanwhile, was the second linebacker, along with Stephen Tulloch, in the nickel package as he played 57 of the 79 defensive snaps. It’s unclear who will be the starting strong-side option moving forward — it could be Bynes when DeAndre Levy returns — but coach Jim Caldwell explained why Lewis earned the nod Sunday. “Some of it depends on package, but then also it depends on performance and he’s been performing well and did a nice job,” Caldwell said. “He’s been making plays for us.” In the four exhibitions, Lewis had 21 tackles compared to Whitehead’s eight, and even though Lewis was far from perfect, that same affinity for tackling is exactly how Whitehead earned the starting job last preseason. Last week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin explained the thought process behind the change during the exhibitions. “You don’t describe anything as a benching,” he said. “What you describe is a fact that somebody may have played better, and that’s what it is. … The one thing that we’ve always, since we’ve been here and we try to foster is it’s a meritocracy. You have to earn it and you play based on merit not because you were the starter the year before or because you were something somewhere else. “You come here, you show us what you have and it’s a week-to-week thing, it’s a year-to-year thing. And if you deserve it you’ll play.” Whitehead playing more than Lewis is a sign that the coaches might simply trust both players in different situations, but either way, they both need to produce more.) (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 (Travis Lewis saw his first defensive snaps in three years and quadrupled his previous career total, working 12 plays against the Chargers.) (9-14-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_tyru.html

Free Press Lions' report card: Poor marks for linebackers, receivers (Linebackers - D: Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and recovered a second-half fumble, but he looked rusty in his return from a torn ACL. He missed a couple tackles, got cleaned out by a pulling lineman on Danny Woodhead's nine-yard touchdown run, and appeared to get crossed up on Stevie Johnson's 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Josh Bynes started in place of the injured DeAndre Levy and had eight tackles, but he's not as good in coverage as Levy. Travis Lewis started ahead of Tahir Whitehead but played just a handful of snaps as the third linebacker.) (9-13-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-report-card/72236260/

Detroit News Lions grades: Coaches failed to recalibrate (9-13-15) (Linebackers: Coach Jim Caldwell said DeAndre Levy's absence wasn't an excuse, so it won't factor into the grade. Stephen Tulloch looked lost several times, especially in coverage. Josh Bynes also got fooled on a screen that produced a big play, though he did have eight tackles. Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead combined for just one tackle, and much of tight end Ladarius Green's 74 receiving yards was on the linebackers. Grade: D.):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/lions-grades-coaches-failed-recalibrate/72233574/

MLive Detroit Lions Grades: Defense flops, RB Ameer Abdullah shines as team withers in San Diego (LBs: D-. The coverage in the middle of the field was exposed by Rivers on crossing routes as Detroit's linebackers were often out of position. Josh Bynes, filling in for DeAndre Levy, was arguably the best among the group. Stephen Tulloch, coming back from last season's ACL tear, struggled. He got swallowed up by blocks and finding himself out of place in coverage all game long.) (9-13-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/grading_the_detroit_lions_san_1.html

LB Levy, OG Warford, DT Reid miss Lions practice today (And the Lions' likely would start Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead alongside Stephen Tulloch at linebacker if Levy cannot play.) (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 (Travis Lewis: He likely made the team because of his special-teams work, but he had a strong camp at linebacker as well, enough that he got a look with the first team the final two weeks.) (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

Lions win as roster battles go to wire (Among the biggest surprises Thursday was linebacker Tahir Whitehead playing deep into the second half. Travis Lewis earned the start at strong-side linebacker last week and started there again Thursday as Whitehead played in the middle. When Whitehead exited late in the first half, Lewis moved to the middle and Kyle Van Noy joined the linebacker corps that included Josh Bynes on the weak side. But Whitehead returned to play the middle again in the third quarter.  Whitehead said last week losing his starting job, even briefly, wasn't a punishment, but he embraced the challenge from his coaches. Lewis said he approached it as an open competition, and even if that's the case, it'd be hard to imagine he did enough to take Whitehead's starting job after a couple lackluster performances.  Van Noy's appearance was surprising. Even though he made his return to practice this week, Caldwell made it sound like the 2014 second-round pick was dealing with a serious injury and said it could take several weeks for him to recover.) (9-3-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/03/lions-win-roster-battles-go-wire/71678186/ 

Tim Wright, Joseph Fauria provide interesting Lions storyline in preseason finale (The last linebacker slot: With Kyle Van Noy back practicing, there could be a tighter competition for a final linebacker position between Travis Lewis, Brandon Copeland and Julian Stanford. All offer special-teams value – although Lewis and Stanford have more experience – and all have at least caught some notice during camp. Lewis appeared to pull ahead, but this is another competition where Thursday night could actually play a factor.) (9-3-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18643/tim-wright-joseph-fauria-provide-interesting-lions-storyline-in-preseason-finale

Practice notes: Van Noy returns, Joique Bell, more (There has been a lot of confusion about the linebacker depth chart after Travis Lewis started in place of Tahir Whitehead in the Lions' third preseason game. The situation wasn't any clearer up after Monday's practice. Lewis, again got reps with the first team defense. However, Whitehead is listed as the starter in the team's updated depth chart. It will be interesting to see who starts with Week 1 less than two weeks away.) (8-31-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/31/9234883/practice-notes-kyle-van-noy-back-joique-bell

Lions-Jaguars PFF Grades: The Stafford-Tate Connection (PFF's Grades - Travis Lewis: -1.4) (8-30-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/30/9224573/lions-jaguars-pff-grades-matthew-stafford-golden-tate

Lewis gets surprise start, Whitehead to bench for Lions (8-29-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/tahir-whitehead-benched/71369052/

Whitehead accomplishes goals after Lewis gets start (8-29-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/whitehead-accomplishes-goals-lewis-gets-start/71368444/

Lions haven't decided whether Tahir Whitehead is still a starter (8-29-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_have_yet_to_make_determi.html

Detroit Lions snap counts: Starting defense gets a workout against Jacksonville (The Lions clearly wanted to get a lengthy look at Travis Lewis - 48 and Josh Bynes - 41 at multiple linebacking spots and the pair racked up a combined 89 reps against the Jaguars.) (8-29-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_snap_counts_jack.html

NOTEBOOK: Explaining Whitehead’s playing time (Tahir Whitehead filled in admirably at middle linebacker last season after Stephen Tulloch (ACL) was lost for the season. His performance a season ago had the Lions excited about his move back to the SAM spot this year after a year’s worth of experience and this being a contract year for him.  Whitehead hasn’t taken off like maybe the team had hoped he would, however, and that’s opened the door for other players – most notably fourth-year linebacker Travis Lewis – to get extended looks from coaches.  Lewis, who’s played mostly on special teams his first three seasons in the league and missed most of last year due to injury, got the start in Jacksonville at the SAM spot.   Whitehead didn’t enter the game until the starters left in the second half.  Does this mean the Lions haven’t settled on a starter there just yet? With Kyle Van Noy out for an undisclosed amount of time due to injury, does Lewis have a legitimate chance to earn a starting role?   “It means every week is an evaluation process for us,” head coach Jim Caldwell said after Friday’s 22-17 win in Jacksonville when asked about Whitehead. “It gives us a chance to evaluate other guys.  “You look at it and we just try to find out who are the best guys for us, so there’s a number of different situations in there where we move guys into different spots, put some guys out there a little earlier, just so we have a good feel of exactly where we are.”  The Lions have been using Whitehead in both MIKE and SAM spots this preseason after proving he could handle the MIKE last year.  Lewis leads the Lions in tackles in the preseason and has been steady through three preseason games, but by no means mistake-free. He missed a tackle that led to a first-down run Friday night and was beaten in coverage at least once.  Still, it seems things remain unsettled at that spot with one game remaining in the preseason.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Explaining-Whitehead%E2%80%99s-playing-time/65fbf549-d3c7-4275-898c-4b63badfe3b2

Detroit 22, Jacksonville 17: Lions' defense needs work (The Lions played without four defensive starters and gave Travis Lewis a look at outside linebacker ahead of Tahir Whitehead, so take their defensive performance — they allowed two long touchdown drives to open the game — with a grain of salt. Still, they had too many breakdowns, and didn’t get enough pressure on Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.) (8-28-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/71354100/

Offense shines, defense struggles as Lions win (On defense, end Phillip Hunt was among the players who made an early appearance. Linebacker Travis Lewis started in place of a healthy Tahir Whitehead, perhaps a chance for Lewis to prepare himself to be Whitehead’s backup as Kyle Van Noy deals with an injury.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/offense-shines-defense-struggles-lions-win/71358214/

Lions Zach Zenner drags defenders into end zone for game-winning TD against Jags (Lowlights - Special teams ace Travis Lewis started ahead of Tahir Whitehead at strong-side linebacker. He struggled, as could have been expected, and Whitehead remains well ahead of him at the position. It's possible Detroit just wanted to get Lewis some reps, now that he could be Whitehead's backup with Kyle Van Noy out. It's also possible Whitehead is in the doghouse.) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_zach_zenner_drags_defend.html

Detroit Lions stock report: Matthew Stafford ready for regular season, Zach Zenner strengthens case (Stock down -- Reserve linebackers:  The Lions rolled with Travis Lewis and Josh Bynes in the starting lineup, in place of DeAndre Levy and Tahir Whitehead. Both struggled. The Jaguars picked on Lewis in coverage throughout the first half with great success. It was confirmation for what most of us already know -- Levy is really important to Detroit's defensive success.  Whitehead, working with the second unit for unknown reasons, played well. He's clearly the Lions third-best linebacker. ) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report.html

Detroit Lions notes: Run game up to speed in win over Jaguars (Travis Lewis and Stephen Tulloch tied with the most tackles at eight apiece.) (8-28-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150828/detroit-lions-notes-run-game-up-to-speed-in-win-over-jaguars

Some tight position battles with Detroit Lions could shake out on Friday (Brandon Copeland and Travis Lewis: They are both intriguing for different reasons. Copeland is more of a potential-type selection, and with Kyle Van Noy injured he could end up sliding into that role of a player who can play both linebacker and with his hand on the ground in special situations. He could see an extended look Friday. He could be competing with Lewis for a spot and while Lewis has never been even a rotational linebacker, he has a lot of special teams value. Pay attention to these two throughout Friday night.) (8-28-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18548/some-tight-position-battles-with-detroit-lions-could-shake-out-friday

13 players on the Detroit Lions' roster bubble (LB Travis Lewis: Lewis won’t ever play much defense for Detroit, but he’s a special teams demon, and the Lions need a few of those. It’s easy to point fingers at Jeremy Ross or whoever else for breakdowns in the return game, but the blocking/coverage have been issues too, and Lewis is exceptional there. He should be in good shape come cut day.) (8-27-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/12_players_on_detroit_lions_ro.html

Travis Lewis has more defensive stops (6) without a missed tackle than any other linebacker in preseason (8-26-15):  https://twitter.com/PFF/status/636535420814147585

Detroit News Camp Notes - Lions shuffle linemen with Warford out (Travis Lewis played strong-side linebacker with the starting defense, a surprise with Tahir Whitehead healthy and playing instead with the backups. One explanation could be the Lions are trying to prepare Whitehead’s backups with Kyle Van Noy dealing with an undisclosed injury.) (8-23-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/23/lions-shuffle-linemen-warford/32248229/

Lions roster: Bubble watch (Travis Lewis, LB:  Lewis has quietly had a nice training camp. He has nine tackles, two special teams tackles and a forced fumble in two preseason games.  He’s a terrific special teams player, a player who brings terrific energy to the field.  The Lions typically keep six linebackers out of camp. DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes and Kyle Van Noy are in. Lewis and Copeland appear to be fighting for the last spot.) (8-22-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-roster-Bubble-watch/c6b6ad44-c101-4ebe-8895-22edd7eae28f

Detroit Lions snap counts: Coaching staff has plenty of defensive tape after loss to Washington (Including special teams, no one saw more action than linebacker Travis Lewis. He's had a strong camp and was one of Pro Football Focus' highest-graded players from this contest. We have the fourth-year linebacker making the 53-man roster in our current projections.) (8-21-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_snap_counts_wash.html

PFF's Grades for Lions-Redskins (Hyder had one of the top 5 grades.  His grade was a +3.3) (8-21-15):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/08/21/grades-for-lions-redskins/

Recap: Lions At Redskins (Critical moment: The Redskins had a chance to take a lead into the half trailing 10-7 with the ball on the Lions’ 1-yard line and just two seconds remaining in the half.  But backup quarterback Colt McCoy fumbled the snap. Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy attempted to scoop it up, but couldn’t hold on. Instead it popped right into the hands of linebacker Travis Lewis, who returned it out to midfield before being tackled.  The play preserved a 10-7 Lions halftime lead.) (8-20-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-at-Redskins/cce7020b-6e20-48a4-aa49-a2850958279b

Detroit Lions — Five things learned from loss to Redskins (The Lions’ backup defense was just not good enough. The Redskins were able to run through the middle with ease in the second half. Travis Lewis made a nice touchdown-saving play near the end of the half when the Redskins fumbled at the 1-yard line and he scooped up the ball and ran 30 yards downfield.)(8-20-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150820/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-learned-from-loss-to-redskins

Detroit Lions notes — Orlovsky, Moore continue battle to be No. 2 QB (Travis Lewis led the defense with six combined tackles.) (8-20-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150820/detroit-lions-notes-x2014-orlovsky-moore-continue-battle-to-be-no-2-qb

Video - Highlight: Lewis scoops up McCoy's fumble (8-20-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Highlight-Lewis-scoops-up-McCoys-fumble/78b985d1-b464-4f2c-848b-fca5e2f3c30e

Ten Lions players to watch vs. Washington (LB Travis Lewis: Lewis has been a solid special teams contributor during his three seasons with the Lions, but after missing the last 14 games with a quad injury last year, Josh Bynes filled in admirably and was key asset on defense. Lewis had two special teams tackles last week, and more strong play would help him stay on the roster.) (8-19-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/19/ten-players-watch-vs-washington/31992373/

MLive Training Camp Notes (Travis Lewis, who is quietly having a solid camp, threw Theo Riddick to the ground and later overpower rookie Ameer Abdullah.) (8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_2015_training_ca_10.html

Matthew Stafford, Rashean Mathis shine in Lions mock game (Josh Bynes and Travis Lewis seem to be taking early hold of backup linebacker roles: In a logjam behind the four linebackers who are assured of making the roster – DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead and Kyle Van Noy – it seems like Bynes and Lewis are getting the most attention. They are core special-teams players and both received first-team defensive reps. Considering the backup linebackers need to be valuable on special teams, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Bynes and Lewis are seeing a lot of action early.)(8-8-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18168/matthew-stafford-rashean-mathis-shine-in-detroit-lions-mock-game-saturday

Ross had a nice return but Travis Lewis was never not holding on the play, got flagged (8-8-15):  https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/630033951189528577

NOTEBOOK: Fuller consistently making plays in practice (Tight End Eric Ebron made a terrific catch over linebacker Travis Lewis down the seam) (8-6-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Fuller-consistently-making-plays-in-practice/d61dbae9-08c5-4ef1-8fe0-475221a79fdc

Free Press Camp observations: Van Noy struggling in pass coverage (Ameer Abdullah, meanwhile, continues to impress as a pass catcher and route runner. In the same one-on-one drills, he blew past Travis Lewis on a circle route that left Lewis looking like he was playing in quicksand.)(8-6-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/kyle-van-noy-detroit-lions/31254217/

Laken Tomlinson running with first team offense. Travis Lewis and Devin Taylor getting some first team defense run (8-5-15):  https://twitter.com/mikerothstein/status/629079856639254528

Stephen Tulloch:

NOTEBOOK: Stafford 'feels ok,' participates in walkthrough (Reduced Playing Time for Tulloch - Stephen Tulloch vowed last week he’d bounce back from a sub-par performance in a Week 1 loss in San Diego -- a performance in which he missed three tackles and gave up nine receptions in the pass game. He wasn’t given a full opportunity to redeem himself this week in Minnesota, though. Tulloch played just 44 of a possible 65 defensive snaps Sunday. He played 77 of 79 snaps in San Diego. “This week was a package week where we had a lot of different guys playing ... you may see the same thing in the future,” Caldwell said.  Tahir Whitehead played alongside Josh Bynes in certain nickel packages, with Tulloch on the sidelines.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Stafford-feels-ok-participates-in-walkthrough/48994f3a-6314-49df-95c5-8a959388faf0

