ALLEN PARK -- Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford will play in Thursday night’s final preseason game. He is unsure how long he will be in the game, but seemed certain he will play.

“We want to get out there and keep our rhythm going on offense. I’m assuming a lot of guys that haven’t gotten a chance to play as much in the preseason will play a little bit more. It will be fun to watch those guys,’’ Stafford said.

Coach Jim Schwartz would not confirm that Stafford will see action.

“We’ll see over the next 48 hours,’’ the coach said.

Starters are not expected to see much playing time, they never are in the preseason finale.

Schwartz would not offer his theory of how much to play the starters.

“The theory is we have a game and we play the game. We don’t go to protect players, we have a game scheduled we’re going to play,’’ Schwartz said.

The coach did say that the plan is for Kevin Smith to get more reps. Smith, who was held out of practice on Tuesday, is coming back from knee surgery.

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ALLEN PARK -- With the regular season fast approaching, the Lions’ injury list has shrunk considerably.

The most noticeable absence from practice today (Tuesday) was RB Kevin Smith. It could be that he was scheduled to sit. Smith carried the ball eight times and caught two passes in Saturday’s win.

Missing from practice today were safety C.C. Brown (forearm), LB DeAndre Levy (groin) and CB Jack Williams who was moved from the physically unable to perform list to reserve PUP today. Now he does not count against the roster. After six weeks the Lions will have a window when they have to decide whether to activate him.

Safeties Louis Delmas and Ko Simpson did practice today.

Tackle Tyler Polumbus, who was signed last week, is no longer on the roster. An announcement is expected this afternoon.

The Lions have now cut the roster to 75. Today was the deadline. The final cut to 53 must be made by 6 p.m. on Saturday.

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ALLEN PARK -- Veteran linebacker Rocky Boiman, who was signed by the Lions today (Monday), was at practice this afternoon. Boiman, who played six games for the Steelers last season, will provide backup for a position that has been decimated by injuries.

Boiman has also played for the Chiefs, Colts and Titans where he played for Jim Schwartz who was the defensive coordinator.

Starting middle linebacker DeAndre Levy, who injured his groin in the first play of Saturday’s preseason win, did not practice today.

Also, safety Louis Delmas, who played two series on Saturday, did not practice which is not a good sign for his recovery from a groin injury.

Others not practicing were safety C.C. Brown, safety Ko Simpson and cornerback Jack Williams.

The Lions released LB Lee Campbell, WR Eric Fowler and DE Chima Ihekwoaba. FB Jake Nordin was waived/injured.

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Second-year running back Aaron Brown enhanced his chances of making the 53-man roster with a strong performance in the 35-27 preseason win over Cleveland on Saturday night.

At running back there will be tough roster decisions. Brown made his case by scoring two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter -- one from four yards out, the other for two yards. That put the Lions over the top for the win, but it was also against the Browns’ backup defense.

What will help Brown’s case is his return game. He returned four kicks for 95 yards, with the longest at 28 yards.

Brown was a sixth-round pick by the Lions in 2009. His speed is what has kept him around so far.

“He did a nice job running the football. Going back, it was probably his best complete game as a running back,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “I’d like to see him get a little bit more aggressive on some of his returns -- he bobbled that one ball on the kickoff return -- but (he) did a nice job in the passing game, did a nice job in the running game, running both inside and outside. So I thought Aaron did a nice job there.’’

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DETROIT -- CB Jonathan Wade is the only surprise among those who will sit out today’s preseason game against the Browns. Eric King will start in his place.

Others who are out are: S C.C. Brown, CB Aaron Berry, DE Lawrence Jackson, CB Jack Williams and K Jason Hanson

Rookie Randy Phillips will get the start for the injured Brown while Eric King will start in place of Wade.

As planned Hanson kicked in the pre pre-game warmups. He kicked several field goals, was mostly accurate and distance was not an issue. After the field goals he kicked off. His kicks sailed clearly into the end zone from midfield and five yards back.

Hanson, who is coming off minor knee surgery, is expected to play in the final preseason game on Thursday at Ford Field against the Bills. After the successful warmups, it appears he is right on track.

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Jared DeVries was placed on the injured reserve list on Friday after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Lions defensive end missed all of last season after rupturing an Achilles tendon during training camp and being placed on injured reserve.

DeVries had rarely practiced during training camp because of the knee injury. He tried it on Monday and then went out of town to seek another medical opinion.

He wasn’t expected to start this season, but could have been a valuable backup.

Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril are the starters.

