With for-now starters George Foster and Tatum Bell not in attendance, rookies Gosder Cherilus and Kevin Smith took most of the first-team reps at right tackle and running back, respectively, during Thursday's OTA workout. Foster and Bell were No. 1 on the depth chart during last week's minicamp, and while jobs won't change hands between now and July, many believe it's just a matter of time before Foster and Bell fall to second string. Cherilus, the Lions' No. 1 pick, is a natural right tackle with big paws and a bigger mean streak, and Smith has been as impressive as any rookie in digesting the playbook.

"He's looking good," defensive tackle Cory Redding said of Cherilus. "Strong, got a good attitude, short fuse. I like that. He's a rookie but he's shown flashes of greatness, it's just right now he's in that learning curve."

Lions coach Rod Marinelli said attendance at Thursday's workout was abnormal. Along with Foster and Bell, receiver Roy Williams, linebacker Ernie Sims and tackle Jonathan Scott were among the no-shows and tailback Brian Calhoun spent part of the afternoon riding a stationary bike. OTAs, as always, are voluntary but highly encouraged, and the Lions have had good turnout so far. In fact, attendance was perfect at the first OTA open to the media earlier this month.

"We had a couple guys miss today and I know where they're at," Marinelli said. "I'll leave it at that. I put all of my attention on the men that are here, every ounce of energy that I got for the guys that are here and trying to get as much work as we can do."