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Looking ahead to next 3 games (4. Tulloch’s snap count: Stephen Tulloch’s status as the iron man at middle linebacker is being challenged.  He played all 127 defensive snaps in the first two games last season and the first 11 of Game 3 vs. the Packers before going out for the season with a knee injury. He played 77 of 79 snaps against San Diego, and his workload was reduced somewhat more against the Vikings as other linebackers were rotated into the game.  “Packages,” is how coach Jim Caldwell described the substitution pattern involving Tullcoh. However, he used to be the linebacker in all packages.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Looking-ahead-to-next-3-games/68adfa56-8a06-461c-8ca7-4e4460bf7855

Lions' Tulloch is now a part-time linebacker (9-21-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/detroit-lions-snap-counts/72559322/

Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Stephen Tulloch was an every-down linebacker during his first four seasons with the Lions, but after a poor Week 1 performance, the coaches reduced his role in Week 2. The starting middle linebacker played 44 of 65 defensive snaps, mostly ceding duties to Tahir Whitehead, who had 17 snaps, when he exited, and coach Jim Caldwell declined to provide details for why Tulloch came out of the game at time. “We run different packages,” he said. “You’ll see a lot of different guys in on different situations depending on the team that we play.” The Lions did little effectively on defense Sunday as the Vikings, led by Adrian Peterson, ran for 199 yards. Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was an efficient 14 of 18 for 153 yards, too. Josh Bynes was the only linebacker who played every snap. Because he replaced DeAndre Levy on the weak side, Bynes’ large role comes as no surprise, but he was the linebacker the Lions chose to play in the dime package, not Tulloch. Travis Lewis started on the strong side again, but played just 10 snaps. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Copeland each played six snaps, mostly as pass rushers. “We have a lot of guys that can play a good brand of football,” Caldwell said. Those linebackers, though, were far from stellar. Tulloch’s six tackles led the group, and he played better than in Week 1. Bynes had five tackles, including one for loss, and Whitehead and Lewis had three tackles apiece.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/

Detroit Lions snap counts: Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick shoulder RB load against Vikings (Linebacker Stephen Tulloch, who never typically sits, only played 68 percent of the reps. For what it's worth, he appeared to have a noticeably better performance than he did in Week 1.) (9-21-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_amee.html

Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch loses playing time against Vikings (9-21-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/lions_linebacker_stephen_tullo.html

PFF's DET-MIN Grades: poised Bridgewater, pass rush lead the Vikings (Lions Top Performers - Stephen Tulloch +2.8) (9-20-15):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/09/21/det-min-gradespoised-bridgewater-pass-rush-lead-the-vikings/

Free Press Lions' report card: Offensive line failed QB, RBs (Linebackers - C: The Lions subbed their linebackers freely depending on the package, but nothing worked against Peterson. Josh Bynes, starting his second game in place of ailing DeAndre Levy, lost outside contain on Peterson's 25-yard run, and Tahir Whitehead got cleaned out by Zach Line on Peterson's would-be touchdown that was overturned on replay. Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and played better than last week, but even when the Lions made plays things seemed to fall apart. Kyle Van Noy barreled through Peterson on a second-quarter pass rush, but he couldn't haul down Bridgewater before the QB shoveled a pass to Peterson for a big gain.) (9-20-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-report-card-minnesota-vikings/72542456/

Lions notes: Megatron used more, but team lacks big plays (One week after his rough outing, middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch was replaced by Tahir Whitehead in certain defensive sets. Caldwell insisted the move was not due to Tulloch's play last week, but rather different packages the team runs on defense.) (9-20-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-calvin-johnson/72545862/

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. The Lions took Tulloch out of the game multiple times Sunday. Asked after the game why he was being removed, Lions coach Jim Caldwell said it was based on "packages." "Just kind of depends on the team in which we play," Caldwell said. "Depends on what we're facing, what we're dealing with. You may see a number of different things occur like that.") (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

3 Detroit Lions to watch: Calvin Johnson needs more targets, veteran LB looks to rebound (Linebacker Stephen Tulloch - Returning from a year-long layoff, Tulloch looked rusty against the Chargers, missing multiple tackles and coverage assignments in the loss. The veteran linebacker, who led the team in tackles from 2011-13, has vowed to bounce back. He'll get a workout against the Vikings, whether it's coming up to plug one of running back Adrian Peterson's lanes or containing tight end Kyle Rudolph in the middle of the field.) (9-20-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/3_detroit_lions_to_watch_calvi.html

Ask Kyle: On Matthew Stafford, and who are the Lions' fastest players at each position (Q: Why don't the Lions use Kyle Van Noy strictly as a situational pass rusher like Seattle uses Bruce Irvin?  Seems like that would get him some reps on the field. — Jam Hatter. A: At what position? He doesn't really play the weak side. Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead are both better in the middle. Whitehead and Travis Lewis are both better on the strong side. Van Noy would be well-served to get some live reps, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen at some point. But I don't see him getting the Quandre Diggs treatment just yet. The Lions got Diggs a series in both halves against San Diego, so he would have experience if he's needed later in the year. But Diggs also has proven to be competent on the field, while I'm not sure Van Noy has. He was abused in pass coverage during the early parts of training camp, and though he improved some, there were still breakdowns from him both in practice and the exhibitions. I'm not sure the Lions can trust him, yet, to go on the field and execute his assignments. And especially not as well as all the guys who are in front of him. With all the breakdowns the Lions already have at linebacker, and in pass-coverage, they can't afford to have Van Noy out there when they have better options.) (9-19-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/ask_kyle_on_matthew_staffords.html

NOTEBOOK: Tulloch looking to bounce back (9-18-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Tulloch-looking-to-bounce-back/8728a5f7-4bab-4f83-9a44-840e993182fb

Lions' Tulloch: Give me benefit of doubt, I'll be good (Stephen Tulloch struggled in his return from a knee surgery last week, but the veteran linebacker warned not to write off his season or his career just yet. "Come on, man," Tulloch said Friday. "Ten years in the game, give me some kind of credit. I've been doing this a long time, brother. So I'll be good." Tulloch had six tackles and recovered a fumble in last week's season-opening loss to the San Diego Chargers, but he was targeted repeatedly on short passes by quarterback Philip Rivers, his one-time teammate at North Carolina State. According to Pro Football Focus, Tulloch, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while celebrating a sack last September, allowed nine catches on nine pass attempts against the Chargers. He got beat in coverage on Stevie Johnson's third-quarter touchdown, and allowed a 147.7 passer rating for the game. "I mean, obviously, I missed some time, I missed a whole year, so when you get back out there and play a full game for a first time, there's some reads that I could make better that I've always made and things that I could adjust to and study the game," Tulloch said. "I'm a student of the game of football. I love to watch film, I love to break down stuff. A couple reads here and there I could have did better, a couple coverage wise I could have (had) technique better. So understanding that about myself and understanding that about the game, I could correct those mistakes easily by just positioning myself better, which I have this week and understanding where I have my flaws at and correcting it." Rust aside, Tulloch said his knee wasn't an issue Sunday. He played 77 of a possible 79 defensive snaps, fourth most on the team, and took a full complement of reps in practice this week. Both Lions coach Jim Caldwell and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin voiced their support for Tulloch this week, and Tulloch said he's confident he'll be back to his normal self soon. "I came in as a fourth-round guy," Tulloch said. "They said I wouldn't be here, make it past two years, and I'm in 10 now. Like I said, I know how to handle adversity, I've been through it my whole career, through injuries, through somebody getting hurt, me stepping up, playing through injuries. When people tell me I can't do it, I tend to prove them wrong, which I have my whole career. Like I said, I'll bounce back and help lead this team the way I have since I've been here.") (9-18-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/18/stephen-tulloch-lions/72410816/

Detroit Lions' Stephen Tulloch acknowledges rust, vows to bounce back (9-18-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_stephen_tulloch_7.html

Detroit Lions — Five things on Stephen Tulloch’s mind (9-18-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150918/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-on-stephen-tullochs-mind

10 takeaways from Austin and Lombardi (Linebacker Stephen Tulloch appeared to have a tough game in San Diego, but Austin said the issues were much greater than just one player, and he still has confidence in his veteran MIKE linebacker.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/2ca31990-a224-4e62-a8fa-ca3c46aace10

Tulloch's poor play not due to knee, Lions say (Stephen Tulloch missed most of last season with a torn ACL, but Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said that injury wasn't the cause of his linebacker's poor play last week. "No," Austin said flatly. "He's fine. He is, physically, he's fine." Tulloch had six tackles and recovered a fumble in last week's season-opening loss to the San Diego Chargers, but he was targeted repeatedly on short passes by quarterback Philip Rivers, his one-time teammate at North Carolina State. According to Pro Football Focus, Tulloch allowed nine catches on nine pass attempts against the Chargers. He got beat in coverage on Stevie Johnson's third-quarter touchdown, and allowed a 147.7 passer rating for the game. Both Austin and Lions coach Jim Caldwell declined to share their assessments of Tulloch's play on Thursday, and Tulloch has not been available for comment in the locker room this week. "I don't talk about grades and assessment and all that stuff," Caldwell said. "Our guys work hard, they fight you and they give you great effort." "I can't explain why you guys don't think he had his best game," Austin said. "It may not have been, but just bottom line is we had some things – and it wasn't just Stephen - we had some things across the board that we needed to get corrected and we need to be better at this week and we're working towards it." Tulloch, 30, was off to maybe the best start of his career last year when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while celebrating a Week 3 sack on Aaron Rodgers. Tahir Whitehead played well in Tulloch's absence last fall, but the Lions have shown no inclination to give Whitehead, who lost the starting strongside linebacker job to Travis Lewis in training camp, more snaps this year. "Tully is certainly, he's not a guy that's new to this game," Caldwell said. "He's played a lot of football. He's obviously an experienced guy, and it's just like anything else, the first game of the season, no matter how much experience you've had, it can be a little different every year. Sometimes you have an outstanding game, sometimes it might not be your best. But without question, I think that our guys know how to work and improve, and put on a better performance than we had the week before. And that goes across the board, it's not just Tully. It's everybody across the board we need to play better.") (9-17-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/detroit-lions-stephen-tulloch-acl/32571555/

Lions working to correct problems at linebacker (Entering the 2015 season, the linebacker corps looked to be the Lions’ best unit. DeAndre Levy blossomed into a legitimate star the past two seasons on the weak side. Stephen Tulloch, the middle linebacker, looked like his old self during the summer after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Tahir Whitehead, who started 2014 on the strong side before replacing Tulloch in the middle, proved he could be a solid defensive contributor. The Lions also brought back Josh Bynes, a fine situational player last season. Kyle Van Noy had a fresh start after missing half of his rookie season because of a core muscle injury. And Travis Lewis was back, too, after missing most of last year with a quad injury. A week into the season, though, the Lions already are answering questions about the unit despite having most of the linebackers who contributed — everyone except Ashlee Palmer — to last year’s No. 2 overall defense and top run-stopping group. Tulloch looked slow and struggled with some reads in last Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Levy didn’t play, and it’s unclear when he’ll return as he deals with a hip injury. And Lewis started over Whitehead, so the group looked quite different in Week 1 in addition to performing poorly. “It’s a matter of just tackling the ball carriers, and I believe that’s what we just have to get cleaned up this week,” Whitehead said of an overall defensive effort in Week 1 in which the Lions allowed 483 yards. Tulloch might be the biggest concern moving forward as he didn’t look like the same player he’d been in his first four seasons with the Lions. He had at least 111 tackles in each of his three full seasons with the Lions and 20 in the first three games last year, but notched just six Sunday while also struggling in pass coverage. Of course, some of the issues could be related to Levy’s absence. The game was just the third time Tulloch has played a game without Levy since joining the Lions in 2011. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin declined Thursday to specify anything in Tulloch’s problematic play. “I’m not going to talk about any individual and how they played, good or bad,” he said. Austin did say, though, that Tulloch is “fine” physically, which appeared to be the case as he flew around during training camp. “I’m not sure I can explain why you guys don’t think he had his best game,” Austin said. “It may not have been, but the bottom line is — and it wasn’t just Stephen — we had some things across the board that we needed to get corrected and need to be better at this week, and we’re working toward it.” The biggest miscues the Lions had were on short passes which the Chargers consistently turned into longer gains, whether it was wide receivers Keenan Allen or Stevie Johnson or tight end Ladarius Green. “Obviously, we had some problems and we didn’t get them fixed,” Austin said. “And that’s on me.” Lewis earned the start over Whitehead because he was more productive and played with a physical, downhill style during the summer, Austin said. Whitehead actually ended up playing more snaps, 20-12, Sunday, but he wouldn’t say why the coaches would go with him versus Lewis in certain situations. The Lions first benched Whitehead in the third exhibition, but he didn’t have much reaction when Lewis started Sunday. “It was like OK, whatever,” he said. “I don’t get paid to make big-time decisions like that as to who’s going to play and who’s going to play how much, or whatever the case is.” Bynes was the Lions’ best linebacker on the field Sunday, registering eight tackles filling in for Levy. Because the Lions train their linebackers at all three spots, there’s a chance he could stay in the lineup when Levy returns, too. Against the Vikings on Sunday, the group will have to play better, especially with running back Adrian Peterson back with Minnesota. Looking at his defense as a whole, Austin said he’s not worried because he thinks the issues were correctable. “I don’t like what happened last week, but I like our guys,” he said.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/lions-working-correct-problems-linebacker/72366254/

Detroit Lions Twitter Talk: On a silver lining not named Ameer Abdullah and going for 4th down (Q. How concerning was Tulloch's play on Sunday? What are our contingency plans if he can't shake off the rust? A. It's one game. One pretty bad game. But Tulloch has an established track record and deserves the benefit of the doubt. There isn't a contingency plan. He'll play as long as he's healthy.) (9-16-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_twitter_talk_12.html

Lions' once-dominant defense shows faults in season opener (Two players who appeared to struggle more than most were middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch and cornerback Rashean Mathis. Tulloch missed most of last season with a knee injury, but Caldwell downplayed any notion of rustiness and said a poor result should not necessarily be placed on one player.) (9-15-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/15/detroit-lions-defense-shows-faults/72293542/

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/

Caldwell: Levy’s absence no excuse for struggles (While Lewis and Tahir Whitehead didn’t have the same production as Levy might have, Tulloch struggled in his first game back since his season-ending injury against the Packers in Week 3 last season. Tulloch finished with six tackles and a fumble recovery against the Chargers but also was out of place on some plays. Caldwell said it’s not always easy to determine blown assignments or to put things just on one player.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/caldwell-levys-absence-excuse-struggles/72273594/

Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Travis Lewis made a surprising start at strong-side linebacker for the Lions in a Week 1 loss to the San Diego Chargers, proving Tahir Whitehead’s benching the last two weeks of the preseason wasn’t simply a motivational tactic. However, even though Lewis played on the opening drive, Whitehead actually played more snaps with 21 to Lewis’ 12. Neither player, though, played particularly well as Whitehead’s one tackle was the only statistical contribution by the duo. Josh Bynes, meanwhile, was the second linebacker, along with Stephen Tulloch, in the nickel package as he played 57 of the 79 defensive snaps. It’s unclear who will be the starting strong-side option moving forward — it could be Bynes when DeAndre Levy returns — but coach Jim Caldwell explained why Lewis earned the nod Sunday. “Some of it depends on package, but then also it depends on performance and he’s been performing well and did a nice job,” Caldwell said. “He’s been making plays for us.” In the four exhibitions, Lewis had 21 tackles compared to Whitehead’s eight, and even though Lewis was far from perfect, that same affinity for tackling is exactly how Whitehead earned the starting job last preseason. Last week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin explained the thought process behind the change during the exhibitions. “You don’t describe anything as a benching,” he said. “What you describe is a fact that somebody may have played better, and that’s what it is. … The one thing that we’ve always, since we’ve been here and we try to foster is it’s a meritocracy. You have to earn it and you play based on merit not because you were the starter the year before or because you were something somewhere else. “You come here, you show us what you have and it’s a week-to-week thing, it’s a year-to-year thing. And if you deserve it you’ll play.” Whitehead playing more than Lewis is a sign that the coaches might simply trust both players in different situations, but either way, they both need to produce more.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/