Turk McBride is a backup defensive end who has had a good training camp according to Gunther Cunningham, the Lions defensive coordinator.

Last week the Lions acquired DE Lawrence Jackson in a trade with Seattle. He has yet to practice with the Lions because he is coming off a hamstring injury.

The only other defensive ends on the roster are rookies who don’t appear ready to go. They are seventh-round pick Willie Young and undrafted free agents Chima Ihekwoaba, a Canadian, and Korey Bosworth, nephew of Brian Bosworth.

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The Lions' defensive line starting four is set in cement with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril at the ends, while rookie Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams clog up the middle.

But after that the situation gets murky.

DT Sammie Hill has shown great improvement over last year when he was a starter. He won’t see near the playing time as last season, but he’ll get his share of snaps.

DE Turk McBride has had a good camp too -- enough to impress defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham.

DE Jared DeVries is a huge question mark. If he’s able to recover from his knee injury quickly, will he be in the mix? The 34-year-old DeVries missed all of last season with an Achilles injury, but worked during OTAs with no hindrance.

When the Lions traded for DE Lawrence Jackson last week, bringing him in from Seattle, there was some thought he might replace DeVries on the roster.

Can’t see that happening now. Jackson, who has a hamstring injury, has not practiced. He’s got a lot of catching up to do in a short period of time. The former first-round pick is now a huge question mark. I’m no body language expert, but Jackson doesn’t appear to be into it at practice.

The only other defensive ends on the roster are rookies who don’t appear ready to go. They are seventh-round pick Willie Young and undrafted free agents Chima Ihekwoaba, a Canadian, and Korey Bosworth, nephew of Brian Bosworth.

At defensive tackle, the Lions are looking for third-year defensive tackles Landon Cohen and Andre Fluellen to step up. They also have undrafted rookie Robert Callaway from Saginaw Valley State.

The Lions still have two preseason games to help them make their decisions, starting on Saturday when they meet Cleveland at 5 p.m. at Ford Field.

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ALLEN PARK -- Jason Hanson lobbied to kick in Saturday’s preseason game, but will have to settle for kicking in the pre-game warmups at Ford Field. The veteran kicker had knee minor knee surgery on his planting leg a few days into training camp.

He said his recovery is right on schedule and he has elevated from kicking Nerf footballs and soccer balls to the real pigskin.

Hanson expects and really wants to get into the final preseason game on Sept. 2. He said it’s important to get the game-day feel mentally as well as physically.

Also, after Thursday morning’s practice coach Jim Schwartz said he had no news on DE Jared DeVries who had gone out of town to seek a second opinion on his knee. DeVries has missed most of training camp with the injury.

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ALLEN PARK -- Louis Delmas was back at practice Thursday morning after sitting out on Wednesday. If all goes well, Delmas will play a few series in Saturday’s home preseason game against Cleveland.

Delmas, the starting free safety, injured his groin in the late June minicamp and had not been back to 100 percent.

Defensive end Jared DeVries was nowhere in site for the start of Thursday’s practice. There could be an update from coach Jim Schwartz around lunchtime. DeVries went to see an out-of-town specialist for a second opinion on his knee which has been an issue since the start of training camp.

Also on Thursday, DE Sammie Hill did not practice and neither did safety C.C. Brown. The other injured players sitting out were DE Lawrence Jackson, S David Roach, CB Aaron Berry, K Jason Hanson and CB Jack Williams.

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ALLEN PARK -- Defensive end Jared DeVries went to see a specialist for a second opinion on his left knee which has hampered him since the beginning of training camp. He practiced Monday for the first time in weeks, but then was out Tuesday and Wednesday.

Coach Jim Schwartz said it’s too early to determine if DeVries is a candidate for injured reserve.

“It really depends on the opinion -- whether it’s a surgery, whether it’s not a surgery, how long if it would be a surgery,’’ Schwartz said. “That’s one reason he’s out of town to get those questions answered.’’

DeVries, 34, missed all of last season, after he ruptured an Achilles tendon during training camp.

Safety Louis Delmas didn’t practice on Wednesday, but it was part of the plan according to Schwartz. Delmas is expected to practice on Thursday to prepare to play in Saturday’s preseason game against Cleveland.

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ALLEN PARK -- Safety Louis Delmas who practiced Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning was not on the field Wednesday morning.