3 things we learned about the Lions, including the real problem at LB (and it's not Josh Bynes) (Stephen Tulloch is not his old self. The middle linebacker was a warrior his first three years in Detroit, and was playing some of his best football when he tore his ACL in Week 3 of last year. He vowed he would return to form. And though he's back on the field, he's hardly his old self. There were some warning signs in the preseason, when he looked a step slow, particularly against Jacksonville, and then he was completely exploited in the passing game against San Diego. Philip Rivers went after him nine times -- and completed all nine passes. Tulloch did make six tackles, but missed three others and finished as the defense's second-worst player, per Pro Football Focus. We thought DeAndre Levy's injury would be the defense's biggest problem, but Josh Bynes was fine. Tulloch looks like the real linebacker Detroit has to worry about.) (9-14-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/3_things_we_learned_about_the_30.html

Free Press Lions' report card: Poor marks for linebackers, receivers (Linebackers - D: Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and recovered a second-half fumble, but he looked rusty in his return from a torn ACL. He missed a couple tackles, got cleaned out by a pulling lineman on Danny Woodhead's nine-yard touchdown run, and appeared to get crossed up on Stevie Johnson's 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Josh Bynes started in place of the injured DeAndre Levy and had eight tackles, but he's not as good in coverage as Levy. Travis Lewis started ahead of Tahir Whitehead but played just a handful of snaps as the third linebacker.) (9-13-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-report-card/72236260/

Detroit News Lions grades: Coaches failed to recalibrate (9-13-15) (Linebackers: Coach Jim Caldwell said DeAndre Levy's absence wasn't an excuse, so it won't factor into the grade. Stephen Tulloch looked lost several times, especially in coverage. Josh Bynes also got fooled on a screen that produced a big play, though he did have eight tackles. Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead combined for just one tackle, and much of tight end Ladarius Green's 74 receiving yards was on the linebackers. Grade: D.):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/lions-grades-coaches-failed-recalibrate/72233574/

MLive Detroit Lions Grades: Defense flops, RB Ameer Abdullah shines as team withers in San Diego (LBs: D-. The coverage in the middle of the field was exposed by Rivers on crossing routes as Detroit's linebackers were often out of position. Josh Bynes, filling in for DeAndre Levy, was arguably the best among the group. Stephen Tulloch, coming back from last season's ACL tear, struggled. He got swallowed up by blocks and finding himself out of place in coverage all game long.) (9-13-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/grading_the_detroit_lions_san_1.html

Chargers, with 30 straight points, shred Lions defense (Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense gashed the Lions for 483 yards and scored 30 straight points after the Lions jumped out to a 21-3 lead in the first half. The Lions allowed just 300.9 yards last season as they ranked second in the NFL in total defense, but many of their supposed top veterans — Stephen Tulloch, Rashean Mathis and James Ihedigbo among them — struggled mightily for much of the game. The Chargers didn’t take advantage of that turnover as Lions defensive end Jason Jones forced a fumble by rookie running back Melvin Gordon, and Tulloch recovered.) (9-13-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/chargers-straight-points-shred-lions-defense/72227852/

Detroit Lions notes — Josh Bynes prepared to start for DeAndre Levy (Captains named - Caldwell will continue naming captains on a weekly basis like he did last year. Matthew Stafford, Stephen Tulloch and long snapper Don Muhlbach will serve as Sunday’s captains at San Diego.) (9-11-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150911/detroit-lions-notes-x2014-josh-bynes-prepared-to-start-for-deandre-levy

Lions' Stephen Tulloch back, ready to make a splash (The manner in which the Lions lost their playoff game to the Cowboys overshadowed some other significant story lines that impacted their season. Take the absence of linebacker Stephen Tulloch, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 3 while celebrating a sack. While Tahir Whitehead was solid despite his inexperience playing defense in the NFL, no one knows how good the Lions could have been had the defense been at full strength. And as this season begins without All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who left for the Dolphins in free agency, Tulloch's return could provide a boost to the linebacker corps and ease the loss of Suh. "It's fun having him back," linebacker DeAndre Levy said. For the Lions to maintain or improve on their No. 2 defense from last season, several things have to go right, including players avoiding the natural falloff after turning 30. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who will replace Suh, is 31 and entering his 10th season. Cornerback Rashean Mathis turned 35 in August and is going on Year 13. Safety James Ihedigbo turns 32 in December of what will be his eighth season. Defensive end Darryl Tapp turns 31 in September and is on Year 10. Tulloch, meanwhile, is 30 and is entering his 10th year. But after missing 13 games, he believes he's fresher because, besides his left knee, his body avoided the typical wear and tear of a season. Plus, he spent countless hours rehabbing, with an emphasis on Pilates. "I trained so hard in the offseason," he said. After the Packers lost wide receiver Jordy Nelson to a season-ending knee injury during camp, Lions coach Jim Caldwell compared the loss to Tulloch last year, saying teams can still succeed without one of their stars. His first three seasons with the Lions, Tulloch had at least 111 tackles each year. Last year, he had two sacks in three games.) (9-9-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/lions-stephen-tulloch-back-ready-to-make-a-splash/71941080/

A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Stephen Tulloch: He’s playing with a renewed fervor coming off his ACL injury, and if he stays healthy, he should have a strong season.) (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

Lions hoping defense can still excel without Suh (Tulloch's Return: Lions LB Stephen Tulloch missed most of last season after he injured his knee celebrating a sack in a September game. Detroit's defense did fine without him, but the veteran's presence will certainly be welcome.) (9-7-15):   http://sports.yahoo.com/news/lions-hoping-defense-still-excel-without-suh-005558214--nfl.html

Ranking the 25 players most important to the Detroit Lions' 2015 success (No. 14 -- Stephen Tulloch:  Whitehead filled in admirably for Tulloch last season, but that shouldn't discount what the veteran middle linebacker brings on game day. An incredibly instinctive player who utilizes his natural leverage and violent hands with great effectiveness, he adds leadership and intensity to the unit.) (9-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/25_most_important_players_to_d.html

Mailbag: How many deep shots will Matthew Stafford take? (Q. Who is the player that the lions are hanging onto one year too long? Mathis?  A. I'm not sure at this juncture if there is an obvious answer to this. Rashean Mathis was extremely good last season and is in insane shape, so I wouldn't say there. I'm most interested to see how James Ihedigbo and Stephen Tulloch perform early this season. Tulloch has looked good coming off the ACL injury, but I want to see him get through a full game. Ihedigbo struggled at points during the second half of last season -- particularly during the Green Bay game where he was benched -- so I want to see how he performs as well. Otherwise, it is a pretty young roster for the most part. But Tulloch and Ihedigbo should still be good starters this season, so I'm not sure if there is a definitive answer here.) (9-5-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18685/mailbag-how-many-deep-shots-will-matthew-stafford-take

Tapp grateful for NFL career: 'Kid's game for king's ransom' (Stephen Tulloch said the craziest pre-game ritual he's seen was linebacker DeAndre Levy warming up shirtless in the snow at Lambeau Field in 2012.) (9-2-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/02/lions-darryl-tapp-grateful-for-nfl-career-kids-game-for-kings-ransom/71600994/

Detroit Lions snap counts: Starting defense gets a workout against Jacksonville (In the third preseason game, the members of the starting defense not out due to injury got a workout. Despite playing just the first half, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and all four members of the starting secondary worked more than 50 snaps each.  Tulloch - 55, Glover Quin - 54, James Ihedigbo - 53, Darius Slay - 51 and Rashean Mathis - 50) (8-29-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_snap_counts_jack.html

RECAP: Lions at Jaguars (The Lions’ defense finally rose up and made a play when defensive end Phillip Hunt, who was good rushing the passer all night, pressured Bortles into a quick throw to Allen Robinson that was broken up by linebacker Stephen Tulloch.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-at-Jaguars/aedb2f47-d659-418e-a6ff-a41cf8e3c3c9

O'hara's Burning Questions: What Happened To Defense In 1st Half? (Q. Run defense – how would you rate it?  A. No concern. It looks as strong as ever. In the first half, the Jaguars gained 41 yards on the ground on 14 carries, and 23 of those were on two scrambles by Bortles. That meant the running backs gained 18 yards on 12 carries.  Stephen Tulloch, back at middle linebacker after missing most of last season because of a knee injury, had several big hits. He played like it was a regular-season game, and he was in top form.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara-burning-questions/article-1/OHARAS-BURNING-QUESTIONS-What-happened-to-defense-in-1st-half/c8b0f5ee-3b56-4048-93f5-b7dd7959ab0a

Detroit 22, Jacksonville 17: Lions' defense needs work (Stephen Tulloch, one of the few defensive regulars who played, had a couple miscues in pass coverage, but was as physical as ever against the run. Tulloch had a huge hit on the goal line on T.J. Yeldon’s 1-yard touchdown, when he popped the ball out at the goal line.) (8-28-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/71354100/

Offense shines, defense struggles as Lions win (With seven starters playing the first drive, the Lions defense struggled in all aspects during a 15-play scoring drive that lasted nearly 8 minutes. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles picked the Lions apart on the drive and converted all three third-down tries, two by pass and one on an 11-yard run on which he faked a pitch to fool linebacker Stephen Tulloch.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/offense-shines-defense-struggles-lions-win/71358214/

Detroit Lions — Five things learned in win over Jaguars (Stephen Tulloch was fired up, but wasn’t his usual solid self. He hasn’t played since last September.) (8-28-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150828/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-learned-in-win-over-jaguars

Detroit Lions notes: Run game up to speed in win over Jaguars (Travis Lewis and Stephen Tulloch tied with the most tackles at eight apiece.) (8-28-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150828/detroit-lions-notes-run-game-up-to-speed-in-win-over-jaguars

Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (At Mike ’backer, don’t be surprised if Austin goes with the less dynamic Stephen Tulloch (coming off a torn ACL) instead of up-and-comer Tahir Whitehead. This would indicate conservativeness on the defensive coordinator’s part. Tulloch, a 10th-year veteran, knows where to go; Whitehead doesn’t always, but he gets there more explosively.) (8-28-15):   http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford

10 takeaways from Austin and Lombardi (One player who hasn’t been talked about a whole lot during the preseason is linebacker Stephen Tulloch. He’s been good through training camp and the preseason, and Austin describes him as the defense’s “energizer” and “glue.” That’s pretty high praise from Austin.) (8-25-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/a97c2eb8-de1b-43c6-8ee3-7698a6173a39

Teryl Austin, Joe Lombardi quotes from Monday (On LB Stephen Tulloch: "I like ‘Tully.’ He’s our energizer. I mean he is always going. He is up-tempo. We had a mock session the other day and he’s going full speed, they’re like, ‘Tully it’s not full speed.’ That’s what he brings to our team and he’s a great football player. Guys love him and respect him. He’s kind of - A lot of times you have guys on your defense, they’re kind of the glue. You have a guy like him, you have Levy, right, you have those types of guys in there, Glover (Quin), all those guys they bond together and they bring people with them. I think that’s important. You can have great players that don’t bring people with you. They bring people together and I think maybe last year, when we first started talking defense and the big question last year was our secondary, ‘Well they’re not going to be very good, they’re not going to be this,’ and I said we’re going to be okay because collectively if we play well together we’ll do things the right way. That’s how our defense is and I think those types of guys, they help our defense. They help our team because collectively they’re not ego guys. They just want everybody, they want us to be great and so I think that’s good.") (8-25-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi

NOTEBOOK: Swanson won't take starting role for granted (Eric Ebron had a nice back-shoulder catch in the end zone in that 7-on-7 red zone drill with Tulloch in coverage.)(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.) (8-18-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/lions-training-camp-notes/31948017/

Detroit News Camp observations: Lions' Fauria gets action with first team (On one play in a nine-on-nine drill, Tomlinson made a good block on Stephen Tulloch at the second level.) (8-18-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/camp-observations-lions-fauria-gets-action-with-first-team/31940203/

ESPN Camp Notes -   Stephen Tulloch looks ready; Nevin Lawson has standout practice for Lions (Stephen Tulloch has to be itching for the regular season: The linebacker who missed almost all of last season has been one of the most physical players in practice along with safety Isa Abdul-Quddus. He's continually making hard contact with a running back or receiver and on Tuesday he hit Zenner pretty hard. He didn't see much work in the opener against the Jets and likely won't see a ton Thursday, but Tulloch appears in regular season form already.) (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

Tomlinson with the ones in a 9-on-9 drill today. Had a nice block on Tulloch at second level (8-18-15):   https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/633713133308260353

Lions LB Tulloch: 'I feel better than I did before' (8-17-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/17/lions-lb-tulloch-getting-back/31890595/

5 things to watch in Lions' preseason opener (Tully returns: It has been 326 days since Stephen Tulloch has played a meaningful football game, but the middle linebacker looks fully recovered from the torn ACL that ended his 2014 season in Week 3. He has made some of the biggest hits of training camp so far and is itching to play in a game that counts.) (8-12-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/12/detroit-lions-jets-geno-smith/31528637/

Notebook: Revamped Reid Playing Important Role On D-line (It’s easy to see that linebacker Stephen Tulloch is loving being back on the field after a lost 2014 season (ACL). The Lions were in full pads Monday working a lot on the run game and Tulloch was in the middle of a lot of collisions at the line of scrimmage. Tulloch likes to give the runners a pop with his shoulder pads just to remind them that he’s there.  Play of the Day -  Today we aren’t highlighting a single play, but rather a sequence of plays in a pass blocking drill by rookie fullback Michael Burton. In consecutive reps in a drill where the running backs have to keep a blitzing linebacker off the quarterback, Burton stonewalled both Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy in consecutive reps. That’s a good sign for Burton, who’s responsibilities are going to include pass blocking, along with being a lead blocker, short-yardage runner and receiver out of the backfield. Levy wasn’t going to let the rookie get the better of him twice though. He won the second rep vs. Burton. Still, it was impressive to see the rookie fullback stand his ground against two really good linebackers in this league.) (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

Freep Lions camp observations: Michael Burton can block (The Detroit Lions spent most of practice today working on run-game type situations. They did a nine-on-seven run drill early in practice, spent a period working on red-zone plays and did their first period of one-on-one blitz pickup of camp. While the blocking drills is slanted heavily towards defenders, over pitting overmatched running backs against linebackers like Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy, one of the standouts of the drill was rookie fullback Michael Burton. Burton, a fifth-round pick out of Rutgers, is the odds-on favorite to win the fullback job, and he showed a little bit of why today. In his first match-up with Tulloch, who's as tough to block as anyone in the drill, Burton stonewalled the middle linebacker, mirroring his movement on a spin move. Burton split his two reps against Levy, stonewalling the outside linebacker in their first meeting before Levy beat him on the rematch. As good as Tulloch and Levy are physically, Burton said it's even more of a challenge to match up with them mentally because of their unique ability to read a player's body language and answer with a pass-rush move or otherwise be able to shed a block.  When Levy beat him the second time, Burton said "he had a very good move, something that he adjusted from the first time when I got him." "It's just, I really enjoy going against those types of players, especially those two because like I said they've played a lot of football, they're very good players," Burton said. "Ultimately that's just going to make me better so to get out there and just out there and compete with those guys is really special." Tulloch tipped his cap to Burton after the drill, too. "Good player, solid," Tulloch said. "Still young, but you can tell he wants to be in there, stick his nose in there as far as blocking and having good contact."  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.) (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 (Stephen Tulloch continued hitting running backs hard Monday and had a couple of tackles for loss. After missing 13 games last year, he looks ready for a redemption season.)
(8-10-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/camp-observations-ngata-makes-progress-hamstring/31416513/

MLive Training Camp Notes (Stephen Tulloch was a beast during today's practice, constantly filling the run lane and more than willing to deliver a hit.) (8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_2015_training_ca_10.html

ESPN Observations (Stephen Tulloch is ready to hit somebody: The linebacker has come off as one of the most aggressive players in training camp this year. In almost every padded practice, he has made significant contact with an offensive player. He hasn’t tackled them often -- Caldwell is trying to keep his players from going to the ground as much as possible -- but he has been reading and reacting extremely well. On Monday, he would have blown up George Winn, had the Lions been playing at true game speed, and would have had another tackle for loss on Desmond Martin. More than any other Lions player, he seems ready to actually hit somebody full-on at this point.) (8-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18192/detroit-lions-lb-stephen-tulloch-looks-ready-to-hit-and-the-left-guard-battle-continues

Burton stops both Levy and Tulloch in blitz pickup drill. That's very impressive. Levy got the rook on a second snap (8-10-15):  https://twitter.com/Justin_Rogers/status/630727511769526272

Lions notes: Unorthodox catching style works for Riddick (Stephen Tulloch delivered a big hit on Brandon Pettigrew. )(8-8-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/08/detroit-lions-theo-riddick/31343639/

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 5 of training camp (On LB Stephen Tulloch playing in Thursday's preseason game: "You know, you may not see him much to be honest with you. You might not see him out there very much. Typically, we don't play our starters a whole lot. We play them some, but the amount varies, so it's time. We know what he can do. It's not a mystery, it's not a young guy that we haven't seen, hasn't been working. For example, like Alex Carter, we don't know as much about him on our field as we do Tully. Tully has been around a long time. So, we want him to get his health back where he is moving and operating extremely well, which we think he is, but we also want to make certain that we are prudent with how we use him as well."  On the importance of Tulloch mentally moving past his injury: "Everybody is different, you know. They manage those things different ways, and some of them are superstitious. I'm not superstitious, but I like a routine. But some guys just don't like talking about injuries and things of that nature, or coming back from injuries, so on and so forth. But he's done well, and I think you'll see he'll be fine.") (8-7-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/7/9118855/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-5

Video - Tulloch on returning from injury (8-6-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Tulloch-on-returning-from-injury/b8163c77-7bd7-40f9-b008-fae2b4af775b

Teryl Austin's quotes from Day 4 of training camp (On what he's seen from LB Stephen Tulloch coming off of an injury: "He looks great. He looks great. We all know what Tully is. He's a heck of a football player, heck of a leader, heck of a locker room guy and nothing has changed." On how big of an addition Tulloch is to this defense: "It'll be huge. You're talking about a guy that has a lot of experience in a lot of big games. He plays, he triggers fast, he brings a calmness to the defense, so you can't underestimate that and you pair him with DeAndre (Levy), those two guys inside and now with the experience that you hear about last year, I think we have a really good core of guys with the competition from Kyle (Van Noy) and other things going on. I think he really solidifies that group and there's really no unknowns I don't think.") (8-6-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/6/9113735/lions-training-camp-quotes-teryl-austin-day-4

Detroit News Camp observations: For Lions, pads ratchet up intensity (The running backs took several hard hits, and undrafted rookie Zach Zenner seemed to be on the receiving end the most. On one play, linebacker Stephen Tulloch hit Zenner to a knee, and after he kept running, safety Glover Quin popped him hard, too. Defensive tackle Roy Philon and linebacker Tahir Whitehead hit Zenner hard, too. “He ain’t do nothing but put the pads on,” Whitehead said of Zenner being on the receiving end of the hits.)(8-5-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-lions-pads-ratchet-intensity/31201307/

ESPN Camp Notes (Stephen Tulloch continued to look fast: This was the day to watch for Tulloch, because he hasn't been in pads in almost a year. Tulloch fared well throughout the day and appeared to have a good amount of burst to him. This is just another encouraging sign for the Lions as they solidify what could be one of the better back sevens in the NFL. Tulloch provided one of the first big hits of practice on running back Theo Riddick, but Riddick was able to keep his feet after the hit.) (8-5-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18118/first-padded-detroit-lions-practice-yields-a-strong-day-for-riley-reiff

Tully just gave Riddick a nice wake up call (8-5-15):  https://twitter.com/alex_reno/status/629080105554432000

Detroit News Camp observations: Backup QB battle ensues (Matthew Stafford wasn't quite as accurate in team drills Tuesday compared to Monday. Besides throwing an interception to Stephen Tulloch in a slow-motion drill, Stafford had one ill-advised pass to Golden Tate, who was in a crowd. Nevin Lawson batted the pass to the ground.) (8-4-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/04/camp-observations-backup-qb-battle-ensues/31140639/

ESPN Camp Notes (Stephen Tulloch looked healthy: Unlike in the spring, when the veteran linebacker took no team-period reps during workouts, Tulloch practiced fully Monday and looked back to his typical top-end speed. He has been saying for months that he felt like he would recover to where he would be just like he was before his injury and through one, non-padded practice it appears he is at that goal. I watched him particularly during individual drills and couldn’t help but pay attention to his speed when he was running at another linebacker. He didn’t appear to have lost anything despite tearing his ACL in Week 3 last season.) (8-3-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18047/tight-end-eric-ebron-has-strong-first-day-at-detroit-lions-training-camp

Ebron with the catch of the day so far. Went over Tulloch full extension down the middle from Stafford (8-3-15):  https://twitter.com/ttwentyman/status/628307594764021760

LB Kyle Van Noy:

Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Travis Lewis started on the strong side again, but played just 10 snaps. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Copeland each played six snaps, mostly as pass rushers. “We have a lot of guys that can play a good brand of football,” Caldwell said. Those linebackers, though, were far from stellar. Tulloch’s six tackles led the group, and he played better than in Week 1. Bynes had five tackles, including one for loss, and Whitehead and Lewis had three tackles apiece.) (9-21-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/21/lions-snap-counts-stephen-tulloch-sees-reduced-role/72567436/

Detroit Lions snap counts: Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick shoulder RB load against Vikings (Second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy got some work on defense, playing six snaps. He was the one who hit Teddy Bridgewater before the quarterback was able to miraculously flip it to Adrian Peterson for the big gain.) (9-21-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_amee.html

Free Press Lions' report card: Offensive line failed QB, RBs (Linebackers - C: The Lions subbed their linebackers freely depending on the package, but nothing worked against Peterson. Josh Bynes, starting his second game in place of ailing DeAndre Levy, lost outside contain on Peterson's 25-yard run, and Tahir Whitehead got cleaned out by Zach Line on Peterson's would-be touchdown that was overturned on replay. Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and played better than last week, but even when the Lions made plays things seemed to fall apart. Kyle Van Noy barreled through Peterson on a second-quarter pass rush, but he couldn't haul down Bridgewater before the QB shoveled a pass to Peterson for a big gain.) (9-20-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-report-card-minnesota-vikings/72542456/

RECAP: Lions at Vikings (Play of the game: Kyle Van Noy had Bridgewater dead in his sights. He was about to record his first career sack. He avoided a block by Peterson and got his arms around Bridgewater and began to take him to the ground. But on his way to the ground, Bridgewater flipped the ball to Peterson in a desperate attempt to avoid the sack. Peterson turned and saw 49 yards worth of open grass.  Instead of a sack and punt inside the Vikings’ 30-yard line, the gain went to the Lions 23-yard line and led to a 28-yard Blair Walsh field goal to make it 17-3 Vikings.) (9-20-14):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-at-Vikings/cbc3876d-601a-4747-a395-585865e21744

Ask Kyle: On Matthew Stafford, and who are the Lions' fastest players at each position (Q: Why don't the Lions use Kyle Van Noy strictly as a situational pass rusher like Seattle uses Bruce Irvin?  Seems like that would get him some reps on the field. — Jam Hatter. A: At what position? He doesn't really play the weak side. Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead are both better in the middle. Whitehead and Travis Lewis are both better on the strong side. Van Noy would be well-served to get some live reps, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen at some point. But I don't see him getting the Quandre Diggs treatment just yet. The Lions got Diggs a series in both halves against San Diego, so he would have experience if he's needed later in the year. But Diggs also has proven to be competent on the field, while I'm not sure Van Noy has. He was abused in pass coverage during the early parts of training camp, and though he improved some, there were still breakdowns from him both in practice and the exhibitions. I'm not sure the Lions can trust him, yet, to go on the field and execute his assignments. And especially not as well as all the guys who are in front of him. With all the breakdowns the Lions already have at linebacker, and in pass-coverage, they can't afford to have Van Noy out there when they have better options.) (9-19-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/ask_kyle_on_matthew_staffords.html

Detroit Lions Twitter Talk: On a silver lining not named Ameer Abdullah and going for 4th down (Q. With all the criticism of the LBs specifically their overall lack of speed - any chance of an extended Van Noy sighting? A. Probably minimal. As poor as the linebackers played, Van Noy was noticeable worse during training camp and much of the preseason.) (9-16-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_twitter_talk_12.html

Ask Kyle: On how much Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner will play for Lions (Q: Do we have any clarity on LB Kyle Van Noy's injury situation? — Brian Bartell. A: Van Noy has been a full practice participant all week, which means he's good to go. Despite Jim Caldwell recently saying he'd be out for weeks. I'll have whatever Van Noy's having. Now, that's not to say Van Noy sees the field Sunday. Especially defensively. The Lions are going to start Josh Bynes, Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead, and the top reserve is probably Travis Lewis, not Van Noy. There's a chance Van Noy isn't active at all, though I think with Levy out, he's up for this game. I just think most of his action will come on special teams, if at all.) (9-12-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/ask_kyle_on_how_much_ameer_abd.html

Samuelsen: 5 Lions Poised For Breakout Season (Kyle Van Noy: This is almost a do-over for Van Noy. He missed the first eight games of 2014 on the PUP list before returning for the stretch drive. The need is even greater now with Deandre Levy out for at least the opener against the Chargers. I remember listening to NFL Radio on the night that Van Noy was drafted and hearing the analysts rave about him being one of the most complete defensive players in the draft. If he can emerge on one side with (a healthy) Levy on the other, the Lions might have one of the best linebacking corps in the league.) (9-11-15):  http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/09/11/samuelsen-5-lions-poised-for-breakout-seasons/

10 takeaways from Austin and Lombardi (How ready is second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy to being a steady contributor for Austin’s defense? “I think he’s getting closer,” Austin said. “I think in the fourth preseason game he made some strides. We’re not going to say he’s there yet, but we feel confident in the direction he’s moving.”) (9-10-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/919e6e78-baba-460e-9083-20213bd92

Van Noy’s quick recovery could give Lions a boost (A couple weeks ago, linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s season appeared to be in jeopardy because of another injury. Lions coach Jim Caldwell said Van Noy, who was on short-term injured reserve to start his rookie season last year, would be out “a little while” with an undisclosed injury. The notion was it would take at least a couple weeks for him to get back into the routine. Not so fast. As of this week, Van Noy has been a full participant during practice, putting himself back into the rotation. It’s a key development because if DeAndre Levy isn’t ready to play in the opener Sunday against the Chargers, Van Noy could step in and help in shuffling some of the others at the position. “I don’t think (his recovery) was by divine intervention — he just got better,” Caldwell said Thursday. “He got treatment, he responded to treatment and got moving. Getting more playing time would benefit Van Noy, who struggled during exhibitions. The second-round pick is expected to contribute on the strong side, but injuries have prevented him from seeing consistent time. Last season, he played in eight games and finished with six tackles. But in a backup role, he could ease his way into the rotation, especially if Levy is out an extended period. “Because he lost a significant amount of time last year and he’s still learning and still developing, I think it’s good that he’s out there with us now because I think he has a chance to improve,” Caldwell said. “Not only that; he played pretty well in the last game. He moved around well and did a lot of good things, so I think he’s really putting himself in a position to help us out significantly if he can stay healthy.” But don’t expect Van Noy to be inserted into the lineup immediately and pick up where Levy left off. There’s still a learning curve he’ll have to work through. “I think he’s getting closer,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “We’re not going to say he’s there yet, but we feel confident in the direction he’s moving.” The Lions did build depth by acquiring Josh Bynes and the development of Tahir Whitehead.) (9-10-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/10/van-noys-quick-recovery-give-lions-boost/72041736/

Detroit Lions notes: Levy responds to treatment; Van Noy improves (Van Noy Improves - Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has not given up on linebacker Kyle Van Noy.  “I think he’s getting closer. I think in the fourth preseason game he made some strides,’’ Austin said on Thursday. “We’re not going to say he’s there yet, but we feel confident in the direction he’s moving.”  Van Noy, a second-round pick in 2014, lost ground when he had sports hernia surgery prior to the 2014 season and missed the first eight games. “Because he lost a significant amount of time last year and he’s still learning and still developing, I think it’s good that he’s out there with us now because I think he has a chance to improve,’’ Caldwell said.”Not only that, he played pretty well in the last ball game. He moved around well and did a lot of good things, so I think he’s really putting himself in a position to help us out significant if he can stay healthy.” It appeared Van Noy took another step back with an injury a few weeks ago, but he is fine now and has been practicing.  “He got treatment, he responded to treatment and got moving,’’ Caldwell said.) (9-10-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150910/detroit-lions-notes-levy-responds-to-treatment-van-noy-improves

Highlights from Lions coach Jim Caldwell's news conference (On whether versatility played into keeping seven linebackers instead of six: "Yes, every year is a little different. (Brandon) Copeland obviously does a little bit of both (linebacker and rush defensive end), and (Kyle) Van Noy does a little bit of both, so we have some flexibility with those guys. But, every year, just like we talked about the shape of your roster, kind of depends upon where you think your strengths and/or weaknesses are, and you have to sort of put yourself in position to compensate if there's a problem.") (9-7-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/07/detroit-lions-jim-caldwell/71861386/

A look at the Detroit Lions' 53-man roster (Kyle Van Noy: After a rookie year in which he was mostly injured, Van Noy could eventually surpass Whitehead as a starter.) (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 snap counts: Corey Fuller gets extended look, pair of UDFA safeties pace defense (Remember when Kyle Van Noy was supposed to be out for several weeks. Well, he was back for this one and worked 29 plays.) (9-4-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_buff.html

Detroit Lions — Five standouts from win over Bills (Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is a conundrum of sorts. He was a second-round pick in 2014, but missed half of his rookie season after sports hernia surgery. It appeared he was going to be out to start this season with an unknown health issue, but got back to work and actually had a few big plays on Thursday. It was unlikely they would cut him, but he had not flashed at all until Thursday night when he had two tackles and two pass defenses. “I believe hard work equals success. it was great to get out there and to come out with a win and be with teammates,’’ Van Noy said after the game.) (9-4-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150904/detroit-lions-x2014-five-standouts-from-win-over-bills

Detroit Lions notes: Kellen Moore displays accuracy, anticipation (Van Noy back at it - Linebacker Kyle Van Noy was injured two weeks ago and it looked like it might take a long while for him to get back on the field.  However, he was back and played extensively on Thursday night. He gave credit to the training staff.  “I did a lot of work early mornings, late nights to get to where I am right now,’’ Van Noy said. “I’m very blessed to get my body working and get back out on the field.’’  Van Noy missed the first half of his rookie season last year.)(9-4-15):  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150904/detroit-lions-notes-kellen-moore-displays-accuracy-anticipation

Lions' Kyle Van Noy makes presence felt in preseason finale (A little over a week ago, things weren't looking good for Kyle Van Noy.  The Detroit Lions moved up to the second round of the 2014 NFL draft to take the BYU linebacker 40th overall.  But hernia surgery landed Van Noy on short-term injured reserve for the first half of the season and when he returned, he was way behind.  Van Noy finished the 2014 season with four solo tackles and two special teams tackles in eight games.  It was supposed to be a fresh start for Van Noy in 2015 when training camp began.  Then Van Noy was on the sidelines instead of in drills and coach Jim Caldwell said, "It's not one of those injuries that's going to take a couple weeks, it's going to be a little bit."  The Lions, Caldwell and Van Noy weren't saying what the injury was.  That was Tuesday, Aug. 25. Van Noy didn't say much.  By Monday, Aug. 31, Van Noy was back on the practice field.  Caldwell gave no indication at that point that Van Noy had improved to the point of playing.  On Thursday in the Lions' final preseason game, at home against the Buffalo Bills, there was Van Noy on the field.  He didn't start but he played enough to be noticed, recording two tackles and two pass defenses, one of which led to a Buffalo punt.  Van Noy is still adjusting to playing off the ball but if he can stay healthy and continue to improve in his role, he could make a difference for the Lions this season.) (9-4-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18675/lions-kyle-van-noy-makes-presence-felt-in-preseason-finale

Lions win as roster battles go to wire (Among the biggest surprises Thursday was linebacker Tahir Whitehead playing deep into the second half. Travis Lewis earned the start at strong-side linebacker last week and started there again Thursday as Whitehead played in the middle. When Whitehead exited late in the first half, Lewis moved to the middle and Kyle Van Noy joined the linebacker corps that included Josh Bynes on the weak side. But Whitehead returned to play the middle again in the third quarter.  Whitehead said last week losing his starting job, even briefly, wasn't a punishment, but he embraced the challenge from his coaches. Lewis said he approached it as an open competition, and even if that's the case, it'd be hard to imagine he did enough to take Whitehead's starting job after a couple lackluster performances.  Van Noy's appearance was surprising. Even though he made his return to practice this week, Caldwell made it sound like the 2014 second-round pick was dealing with a serious injury and said it could take several weeks for him to recover.) (9-3-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/03/lions-win-roster-battles-go-wire/71678186/ 

Winners and losers from the Lions' final preseason game (Winners - Kyle Van Noy: Just a few weeks ago, Van Noy was buried as a candidate for the short-term IR list. After taking a week off, Van Noy came back with a vengence. He tallied a few quarterback hurries, batted down a pass and added two tackles.) (9-3-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/9/3/9259473/winners-losers-lions-bills-preseason-game

Video - Van Noy on playing in the final preseason game (9-3-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Van-Noy-on-playing-in-the-final-preseason-game/b94a45e8-3857-48f7-90f7-36b293731460
 
Ansah, Van Noy back at practice; Levy still out (The Detroit Lions got three injured players back on the practice field today: defensive end Ziggy Ansah, linebacker Kyle Van Noy and tight end Eric Ebron.  None of the three played in last week's exhibition win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Ebron was the only one who dressed for the game.  Van Noy said Saturday that he was week-to-week with an injury that isn't related to the hip and hernia surgeries he underwent last year.) (8-31-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/31/detroit-lions-practice-injury-report/71477990/

Ebron, Van Noy, Ansah return to Lions practice (Van Noy’s return, meanwhile, was surprising as he and coach Jim Caldwell have described his injury as week to week. A second-round pick in 2014, Van Noy said Saturday he was feeling much better than the previous week and that he expected to avoid the injured reserve, designated for return list he started on last year, which would’ve held him out for eight games.) (8-31-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/31/ebron-van-noy-ansah-return-lions-practice/71480294/

Lions' Kyle Van Noy makes surprising return to practice; Ezekiel Ansah, Eric Ebron back too (The good news just keeps rolling in for the Detroit Lions. They got defensive tackle Haloti Ngata on the practice field for the first time since minicamp. They got Joique Bell on the practice field for the first time since 2014.  Plus, they got back linebacker Kyle Van Noy much earlier than was expected. Coach Jim Caldwell said last week that Van Noy didn't need surgery, but would be out several weeks. Short-term injured reserve was a possibility. Six days later, Van Noy rejoined the team.) (8-31-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_kyle_van_noy_makes_surpr.html

Lions' Kyle Van Noy feels good after returning to practice; status for final preseason game uncertain (8-31-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/kyle_van_noy_feels_good_after.html

Video - Van Noy on getting healthy (8-31-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Van-Noy-on-getting-healthy/8f75c0b5-f033-4ff4-bd4c-15a369bca162

Notebook: Joique Bell Close To Coming Off Pup (Van Noy Coming Along -  Caldwell described second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s undisclosed injury as a week-to-week issue.  Van Noy, who missed half of last season with a core muscle injury and played the other half through a hip injury, says he isn’t worried that his latest setback will take him any longer to get back than what Caldwell expects.  Van Noy says short-term IR isn’t in the cards at this point.  “Week-to-week,” he reiterated. “The more I get comfortable with the situation the better off it’ll be. I don’t think it’ll cost me half the season. It’s week-to-week.”) (8-29-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Joique-Bell-close-to-coming-off-PUP/9f39ca6e-cee1-426d-8fe3-35551780d7b1

Van Noy: Injury won't keep me out long (8-29-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/detroit-lions-kyle-van-noy/71396368/

Lions' Van Noy thinks he'll avoid losing half a season again (8-29-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/lions-kyle-van-noy-thinks-hell-avoid-losing-half-a-season-again/71397220/

Lions LB Kyle Van Noy says short-term IR won't be necessary (8-29-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_lb_kyle_van_noy_says_sho.html

Video - Van Noy on his recovery (8-29-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Van-Noy-on-his-recovery/7938286a-e0c5-4ad8-91bf-dcaec02766d6

9 potential starters sidelined for Lions, including 6 linemen; Calvin Johnson out too (Linebacker DeAndre Levy (unknown), right guard Larry Warford (ankle), right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (ACL), linebacker Kyle Van Noy (unknown), tailback Joique Bell (Achilles/knee) and cornerbacks Alex Carter (ankle) and Chris Owens (unknown) also won't play.) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/10_potential_starters_sideline.html

Levy, Ansah miss Lions practice again (Defensive end Ziggy Ansah, linebacker Kyle Van Noy and cornerbacks Alex Carter and Chris Owens also missed today's practice for injury reasons. Ansah and Van Noy have not practiced all week, though both ran on the side with trainers during practice today. Lions coach Jim Caldwell said before practice that Van Noy "felt better and moved around pretty well" on Tuesday. He's dealing with lingering pain that's not related to the hernia surgery he underwent last year nor off-season surgery to fix a torn labrum in his hip.)
(8-26-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/26/detroit-lions-injury-report/32401685/

Lions sign Joe Madsen to bolster offensive line depth; DeAndre Levy out again (While the Lions had an extra body on the offensive line during practice, they continue to be light at linebacker, where Kyle Van Noy and DeAndre Levy are dealing with injuries.  Van Noy is out for several weeks with an unknown injury. He does not require surgery, but short-term injured reserve remains a possibility.) (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 (Austin said he was happy with how second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy was developing before his current undisclosed injury shut him down. Van Noy made mistakes, sure, but Austin said he was particularly good at correcting them, never making the same mistakes twice. Unfortunately Austin and the Lions are in a “holding pattern” with Van Noy’s development until he gets healthy.) (8-25-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-takeaways-from-Austin--Lombardi/a97c2eb8-de1b-43c6-8ee3-7698a6173a39

Lions' Van Noy looking at another lost season (8-25-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/25/kyle-van-noy-detroit-lions/32335045/

Injured Van Noy not returning to Lions anytime soon (8-25-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/25/injured-kyle-van-noy-not-returning-to-lions-anytime-soon/32337367/

Lions LB Kyle Van Noy out several weeks; short-term IR possible (8-25-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_lb_kyle_van_noy_out_seve.html

Detroit Lions notes — Kyle Van Noy defended by Teryl Austin (Kyle Van Noy’s recent injury will keep him out of action for more than a few weeks.  The second-round pick missed half of his rookie season last year after sports hernia surgery in the preseason.  Coach Jim Caldwell would not be specific about the injury other than the length of time he could be out. Caldwell said on Tuesday he had not heard the results of the second opinion, but the first doctor who examined Van Noy did not recommend surgery.  Van Noy, a pass-rushing specialist at Brigham Young, has been slow to come around as an outside linebacker with the Lions.   Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin defends him to some extent.  “He was a guy that never played off the ball in college, so now we’re asking him to play off the ball and read inside keys and lineman and all kinds of different things which is a lot different,’’ Austin said on Tuesday. “I would say a little different, but it’s a lot different. He would take incremental steps, so one day, he might not be very good in pass coverage, but then he’d come back and he’d get it and he’d be better. One day, he might miss a run fit because he didn’t catch the puller, then the next day, he would come back and get it, so it’s just a work in progress with him and it’s always going to be that in a sense until he gets up to speed because again, he was an on the ball player, almost a defensive end and so now, we have to make him a stand-up, off the ball backer and it’s, you know, the development takes a little bit of time.’’ Austin certainly hasn’t given up on him.  “He’s still developing and we were pleased with where he was. You know, it’s a shame that he’s, you know, he’s hurt right now, but we like where he is development wise,’’ Austin said. “Maybe not as fast as the public would like, but we think he’s coming along to plan as we see it.”  It was expected Van Noy would battle Tahir Whitehead for the outside linebacker spot but the competition never developed.  In the preseason opener, Van Noy played 19 snaps (43 percent) on defense and three (12 percent) on special teams. At the Redskins he had 33 snaps on defense and six on special teams.)
(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 LB Kyle Van Noy’s offseason and preseason before his injury: "Well, I think it was better. Again, he was a guy that never played off the ball in college, so now we’re asking him to play off the ball and read inside keys and linemen and all kinds of different things which is a lot different. I would say a little different, but it’s a lot different. He would take incremental steps, so one day, he might not be very good in pass coverage, but then he’d come back and he’d get it and he’d be better. One day, he might miss a run fit because he didn’t catch the puller, then the next day, he would come back and get it. So it’s just a work in progress with him and it’s always going to be that in a sense until he gets up to speed because again, he was an on-the-ball player, almost a defensive end and so now, we have to make him a stand-up, off-the ball-backer and it’s, you know, the development takes a little bit of time. But he’s still developing and we were pleased with where he was. You know, it’s a shame that he’s, you know, he’s hurt right now, but we like where he is development wise. Maybe not as fast as the public would like, but we think he’s coming along to plan as we see it."  On LB Kyle Van Noy and what about his college film made him believe that he would be a good pro player: "Because he was so versatile. Sometimes, he would drop in coverage, but it was more of a flat drop, but he got his hands on balls. He got around, he made plays and that’s something you can’t discount. So, we thought we can make the transition for him and we still think so, it’s just taking us a little bit more time.") (8-25-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/25/9208627/lions-quotes-from-teryl-austin-and-joe-lombardi

Detroit Lions waiting to hear second opinion on Kyle Van Noy injury (8-25-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18501/detroit-lions-waiting-to-hear-second-opinion-on-kyle-van-noy-injury

Kyle Van Noy underwent hip surgery early in offseason. Discovered injury during August core muscle surgery, but played through pain (8-25-15):  https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/636262925284548609

Video - Rod Beard and Josh Katzenstein on Kyle Van Noy (8-25-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/25/32354187/

Video - Watch Detroit Lions reporters discuss the impact of Kyle Van Noy's latest injury (8-25-15):   http://videos.mlive.com/mlive/2015/08/watch_detroit_lions_reporters_23.html

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. Coach Jim Caldwell said Sunday that Van Noy's condition is worsening, an ominous sign of the linebacker returning any time soon. Caldwell also appears to be losing confidence that Ngata will be ready in time for the opener Sept. 13 against San Diego.  Ansah, Van Noy and Ebron were seen doing some light jogging during the 20 minutes available to the media.) (8-24-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/eric_ebron_among_6_starters_si.html

O'HARA'S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Roster watch (The battle is on for depth spots in the last two games, and versatility will play a role. Josh Bynes is one to watch, based on his play last year when he was signed from Baltimore’s practice squad after Tulloch went out for the year in Game 3. It was a sharp signing by the personnel department, as Bynes performed well as a spare linebacker.) (8-24-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARAS-MONDAY-COUNTDOWN-Roster-watch/f00f0d89-7772-4948-881b-0fafd5e183d7

Kyle Van Noy's 'got some issues,' headed for further medical testing (Coach Jim Caldwell seemed to express some concern about Van Noy. The second-year linebacker has missed both practices since Thursday's exhibition loss against Washington, but Caldwell revealed Van Noy has been struggling with the injury for longer than that and requires further medical testing before he can return to the field. "He's had a bit of an injury that sort of occurred about a week ago or so, and is just increasingly getting a little bit worse," Caldwell said. "So he's getting looked at closely. He's got some issues." Van Noy's injury strikes some similarly to last season, when he suffered a sports hernia injury that progressively got worse through the preseason before eventually sidelining him for the first eight weeks of the season. A second-round pick last year, Van Noy has called 2014 a "lost season." It's way too early to forecast how much this latest injury will set back the linebacker, but no matter what, it's yet another hurdle for him to clear before he starts to sees the field consistently. Van Noy has struggled at various points in camp, particularly in pass coverage, and was well behind Tahir Whitehead in the battle for the starting job at strong-side linebacker.) (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 the injury to LB Kyle Van Noy: "He’s getting checked out. He’s had a bit of an injury that sort of occurred about a week ago or so, and is just increasingly getting a little bit worse. So he’s getting looked at closely. He’s got some issues." On if Van Noy’s injury is related to the sports hernia he suffered last season: "No. When you say related, our entire body is interconnected obviously, but it’s a different injury.") (8-23-15):  http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/23/9194775/jim-caldwell-quotes-sunday-practice

Lions roster: Bubble watch (The Lions typically keep six linebackers out of camp. DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, Tahir Whitehead, Josh Bynes and Kyle Van Noy are in. Lewis and Copeland appear to be fighting for the last spot.) (8-22-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/Lions-roster-Bubble-watch/c6b6ad44-c101-4ebe-8895-22edd7eae28f

Lions mailbag: Who will be offensive, defensive difference-makers? (Q. Thoughts on Van Noy? Are his struggles mostly bc of how far behind he waas with lack of time last year or a concern?  A.  At this point I wouldn't say it has to do with Kyle Van Noy missing half of last season recovering from core muscle surgery. He has shown flashes here and there -- particularly in a few practices over the past two weeks -- of being able to adjust in pass coverage. He did well to get to the fumble on the goal-line Thursday night against Washington, but it has been an inconsistent camp for him. I wouldn't write him off yet or anything -- after all, he didn't play much last season and is not going to have a starting role this season unless there's an injury -- but his progression is going to be something to pay attention to throughout the 2015 season because he could be slated for a much larger role in 2016.) (8-22-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18418/mailbag-who-will-be-offensive-defensive-difference-makers-for-detroit-lions

Notebook: Injury Updates And Roster Moves (Linebacker Kyle Van Noy appeared to be a limited participant in practice. “They’ve got a bit of an injury, so we’ll see how long it takes them to get back,” Caldwell said of Ansah and Van Noy.) (8-21-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Injury-updates-and-roster-moves/2748f17c-584c-4008-8b35-29bbd4538460

Lions' Warford, Reid dealing with high ankle sprains (Along with Warford and Reid, Ziggy Ansah, Kyle Van Noy, Kevin Snyder (hand) and Jordan Thompson (knee) also missed practice today for injury reasons.  Caldwell wouldn't specify what's ailing Ansah and Van Noy, though both players finished Thursday's game and worked on the side at practice today.) (8-21-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/21/lions-injury-report/32149901/

Recap: Lions At Redskins (Critical moment: The Redskins had a chance to take a lead into the half trailing 10-7 with the ball on the Lions’ 1-yard line and just two seconds remaining in the half.  But backup quarterback Colt McCoy fumbled the snap. Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy attempted to scoop it up, but couldn’t hold on. Instead it popped right into the hands of linebacker Travis Lewis, who returned it out to midfield before being tackled.  The play preserved a 10-7 Lions halftime lead.) (8-20-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/RECAP-Lions-at-Redskins/cce7020b-6e20-48a4-aa49-a2850958279b

Winners and losers from Lions' second preseason game (Losers: Kyle Van Noy - On a related note, I just don't see it with Van Noy. He was really, really bad on Thursday night, and he was potentially at the center of a couple of coverage busts that led to Washington touchdowns. I know he's only in his second year in the NFL, and he didn't have a full rookie year, but his play was noticeably bad.) (8-20-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/20/9179617/lions-redskins-preseason-winners-losers

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/

Ten Lions to watch in exhibition opener (Kyle Van Noy, LB: The 2014 second-round pick struggled the first few days of camp, but has started to play better lately. Tahir Whitehead has a firm grasp on the starting strong-side job, but if Van Noy can show an ability to cover or rush the passer well, he could carve out a role.) (8-12-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/12/ten-lions-watch-thursday-jets/31561587/

Detroit News Camp observations: Narrower posts help kickers hone in (Abdullah, running back Zach Zenner, cornerback Quandre Diggs and wide receiver TJ Jones were among the players fielding kickoffs Tuesday. Jeremy Ross wasn't in the group as he worked with the coverage unit.  Linebacker Kyle Van Noy leveled Zenner on one hit, knocking him to the ground. Van Noy has played much better in the second week of camp than the first.) (8-11-15): http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/11/camp-observations-narrower-posts-help-kickers-hone/31494087/

Detroit Lions' Kyle Van Noy shrugs off criticism, tightens up in pass coverage (8-11-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_kyle_van_noy_3.html

Notebook: Revamped Reid Playing Important Role On D-line (Second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy continues to look better and better in pass coverage. He was very shaky in that department early on in camp, but has made a number of pass breakups in the last few practices, including one on a pass intended for Eric Ebron during an 11-on-11 third-down drill in Monday’s practice.) (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

Freep Lions camp observations: Michael Burton can block (Since I wrote about Kyle Van Noy's struggles in a one-on-one cover drill (that's admittedly slanted to the offensive player), the second-year linebacker has been much better in pass coverage. He had two pass breakups in Saturday's practice and knocked down another today in 11-on-11 work when he swatted away a Matthew Stafford pass to Eric Ebron as he face-guarded the tight end on a route down the sideline. 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.) (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 (After struggling with pass coverage at the start of training camp, second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy has started showing some of the skills that helped him catch seven career interceptions at BYU. The 2014 second-round pick had two pass break-ups Saturday and batted another one to the ground Monday while covering tight end Eric Ebron. Van Noy had some first-team run Monday, though he’s still behind Tahir Whitehead in the strong-side linebacker competition.)
(8-10-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/camp-observations-ngata-makes-progress-hamstring/31416513/

MLive Training Camp Notes (Kyle Van Noy ripped through Desmond Martin so violently the running back briefly left the field with an upper body injury.  A few days after drawing some criticism for his play in pass coverage, Van Noy continued to make plays in that department, breaking up a sideline pass while face guarding tight end Eric Ebron.) (8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_2015_training_ca_10.html

ESPN Observations (Kyle Van Noy has had two good practices in a row: He’s playing mostly second-team defensive snaps right now behind Tahir Whitehead, but the 2014 second round pick has done a little bit better recently, particularly in coverage. He followed up Saturday’s practice with another decent coverage day Monday, including breaking up a Matthew Stafford pass intended for Eric Ebron with his shoulder pad.) (8-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18192/detroit-lions-lb-stephen-tulloch-looks-ready-to-hit-and-the-left-guard-battle-continues

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Monday (On LB Kyle Van Noy's pass breakups in practice: "I think that's one of the areas where it's his strong suit. He really can move in space, has a very good feel for reading routes and being able to get his hands on balls on the break. He's working at it and improving, but there's a lot of other things he's just got to keep growing and developing in and I think he's doing that.")(8-10-15):  http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/11/9128321/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-monday

Kyle Van Noy with his third pass breakup in two practices, this one vs Ebron. Really responding well to criticism about his pass coverage (8-10-15):  https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/630735369919668224

Van Noy ripped past Desmond Martin in the drill, appears to have hurt the back's arm (8-10-15):  https://twitter.com/Justin_Rogers/status/630727962543976448

5 who shined during first week of Lions training camp, and 5 who didn't (Thumbs down: LB Kyle Van Noy - The Lions believed he would be an immediate, three-down contributor for them last season, but a sports hernia derailed his rookie season. Now he has to avoid allowing the injury to derail his career.  While Van Noy missed the first eight weeks of last season, Tahir Whitehead asserted himself in the middle. Now with Stephen Tulloch back, Whitehead has slid back to the strong side and appears well ahead of Van Noy at this point. Van Noy will make this team, but his role is unclear. He’s sort of been lost in the shuffle, and some problems in pass coverage have not helped, though he deserves credit for bouncing back the past couple days with some plays in the open field. That includes two pass breakups during Saturday’s scrimmage.)(8-10-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/5_who_shined_during_first_week.html#8

Freep Lions camp observations: Stafford sharp, backups not (Moore took a sack at the 1-yard line on his first drive and had a soft third-down pass to his tight end batted down by Kyle Van Noy on his second.  Van Noy, who I wrote about struggling in pass coverage earlier this week, had his best day at linebacker. He broke up that Moore floater and batted down another pass over the middle.) (8-8-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/08/detroit-lions-training-camp-matthew-stafford/31338835/

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: First-team offense looks good in scrimmage (Kyle Van Noy, who has struggled in pass coverage during camp, had two breakups in the back end. The first deflected off his arm while he face-guarded tight end Jordan Thompson, the second the linebacker was able to tip because of excellent positioning in a deep zone.)(8-8-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_29.html

Matthew Stafford, Rashean Mathis shine in Lions mock game (Van Noy has mostly run with the second unit this camp, but had two nice breakups in pass coverage Saturday. It's the first time I’ve noticed him in a positive vein this training camp.)(8-8-15):  http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18168/matthew-stafford-rashean-mathis-shine-in-detroit-lions-mock-game-saturday

Van Noy read Orlovsky and quickly dropped to get a hand on the pass. Orlovsky staring down targets nonstop today. Brutal (8-8-15):  https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/630047182050213889

Van Noy with a beautiful deflection on a cross to Thompson. He's looked pretty good in coverage so far (8-8-15):  https://twitter.com/alex_reno/status/630038285667205120

NOTEBOOK: Fuller consistently making plays in practice (Play of the day - During an 11-on-11 team drill, second-year linebacker Kyle Van Noy blitzed off the edge from his SAM linebacker spot and was able to disrupt the play by getting to Matthew Stafford for the sack. It wasn’t so much the rush that was impressive as it was Van Noy’s recognition on the play. The play called for a hard play fake from Stafford to the running back and then for Stafford to boot out to his right out of the pocket. Van Noy didn’t even flinch on play fake and stayed with Stafford the entire time. It was nice recognition on his part.) (8-6-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Fuller-consistently-making-plays-in-practice/d61dbae9-08c5-4ef1-8fe0-475221a79fdc

Free Press Camp observations: Van Noy struggling in pass coverage (Taking second-team reps on a day thatDeAndre Levy did not practice, Van Noy had what would have been a sack in team period when he came in unblocked off the edge but he looked uncomfortable and out of place in one-on-one cover drills against running backs and tight ends. Both Ameer Abdullah and Zach Zenner left Van Noy spinning in his shoes in one-on-one drills today. First, Zenner ran by him on one route with such ease that Van Noy lunged to grab the undrafted rookie in the open field. On Van Noy's next rep in the drill, he lost his eye placement and was nowhere near Abdullah when he turned to catch a 12-yard comeback. "Well, it's a little bit different for him," Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said of Van Noy's responsibilities in pass coverage. "We're asking him to do some more things than he probably did at BYU pass coverage-wise. But he's a bright guy. He'll pick it up just like a lot of people who have to have some reps at it, they have to see it one time, and once he sees it I think he'll be better." Austin said the Lions aren't down on Van Noy at all, though it was Josh Bynes who took first-team reps at weakside linebacker with Levy on the sideline dealing with an undisclosed injury. Van Noy is playing behind Tahir Whitehead on the strong side for now, and seems destined to have a role as a situational rusher again this year. "That will be determined as we move on, but right now he's competing trying to earn a starting SAM linebacker position," Austin said. "We'll look at it from there and once we get through camp and see how he performs in these preseason games, then we'll have a better determination.")(8-6-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/kyle-van-noy-detroit-lions/31254217/

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Ryan Broyles gets physical, defense focuses on turnovers (DeAndre Levy sat out today's practice and it was Josh Bynes, not Kyle Van Noy, taking the first-team reps at the weakside spot. Van Noy did have a nice play, working as the second-team SAM. Quarterback Matthew Stafford tried to roll out after play action, only to have the blitzing Van Noy in his lap when the quarterback turned to look up field.) (8-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_27.html

Oakland Press Detroit Lions notes: Kyle Van Noy moves better, plenty of work to do (Kyle Van Noy, whose rookie season was marred by injury, is moving better than the Lions have seen. The second round pick from 2014 still has plenty of work to do. He played in the final eight games last season, coming back from abdominal surgery but most of his snaps were on special teams not on defense. How his role revolves this season is up to him and what he shows at camp.  “That will be determined as we move on, right now he’s competing trying to earn a starting SAM (strongside) linebacker position. We’ll look at it from there and then once we get through camp and see how he performs in these preseason games, then we’ll have a better determination,’’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said.  He’s competing with Tahir Whitehead for that starting role, but it’s Whitehead lining up with the first team while Van Noy is with the second group.  He was drafted as a pass-rush specialist, but also has to learn pass coverage.  “We’re asking him to do some more things than he probably did at BYU pass coverage-wise,’’ Austin said. “But he’s a bright guy. He’ll pick it up just like a lot of people who have to have some reps at it, they have to see it one time, but once he sees it I think he’ll be better.” Coach Jim Caldwell has noticed Van Noy is moving better than last season. “You know, he looks like he’s running obviously better because I think this is the first time that he’s felt completely healthy and you can see it,’’ Caldwell said. “His break on the ball is a lot quicker, he’s running a lot more effortless, I should say. He’s always had a decent grasp of the system. He’s a smart guy. He studies and he learns, but you can see his movement is better.” Van Noy would be wise to perhaps follow the same path as the linebacker he is competing against. Whitehead excelled at special teams as a rookie in 2012 and didn’t play a snap on defense until Stephen Tulloch was injured early last season.)(8-6-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150806/detroit-lions-notes-kyle-van-noy-moves-better-plenty-of-work-to-do

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Day 4 of training camp (On what he's seen from LB Kyle Van Noy: "You know, he looks like he's running obviously better because I think this is the first time that he's felt completely healthy and you can see it. His break on the ball is a lot quicker, he's running a lot more effortless, I should say. He's always had a decent grasp of the system. He's a smart guy. He studies and he learns, but you can see his movement is better." On what he's seen in Van Noy's pass defense: "He's a guy that can cover. You've seen him go out and play some one on one. He had a decent day yesterday doing it, but he can cover ground, he's got length and we just have to continue to work to develop those guys just in terms of their understanding of matching routes and things of that nature, so that's not an easy feat to learn, but he's moving in the right direction.")(8-6-15):  http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/7/9113713/lions-training-camp-quotes-jim-caldwell-day-4

Teryl Austin's quotes from Day 4 of training camp (On the setback for Van Noy after his injury last season: "It's a huge setback. As a rookie coming in, you miss basically seven to eight weeks of the season, and you're not quite healthy during camp. So when you do get back you're far behind in terms of the amount of reps you've had and all the looks that you've seen. So it's a major setback, so we're looking at it. He's had a complete offseason, he'll have a complete camp, and then we'll see where he is.") (8-6-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/6/9113735/lions-training-camp-quotes-teryl-austin-day-4

LB Kyle Van Noy struggles in pass coverage, but Lions not concerned (8-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lb_kyle_van_noy_struggles_in_p.html

Kyle Van Noy with a nice rush off the edge to sack Stafford. Didn't fall for the play action (8-6-15):   https://twitter.com/ttwentyman/status/629369290198777857

Van Noy with a deflection as well. Not much zip on Orlovsky's passes (8-5-15):  https://twitter.com/alex_reno/status/629087217638580224

Detroit News Camp observations: Backup QB battle ensues (Linebacker Brandon Copeland did some work during team drills as a defensive end. The Lions could do something similar with Kyle Van Noy at some point, but Tuesday was an opportunity for the 260-pound Copeland to showcase his versatility — and speed.) (8-4-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/04/camp-observations-backup-qb-battle-ensues/31140639/

Detroit News Camp Notes (Tahir Whitehead is ahead of Kyle Van Noy at this point. Whitehead had a pass break-up in coverage against Theo Riddick.) (8-3-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2015/08/03/camp-observations-rookie-alex-carter-sidelined-ankle-issue/31082849/

LB Tahir Whitehead:

Lions’ snap counts: Stephen Tulloch sees reduced role (Stephen Tulloch was an every-down linebacker during his first four seasons with the Lions, but after a poor Week 1 performance, the coaches reduced his role in Week 2. The starting middle linebacker played 44 of 65 defensive snaps, mostly ceding duties to Tahir Whitehead, who had 17 snaps, when he exited, and coach Jim Caldwell declined to provide details for why Tulloch came out of the game at time. “We run different packages,” he said. “You’ll see a lot of different guys in on different situations depending on the team that we play.” The Lions did little effectively on defense Sunday as the Vikings, led by Adrian Peterson, ran for 199 yards. Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was an efficient 14 of 18 for 153 yards, too. Josh Bynes was the only linebacker who played every snap. Because he replaced DeAndre Levy on the weak side, Bynes’ large role comes as no surprise, but he was the linebacker the Lions chose to play in the dime package, not Tulloch. Travis Lewis started on the strong side again, but played just 10 snaps. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Copeland each played six snaps, mostly as pass rushers. “We have a lot of guys that can play a good brand of football,” Caldwell said. Those linebackers, though, were far from stellar. Tulloch’s six tackles led the group, and he played better than in Week 1. Bynes had five tackles, including one for loss, and Whitehead and Lewis had three tackles apiece.) (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 (Linebackers - C: The Lions subbed their linebackers freely depending on the package, but nothing worked against Peterson. Josh Bynes, starting his second game in place of ailing DeAndre Levy, lost outside contain on Peterson's 25-yard run, and Tahir Whitehead got cleaned out by Zach Line on Peterson's would-be touchdown that was overturned on replay. Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and played better than last week, but even when the Lions made plays things seemed to fall apart. Kyle Van Noy barreled through Peterson on a second-quarter pass rush, but he couldn't haul down Bridgewater before the QB shoveled a pass to Peterson for a big gain.) (9-20-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-report-card-minnesota-vikings/72542456/

Lions notes: Megatron used more, but team lacks big plays (One week after his rough outing, middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch was replaced by Tahir Whitehead in certain defensive sets. Caldwell insisted the move was not due to Tulloch's play last week, but rather different packages the team runs on defense.) (9-20-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/20/detroit-lions-calvin-johnson/72545862/

Video - Whitehead on the defense against the Vikings (9-20-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-the-defense-against-the-Vikings/86d23d8d-9ac8-4670-828c-0236085028bb

O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Role reversal for Lions' defense (Not just for starters: Travis Lewis was a surprise starter to many in the opening game, but Tahir Whitehead got more playing time. Whitehead played 20 defensive snaps to 12 for Lewis.  It was the first start of his career for Lewis, who was active for only two games last year. Whitehead played all 16 games with 15 starts, including the last 13 at middle linebacker after Stephen Tulloch went out for the season. Whitehead did not complain about not starting, and said the number of snaps played is partly a reflection of game situations. Whitehead was used often in the red-zone defense.  “It’s all about a matter of if it was a three-and-out or a 12-play drive,” Whitehead said. “That can dictate how many plays you can play in a game. If they’re driving the field, the snap count can go up. “It’s mainly off of personnel. Whatever personnel they present us, we match personnel.”)
(9-20-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/final-thoughts/article-1/OHARAS-FINAL-THOUGHTS-Role-reversal-for-Lions-defense/a2e996c0-172a-4a07-bd62-9b0a4bcf4375

Ask Kyle: On Matthew Stafford, and who are the Lions' fastest players at each position (Q: What's the deal with Travis Lewis starting over Tahir Whitehead? Does last year not matter at all? — cedhorton. A: This is one that has puzzled writers as well. Tahir Whitehead was pretty good last year in the middle, and even if there was some slippage this year, he still looks better than Travis Lewis. At least to us. Obviously the coaches see or know something we don't. But whatever that something is, we are not privy to. Lewis played 12 defensive snaps against San Diego, without registering a single stat. That never happened to Whitehead in 17 games last year. Q: Why don't the Lions use Kyle Van Noy strictly as a situational pass rusher like Seattle uses Bruce Irvin?  Seems like that would get him some reps on the field. — Jam Hatter. A: At what position? He doesn't really play the weak side. Stephen Tulloch and Tahir Whitehead are both better in the middle. Whitehead and Travis Lewis are both better on the strong side. Van Noy would be well-served to get some live reps, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen at some point. But I don't see him getting the Quandre Diggs treatment just yet. The Lions got Diggs a series in both halves against San Diego, so he would have experience if he's needed later in the year. But Diggs also has proven to be competent on the field, while I'm not sure Van Noy has. He was abused in pass coverage during the early parts of training camp, and though he improved some, there were still breakdowns from him both in practice and the exhibitions. I'm not sure the Lions can trust him, yet, to go on the field and execute his assignments. And especially not as well as all the guys who are in front of him. With all the breakdowns the Lions already have at linebacker, and in pass-coverage, they can't afford to have Van Noy out there when they have better options.) (9-19-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/ask_kyle_on_matthew_staffords.html

Detroit Lions notes: Brandon Pettigrew out, DeAndre Levy doubtful; Tahir Whitehead’s changing role (Travis Lewis replaced Tahir Whitehead as the starting strongside linebacker in the opening game on Sunday. He’ll keep that role until Whitehead or someone else outplays him. Even though Lewis started, Whitehead had more defensive snaps. Lewis had a dozen, Whitehead had 20. Caldwell said Whitehead has a multiple role. “You’ll see, he plays, does quite a few things for us. And often times, it just kind of depends on the package in which we’re using. And also, it depends on who we’re facing. What kind of team, what kind of attack they have. I think you’re going to see that time and time again with us from a positional standpoint.’’ Caldwell said it particularly happens with linebackers because they have so many situational groupings and the cast of characters changes within the structures.) (9-18-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150918/detroit-lions-notes-brandon-pettigrew-out-deandre-levy-doubtful-tahir-whiteheads-changing-role

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: What's up with the offense? (Q. Why isn't Tahir starting instead of Bynes, Tim? He was a quality starter last year.  A. Bynes and Whitehead play two very different spots. Bynes plays the WILL and Whitehead the SAM. They are different positions with different responsibilities. The question you should be asking is why Whitehead isn’t starting over Travis Lewis? Coaches have said that’s a performance decision. But here’s the kicker, Whitehead actually played 20 snaps on Sunday vs. 12 for Lewis. Whitehead played more and had the one tackle they were able to muster between them. Whitehead played well last year at the MIKE. Maybe we are learning he’s a better MIKE than SAM.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-QUESTIONS-WITH-TWENTYMAN-Whats-up-with-the-offense/47018f17-2d37-4cd4-90c8-ac5bd503c294

NOTEBOOK: Issues correctable; Austin likes his defense (Whitehead on losing starting spot - Tahir Whitehead stepped in last year and did a terrific job filling in for the injured Stephen Tulloch at the MIKE linebacker position.  That performance a year ago gave the Lions a lot of hope that Whitehead would have a great year in 2015 moving back to his more natural SAM spot.  The start to Whitehead's season thus far isn't what he or the Lions expected.  Whitehead lost his starting spot to Travis Lewis, which he admits surprised him.  “I keep things simple for myself,” Whitehead said. “I can’t get all caught up in hoopla about, ‘why aren’t you playing’ or ‘you should be playing this’ or ‘you should be playing that' or ‘you could have helped us do this.’  “At the end of the day, that’s neither here or there. If I’m on the field, I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m helping my team. If I’m off the field I’m going to root my guys on.”  Lewis starting over Whitehead was a performance decision, according to coaches. Lewis will remain the starter until “somebody plays better than him," according to Austin.  “What we saw was the body of work (Lewis) put in during camp and the ability that he just played a little better at the time,” Austin said. “The one thing that we’ve always stressed since we’ve been here is the fact that we’re going to play the guys that are deserving to play and he deserved to play.”  Both Lewis and Whitehead saw action last week. Whitehead played 20 snaps and Lewis played 12.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Issues-correctable-Austin-likes-his-defense/3a0cf434-ba3a-49c8-9c16-ea947027ad02

Lions working to correct problems at linebacker (Entering the 2015 season, the linebacker corps looked to be the Lions’ best unit. DeAndre Levy blossomed into a legitimate star the past two seasons on the weak side. Stephen Tulloch, the middle linebacker, looked like his old self during the summer after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Tahir Whitehead, who started 2014 on the strong side before replacing Tulloch in the middle, proved he could be a solid defensive contributor. The Lions also brought back Josh Bynes, a fine situational player last season. Kyle Van Noy had a fresh start after missing half of his rookie season because of a core muscle injury. And Travis Lewis was back, too, after missing most of last year with a quad injury. A week into the season, though, the Lions already are answering questions about the unit despite having most of the linebackers who contributed — everyone except Ashlee Palmer — to last year’s No. 2 overall defense and top run-stopping group. Tulloch looked slow and struggled with some reads in last Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Levy didn’t play, and it’s unclear when he’ll return as he deals with a hip injury. And Lewis started over Whitehead, so the group looked quite different in Week 1 in addition to performing poorly. “It’s a matter of just tackling the ball carriers, and I believe that’s what we just have to get cleaned up this week,” Whitehead said of an overall defensive effort in Week 1 in which the Lions allowed 483 yards. Tulloch might be the biggest concern moving forward as he didn’t look like the same player he’d been in his first four seasons with the Lions. He had at least 111 tackles in each of his three full seasons with the Lions and 20 in the first three games last year, but notched just six Sunday while also struggling in pass coverage. Of course, some of the issues could be related to Levy’s absence. The game was just the third time Tulloch has played a game without Levy since joining the Lions in 2011. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin declined Thursday to specify anything in Tulloch’s problematic play. “I’m not going to talk about any individual and how they played, good or bad,” he said. Austin did say, though, that Tulloch is “fine” physically, which appeared to be the case as he flew around during training camp. “I’m not sure I can explain why you guys don’t think he had his best game,” Austin said. “It may not have been, but the bottom line is — and it wasn’t just Stephen — we had some things across the board that we needed to get corrected and need to be better at this week, and we’re working toward it.” The biggest miscues the Lions had were on short passes which the Chargers consistently turned into longer gains, whether it was wide receivers Keenan Allen or Stevie Johnson or tight end Ladarius Green. “Obviously, we had some problems and we didn’t get them fixed,” Austin said. “And that’s on me.” Lewis earned the start over Whitehead because he was more productive and played with a physical, downhill style during the summer, Austin said. Whitehead actually ended up playing more snaps, 20-12, Sunday, but he wouldn’t say why the coaches would go with him versus Lewis in certain situations. The Lions first benched Whitehead in the third exhibition, but he didn’t have much reaction when Lewis started Sunday. “It was like OK, whatever,” he said. “I don’t get paid to make big-time decisions like that as to who’s going to play and who’s going to play how much, or whatever the case is.” Bynes was the Lions’ best linebacker on the field Sunday, registering eight tackles filling in for Levy. Because the Lions train their linebackers at all three spots, there’s a chance he could stay in the lineup when Levy returns, too. Against the Vikings on Sunday, the group will have to play better, especially with running back Adrian Peterson back with Minnesota. Looking at his defense as a whole, Austin said he’s not worried because he thinks the issues were correctable. “I don’t like what happened last week, but I like our guys,” he said.) (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/17/lions-working-correct-problems-linebacker/72366254/

Detroit Lions — Five things to know about the defense (Travis Lewis will continued to start at strongside linebacker instead of Tahir Whitehead. “What we saw was the body of work (Lewis) put in during camp and the ability that he just played a little better at the time. The one thing that we’ve always stressed since we’ve been here is the fact that we’re going to play the guys that are deserving to play and he deserved to play.” Austin said Lewis will start until somebody plays better than him.) (9-17-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150917/detroit-lions-x2014-five-things-to-know-about-the-defense

Video - Whitehead on the defense (9-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-the-defense/179843ff-ce25-4895-9d52-84f4863794ae

Snap counts: Linebackers must produce to play (Travis Lewis made a surprising start at strong-side linebacker for the Lions in a Week 1 loss to the San Diego Chargers, proving Tahir Whitehead’s benching the last two weeks of the preseason wasn’t simply a motivational tactic. However, even though Lewis played on the opening drive, Whitehead actually played more snaps with 21 to Lewis’ 12. Neither player, though, played particularly well as Whitehead’s one tackle was the only statistical contribution by the duo. Josh Bynes, meanwhile, was the second linebacker, along with Stephen Tulloch, in the nickel package as he played 57 of the 79 defensive snaps. It’s unclear who will be the starting strong-side option moving forward — it could be Bynes when DeAndre Levy returns — but coach Jim Caldwell explained why Lewis earned the nod Sunday. “Some of it depends on package, but then also it depends on performance and he’s been performing well and did a nice job,” Caldwell said. “He’s been making plays for us.” In the four exhibitions, Lewis had 21 tackles compared to Whitehead’s eight, and even though Lewis was far from perfect, that same affinity for tackling is exactly how Whitehead earned the starting job last preseason. Last week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin explained the thought process behind the change during the exhibitions. “You don’t describe anything as a benching,” he said. “What you describe is a fact that somebody may have played better, and that’s what it is. … The one thing that we’ve always, since we’ve been here and we try to foster is it’s a meritocracy. You have to earn it and you play based on merit not because you were the starter the year before or because you were something somewhere else. “You come here, you show us what you have and it’s a week-to-week thing, it’s a year-to-year thing. And if you deserve it you’ll play.” Whitehead playing more than Lewis is a sign that the coaches might simply trust both players in different situations, but either way, they both need to produce more.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/snap-counts-linebackers-must-produce-play/72258958/

Caldwell: Levy’s absence no excuse for struggles (While Lewis and Tahir Whitehead didn’t have the same production as Levy might have, Tulloch struggled in his first game back since his season-ending injury against the Packers in Week 3 last season.) (9-14-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/14/caldwell-levys-absence-excuse-struggles/72273594/

Free Press Lions' report card: Poor marks for linebackers, receivers (Linebackers - D: Stephen Tulloch had six tackles and recovered a second-half fumble, but he looked rusty in his return from a torn ACL. He missed a couple tackles, got cleaned out by a pulling lineman on Danny Woodhead's nine-yard touchdown run, and appeared to get crossed up on Stevie Johnson's 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Josh Bynes started in place of the injured DeAndre Levy and had eight tackles, but he's not as good in coverage as Levy. Travis Lewis started ahead of Tahir Whitehead but played just a handful of snaps as the third linebacker.) (9-13-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/detroit-lions-report-card/72236260/

Detroit News Lions grades: Coaches failed to recalibrate (9-13-15) (Linebackers: Coach Jim Caldwell said DeAndre Levy's absence wasn't an excuse, so it won't factor into the grade. Stephen Tulloch looked lost several times, especially in coverage. Josh Bynes also got fooled on a screen that produced a big play, though he did have eight tackles. Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead combined for just one tackle, and much of tight end Ladarius Green's 74 receiving yards was on the linebackers. Grade: D.):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/13/lions-grades-coaches-failed-recalibrate/72233574/

MLive Detroit Lions Grades: Defense flops, RB Ameer Abdullah shines as team withers in San Diego (LBs: D-. The coverage in the middle of the field was exposed by Rivers on crossing routes as Detroit's linebackers were often out of position. Josh Bynes, filling in for DeAndre Levy, was arguably the best among the group. Stephen Tulloch, coming back from last season's ACL tear, struggled. He got swallowed up by blocks and finding himself out of place in coverage all game long.) (9-13-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/grading_the_detroit_lions_san_1.html

Lions injury report: Warford, Reid out; Levy doubtful (Tight end Eric Ebron and linebacker Tahir Whitehead are probable to play after being limited in practice earlier this week by ankle and elbow injuries, respectively.) (9-11-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/11/detroit-lions-injury-report/72063188/

PRACTICE REPORT: Lions still without three players (Tight end Eric Ebron (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday, but he was back to being a full participant on Thursday. The same goes for linebacker Tahir Whitehead (elbow) and starting right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (elbow). Waddle has one more day to prove he’s ready to resume starting duties at right tackle. If not, the Lions will go with Cornelius Lucas on Sunday.) (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

Eric Ebron, LaAdrian Waddle, Tahir Whitehead all full participants for Thursday's practice (9-10-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/eric_ebron_laadrian_waddle_tah.html

Will Levy (hip) play in Lions' opener? 'We'll see' (Linebacker Tahir Whitehead (elbow), and right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (elbow) and tight end Eric Ebron (ankle) were limited. While Ebron and Whitehead will both likely start Sunday, it’s unclear whether or not Waddle is ready to take over for Cornelius Lucas after missing most of the offseason.) (9-9-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/09/-levy-play--lions-opener-well-see/71951708/

LB Levy, OG Warford, DT Reid miss Lions practice today (And the Lions' likely would start Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead alongside Stephen Tulloch at linebacker if Levy cannot play.) (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 (Tahir Whitehead: He filled in decently for Tulloch last season, but will likely work out better as a rusher in the strongside position.) (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. 23 -- Tahir Whitehead: The coaching staff challenged Whitehead to step up in the preseason and the projected strongside starter responded by cleaning up some of his assignment issues. A versatile player, he rounds out a formidable linebacking unit.) (9-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/25_most_important_players_to_d.html

Lions' Whitehead tackles extra playing time with gusto (9-4-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2015/09/04/lions-whitehead-tackles-extra-playing-time-gusto/71719136/

After struggles, Detroit Lions LB Tahir Whitehead embraces opportunity to re-earn starting job (9-4-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_tahir_whitehead_2.html

Detroit Lions snap counts: Corey Fuller gets extended look, pair of UDFA safeties pace defense (With his status as a starter up in the air, Tahir Whitehead played 39 snaps against the Bills.) (9-4-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/09/detroit_lions_snap_counts_buff.html

Detroit Lions notes: Kellen Moore displays accuracy, anticipation (Tahir’s long game - Tahir Whitehead didn’t start again and played late into Thursday’s game.  It’s unclear what the situation is with him.  “I don’t know exactly what the case is,’’ Whitehead said. “I work it, I just play. I play the game and I control what I can control. Everything else doesn’t really matter to me. How many snaps I play, that’s up to them, I go out and do my job.’’  He said early on in the preseason he wasn’t as productive as he wanted to be.  “I was trying to clear a few things up. My biggest critique is probably trying to be overly perfect on a few things instead of just playing fast and it kept me from being productive.’’  Whitehead played a major role on defense last season after Stephen Tulloch was injured in the third game and out for the rest of the season.)(9-4-15):  http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150904/detroit-lions-notes-kellen-moore-displays-accuracy-anticipation

NOTEBOOK: Whitehead gets extended look vs. Bills (Tahir Whitehead was announced with the other starters on defense before Thursday’s 17-10 victory over Buffalo in the preseason finale.  But while all the rest of those starters sat out to avoid injury, Whitehead was playing well into the second half.  Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said he wanted to see Whitehead in some different situations. It appears Caldwell isn't completely settled just yet on Whitehead being his starting SAM linebacker.  “There were a number of guys that had extended time and really there were obviously, situations where we want to see guys in certain situations we haven’t placed them in,” head coach Jim Caldwell said when asked about Whitehead's playing time.  “Maybe we didn’t see enough of them, so he’s one of those individuals that we wanted to give him a little extended playing time.”  Whitehead said he played some SAM early on vs. Buffalo, but he appeared to get the majority of his work at the MIKE. He and Travis Lewis continued to rotate those positions as they've done all preseason.  Whitehead admits he wasn’t very productive the first two preseason games and that’s why he hasn’t put a stranglehold on the starting spot just yet.  “At the end of the day there’s always corrections to be made,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to, making corrections and continuing to get better.”  Last year, Whitehead moved from the SAM to MIKE when Stephen Tulloch went down with a knee injury in Week 3. Now that he’s back at the SAM, losing out on a year of development in that position might be hurting him a bit.  “It can be a little challenge because the reads are different,” Whitehead said of playing MIKE vs. SAM in Teryl Austin’s defense.  “You go from just playing on the outside and basically you’re always accounted for as the SAM to being in the middle of the defense and you can play the ball inside out a little more. Your coverage responsibilities are a little different."  It’s certainly been a challenge for Whitehead switching back to the SAM, but at the end of the day he just has to “lock in” as he says and understand what position and what role he’s playing each down he’s in the game.) (9-3-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Whitehead-gets-extended-look-vs-Bills/511b97a4-a012-4ecf-b7f7-80858c29560d

Lions win as roster battles go to wire (Among the biggest surprises Thursday was linebacker Tahir Whitehead playing deep into the second half. Travis Lewis earned the start at strong-side linebacker last week and started there again Thursday as Whitehead played in the middle. When Whitehead exited late in the first half, Lewis moved to the middle and Kyle Van Noy joined the linebacker corps that included Josh Bynes on the weak side. But Whitehead returned to play the middle again in the third quarter.  Whitehead said last week losing his starting job, even briefly, wasn't a punishment, but he embraced the challenge from his coaches. Lewis said he approached it as an open competition, and even if that's the case, it'd be hard to imagine he did enough to take Whitehead's starting job after a couple lackluster performances.  Van Noy's appearance was surprising. Even though he made his return to practice this week, Caldwell made it sound like the 2014 second-round pick was dealing with a serious injury and said it could take several weeks for him to recover.) (9-3-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/09/03/lions-win-roster-battles-go-wire/71678186/ 

Lions' T.J. Jones may have swayed decision on receiver spots with strong effort (Lots of Tahir: Tahir Whitehead, who is likely to be one of the starting linebackers, played a lot more than one would expect of a starter in a fourth preseason game. Whitehead played into the fourth quarter, recording a team-high six tackles.) (9-3-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18666/lions-t-j-jones-may-have-made-decision-on-receiver-spots-easier-with-strong-effort

Video - Whitehead on his preseason (9-3-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-his-preseason/69abc4eb-9a9c-4021-b252-627f3a9f8359

Practice notes: Van Noy returns, Joique Bell, more (There has been a lot of confusion about the linebacker depth chart after Travis Lewis started in place of Tahir Whitehead in the Lions' third preseason game. The situation wasn't any clearer up after Monday's practice. Lewis, again got reps with the first team defense. However, Whitehead is listed as the starter in the team's updated depth chart. It will be interesting to see who starts with Week 1 less than two weeks away.) (8-31-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/31/9234883/practice-notes-kyle-van-noy-back-joique-bell

Lewis gets surprise start, Whitehead to bench for Lions (8-29-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/tahir-whitehead-benched/71369052/

Whitehead accomplishes goals after Lewis gets start (8-29-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/29/whitehead-accomplishes-goals-lewis-gets-start/71368444/

Lions haven't decided whether Tahir Whitehead is still a starter (8-29-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_have_yet_to_make_determi.html

Winners and Losers from Lions' victory over Jaguars (Losers - Tahir Whitehead - It's not that Whitehead had a bad game against the Jaguars; it's when he played that may be troubling for him. Travis Lewis started the game in his place and Whitehead was still in the game on the Jaguars' final drive of the game. I'm not sure what to make of this, but it's hard to imagine a scenario in which this is a good thing for Whitehead.) (8-29-15):   http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2015/8/29/9223745/winners-losers-lions-jaguars-preseason

NOTEBOOK: Explaining Whitehead’s playing time (Tahir Whitehead filled in admirably at middle linebacker last season after Stephen Tulloch (ACL) was lost for the season. His performance a season ago had the Lions excited about his move back to the SAM spot this year after a year’s worth of experience and this being a contract year for him.  Whitehead hasn’t taken off like maybe the team had hoped he would, however, and that’s opened the door for other players – most notably fourth-year linebacker Travis Lewis – to get extended looks from coaches.  Lewis, who’s played mostly on special teams his first three seasons in the league and missed most of last year due to injury, got the start in Jacksonville at the SAM spot.   Whitehead didn’t enter the game until the starters left in the second half.  Does this mean the Lions haven’t settled on a starter there just yet? With Kyle Van Noy out for an undisclosed amount of time due to injury, does Lewis have a legitimate chance to earn a starting role?   “It means every week is an evaluation process for us,” head coach Jim Caldwell said after Friday’s 22-17 win in Jacksonville when asked about Whitehead. “It gives us a chance to evaluate other guys.  “You look at it and we just try to find out who are the best guys for us, so there’s a number of different situations in there where we move guys into different spots, put some guys out there a little earlier, just so we have a good feel of exactly where we are.”  The Lions have been using Whitehead in both MIKE and SAM spots this preseason after proving he could handle the MIKE last year.  Lewis leads the Lions in tackles in the preseason and has been steady through three preseason games, but by no means mistake-free. He missed a tackle that led to a first-down run Friday night and was beaten in coverage at least once.  Still, it seems things remain unsettled at that spot with one game remaining in the preseason.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Explaining-Whitehead%E2%80%99s-playing-time/65fbf549-d3c7-4275-898c-4b63badfe3b2

Detroit 22, Jacksonville 17: Lions' defense needs work (The Lions, who are replacing their entire defensive tackle rotation, played without Haloti Ngata, Jason Jones, Ziggy Ansah and DeAndre Levy. Caraun Reid, who’s vying for the starting spot next to Ngata, also did not play because of a high ankle sprain, and regular starting outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead played middle linebacker with the second unit.) (8-28-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-jacksonville-jaguars/71354100/

Lions observations: Abdullah gets first carry; Zenner shines (The Lions played without four defensive starters and gave Travis Lewis a look at outside linebacker ahead of Tahir Whitehead, so take their defensive performance — they allowed two long touchdown drives to open the game — with a grain of salt. Still, they had too many breakdowns, and didn’t get enough pressure on Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.) (8-28-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-observations/71348162/

Offense shines, defense struggles as Lions win (On defense, end Phillip Hunt was among the players who made an early appearance. Linebacker Travis Lewis started in place of a healthy Tahir Whitehead, perhaps a chance for Lewis to prepare himself to be Whitehead’s backup as Kyle Van Noy deals with an injury.) (8-28-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/28/offense-shines-defense-struggles-lions-win/71358214/

Lions Zach Zenner drags defenders into end zone for game-winning TD against Jags (Lowlights - Special teams ace Travis Lewis started ahead of Tahir Whitehead at strong-side linebacker. He struggled, as could have been expected, and Whitehead remains well ahead of him at the position. It's possible Detroit just wanted to get Lewis some reps, now that he could be Whitehead's backup with Kyle Van Noy out. It's also possible Whitehead is in the doghouse.) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_zach_zenner_drags_defend.html

Detroit Lions stock report: Matthew Stafford ready for regular season, Zach Zenner strengthens case (Stock down -- Reserve linebackers:  The Lions rolled with Travis Lewis and Josh Bynes in the starting lineup, in place of DeAndre Levy and Tahir Whitehead. Both struggled. The Jaguars picked on Lewis in coverage throughout the first half with great success. It was confirmation for what most of us already know -- Levy is really important to Detroit's defensive success.  Whitehead, working with the second unit for unknown reasons, played well. He's clearly the Lions third-best linebacker. ) (8-28-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_stock_report.html

Loss of Suh leaves Lions defense in tough spot (At Mike ’backer, don’t be surprised if Austin goes with the less dynamic Stephen Tulloch (coming off a torn ACL) instead of up-and-comer Tahir Whitehead. This would indicate conservativeness on the defensive coordinator’s part. Tulloch, a 10th-year veteran, knows where to go; Whitehead doesn’t always, but he gets there more explosively.) (8-28-15):   http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/28/detroit-lions-defense-ndamukong-suh-departure-haloti-ngata-nfl-matthew-stafford

Video - Henne sacked after fumble, recovery by Whitehead (8-28-15):   http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000000517510/Henne-sacked-after-fumble-recovery-by-Whitehead

Detroit News Camp Notes - Lions shuffle linemen with Warford out (Travis Lewis played strong-side linebacker with the starting defense, a surprise with Tahir Whitehead healthy and playing instead with the backups. One explanation could be the Lions are trying to prepare Whitehead’s backups with Kyle Van Noy dealing with an undisclosed injury.  Also, Andrew Peacock made a really impressive catch in close quarters with the bigger Whitehead.) (8-23-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/23/lions-shuffle-linemen-warford/32248229/

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. Whitehead batted a pass.) (8-20-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/lions_defense_destroys_rgiii_b.html

Video - Whitehead on the defense against Washington (8-20-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-the-defense-against-Washington/dea5fa25-05df-4420-a2f7-015900a12cbf

Freep Lions observations: 'No reason' Abdullah limited in practice (Kellen Moore wasn't as sharp in reps with the third-team offense. Tahir Whitehead and Quandre Diggs broke up Moore passes on back-to-back plays. Whitehead's PBU came when the Lions were in a 4-4-3 defensive set, with Abdul-Quddus at safety and Kyle Van Noy, Stephen Tulloch and Travis Lewis as the other linebackers.  Diggs, who probably trails Josh Wilson and Nevin Lawson in the battle for the nickel cornerback spot, would have got beat by a quarterback with a stronger arm on his PBU, but he made a nice play to get his hand up and swat a pass away from TJ Jones.  Moore's only completion of that period came off a play-action fake, when Brandon Copeland appeared to bit on the run play and let Jones get behind him in coverage down the right sideline.  Whitehead also had a sack on Stafford (though the play wasn't blown dead) on a linebacker blitz in team period. I've said this before, but Austin is going to blitz his linebackers and defensive backs a lot this year to help manufacture pressure.) (8-18-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/18/lions-training-camp-notes/31948017/

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Nevin Lawson finishes strong camp with pick, pass breakup (In 11-on-11 work, the defense got their hands on multiple passes. Lawson, Quandre Diggs and Tahir Whitehead all knocked down throws.) (8-18-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_32.html

Video - Levy on Whitehead (8-18-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Levy-on-Whitehead/ccb34606-68fd-481e-9fb6-5b73bfed8a1c

Video - Whitehead on the defense (8-17-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-the-defense/008762f4-8d41-4485-8877-365d56085944

Notebook: Prater Feeling Fresh, Confident For Season (The offense and defense worked in the red zone in one team drill. The offense got touchdown catches from Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron (2) and Greg Salas. Ebron had an easy score against Tahir Whitehead in coverage.) (8-15-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NOTEBOOK-Prater-feeling-fresh-confident-for-season/d5e4c148-9a3b-417a-b14f-efb2e20217ae

Detroit Lions snap count report: Young offensive linemen get plenty of work (While most defensive starters played fewer than 10 snaps, the Lions are still taking a long look at Tahir Whitehead as he competes with Kyle Van Noy. Whitehead got 21 snaps in the win.) (8-14-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_snap_count_repor_36.html

Every team's most underrated player (Detroit Lions: LB Tahir Whitehead - The Lions lost starting middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch to a torn ACL three games into the 2014 season, but they were able to effectively replace him with Tahir Whitehead. Although he had been with the team since the 2012 season, last year was Whitehead’s first as a full-time starter. The former fifth-round pick met the challenge and exceeded expectations, finishing the season second only to DeAndre Levy in total tackles with 86 (he also added two interceptions). With Tulloch back in action for the 2015 season, Whitehead has bumped over to assume the starting strong-side linebacker role over Kyle Van Noy.) (8-14-15):   http://www.foxsports.com/content/fsdigital/fscom/nfl/photos/2015/08/14/gallery-every-team-s-most-underrated-player#img_7

Video - Whitehead on the first preseason game (8-11-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-the-first-preseason-game/722efba4-47f3-4868-98a3-20c0b2cbe973

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.) (8-10-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/10/detroit-lions-training-camp-notes/31418325/

ESPN Observations (Kyle Van Noy has had two good practices in a row: He’s playing mostly second-team defensive snaps right now behind Tahir Whitehead, but the 2014 second round pick has done a little bit better recently, particularly in coverage. He followed up Saturday’s practice with another decent coverage day Monday, including breaking up a Matthew Stafford pass intended for Eric Ebron with his shoulder pad.) (8-10-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/18192/detroit-lions-lb-stephen-tulloch-looks-ready-to-hit-and-the-left-guard-battle-continues

Video - Whitehead on the scrimmage (8-8-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Whitehead-on-the-scrimmage/48c684fe-f973-45ac-a2fb-d622b91f3e85

Tahir Whitehead having a series here. Covered Jones in slot well, strung out stretch run expertly, aware in zone on quick pass (8-8-15):  https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/630046079527092224

Detroit News Camp observations: Williams pleased with progress at RT (Tight end Brandon Pettigrew made a nice catch, too, against good coverage from Tahir Whitehead.) (8-7-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/07/camp-observations-williams-pleased-progress-rt/31326693

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Defense dominates 2-minute drill work (The first sequence, the offense had to drive 70 yards in 90 seconds, with one timeout, needing a touchdown. Tight end Eric Ebron dropped an open pass down the middle, putting his unit behind early. He bounced back to catch two throws, including a long one in front of linebacker Tahir Whitehead down to the nine-yard line. That reception gave the offense one shot at the end zone with six seconds remaining. There was a miscommunication on that play as Matthew Stafford's passed zipped through traffic to seemingly no one.)(8-7-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_28.html

Oakland Press Detroit Lions notes: Kyle Van Noy moves better, plenty of work to do (Van Noy is competing with Tahir Whitehead for that starting role, but it’s Whitehead lining up with the first team while Van Noy is with the second group.)(8-6-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150806/detroit-lions-notes-kyle-van-noy-moves-better-plenty-of-work-to-do

Free Press Camp observations: Lions hold first practice in pads (Tahir Whitehead nearly blocked one of Prater's FG kicks.) (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 (The running backs took several hard hits, and undrafted rookie Zach Zenner seemed to be on the receiving end the most. On one play, linebacker Stephen Tulloch hit Zenner to a knee, and after he kept running, safety Glover Quin popped him hard, too. Defensive tackle Roy Philon and linebacker Tahir Whitehead hit Zenner hard, too. “He ain’t do nothing but put the pads on,” Whitehead said of Zenner being on the receiving end of the hits.)(8-5-15):   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/06/camp-observations-lions-pads-ratchet-intensity/31201307/

MLive Detroit Lions training camp notes: Matt Prater does his best Kickalicious impression (Linebacker Tahir Whitehead is one of those players who seems to flip a switch when the pads come on. He got a little too aggressive, shoving Joseph Fauria out of bounds after a reception. The big tight end got up gingerly after the play toward the end of the session. Remember, he's been dealing with ankle issues going back to last season.) (8-5-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_26.html

Fauria just came up gingerly after being popped by Whitehead. Made a nice one-handed catch (8-5-15):  https://twitter.com/jkatzenstein/status/629092962580987908

7 on 7s now. Tahir just gave Winn a bit of a pop (8-5-15):  https://twitter.com/alex_reno/status/629086372893208576

Freep Camp Notes (The best defensive play went mostly unnoticed by the season-ticket holders in attendance. Outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead was split wide to his right and singled up in coverage against running back Theo Riddick in one period late in practice. Riddick ran a quick slant, but Whitehead recognized the route and got his hand around Riddick to break up the pass.  Whitehead likely will be relegated to third linebacker duties this year, which means he'll play about a third of the defensive snaps and be a big contributor on special teams. But he's in a contract year and should find suitors (if the Lions don't pay to keep him) this off-season.) (8-3-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/08/03/detroit-lions-training-camp-observations/31085707/

Detroit News Camp Notes (Tahir Whitehead was the top option at strong-side linebacker and is ahead of Kyle Van Noy at this point. Whitehead had a pass break-up in coverage against Theo Riddick.) (8-3-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2015/08/03/camp-observations-rookie-alex-carter-sidelined-ankle-issue/31082849/

MLive Camp Notes (While there were no turnovers generated by the defense today, several passes were broken up in the secondary. I thought the most impressive knock down came when linebacker Tahir Whitehead, covering Theo Riddick split out wide, jumped a quick slant to the dangerous running back.) (8-3-15):  http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/08/detroit_lions_training_camp_no_24.html