Delmas, who is returning from a groin injury, was pleased to get in back-to-back practices. He seemed confident on Tuesday that he will play in Saturday’s preseason game. It could be that he is sitting out as a precaution and will practice Thursday in preparation for the preseason game against Cleveland.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was back on the practice field Wednesday morning after sitting out both practices on Tuesday. Johnson said he was fine on Tuesday, but was icing his right ankle.

Backup quarterback Shaun Hill, who didn’t participate in Tuesday afternoon’s session was back.

Defensive end Jared DeVries, who practiced Monday, has been absent since then. He is dealing with a knee injury.

Others missing on Wednesday morning were TE Dan Gronkowski, CB Paul Pratt, CB Aaron Berry, DE Lawrence Jackson, S David Roach, G Trevor Canfield, K Jason Hanson and CB Jack Williams who is still on the physically unable to perform list.

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ALLEN PARK --Backup quarterback Shaun Hill did not practice on Tuesday afternoon, but was on the field wearing a baseball cap instead of a helmet.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice Tuesday, but he said it was nothing to be concerned about. He was on the field at practice, but had ice on his ankle in the locker room.

Defensive end Jared DeVries (knee), who had practiced on Monday for the first time in weeks, did not participate in either session.

CB Paul Pratt, TE Dan Gronkowski, DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), CB Aaron Berry and K Jason Hanson (who is coming off knee surgery) did not participate in either of Tuesday’s practice sessions.

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ALLEN PARK -- The situation at tackle got a little more muddled on Tuesday morning when the Lions claimed tackle Cliff Louis off waivers from the New York Giants. Louis, who is 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, was waived on Aug. 20.

The Lions are likely to keep four offensive tackles.

Jeff Backus is a lock. So is rookie Jason Fox, a fourth-round project guy that the Lions wouldn’t want to put on the practice squad because he would be unlikely to clear waivers.

The battle is ongoing for the starting spot at right tackle between veteran Jon Jansen and Gosder Cherilus, a first-round pick in 2008. Cherilus started most of last year but the Lions weren’t happy with his play and wanted him to have a good offseason, step up and grab the starting role. So far he hasn’t done that.

Corey Hilliard, who can play left and right tackle, is also in the mix and is valuable because he’s multidimensional.

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ALLEN PARK -- Lions safety Louis Delmas, who is coming off a groin injury, practiced Tuesday morning marking the first time in training camp that he’s put together back-to-back practices. He went through a full practice on Monday.

He participated in individual drills on Tuesday morning, but the media could not watch the rest of the practice so it’s unclear if Delmas went through the seven-on-sevens and team drills.

With two practices today, it’s likely Delmas will sit out the afternoon. Also some of the players who sat out the morning practice could participate in the afternoon.

Missing from practice was defensive end Jared DeVries (knee) who had practiced on Monday.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was not practicing, but it could be that he was just given the morning off. I’ll check into this. Look for an update later.

Also not practicing were CB Paul Pratt, S Ko Simpson, TE Dan Gronkowski, RG Stephen Peterman (right knee), DE Lawrence Jackson (hamstring), T Jason Fox, G Trevor Canfield, CB Aaron Berry and K Jason Hanson who is coming off knee surgery.

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ALLEN PARK -- Lions safety Louis Delmas, who had not practiced since Wednesday because of a groin injury, participated in individual drills in Monday’s practice.

It was unknown if he was active for seven-on-sevens or team drills because they are now closed to the media. Still it was a good sign that he was on the field.

The true test for Delmas, who has not played in either preseason game, will be if he’s able to practice on Tuesday. He has practiced sporadically through training camp, but has not put together two straight days of practice. He injured his groin at the minicamp in late June.

The Lions looked the healthiest they have been since camp started with DE Jared DeVries (leg), CB Jonathan Wade (broken finger) and Ko Simpson (knee) participating in individual drills.

New DE Lawrence Jackson (groin) was in individual drills, but appeared to be walking off the field before seven-on-sevens.

Sitting out were TE Dan Gronkowski, CB Aaron Berry, CB Paul Pratt and CB Jack Williams who is still on the physically unable to perform list.

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Entering training camp, the Lions secondary was a big question mark. After two preseason games (the Lions won 25-20 at Denver on Saturday night), it remains the biggest question on the squad.

They played without starting safety Louis Delmas (groin) who is a huge question mark. He can’t practice if his groin is sore. It’s not conditioning, the groin is still an issue. He hasn’t practiced since Wednesday.

The Lions were also without cornerback Jonathan Wade (broken finger), who has a solid chance to start.

The defense gave up 177 passing yards to Broncos’ starting quarterback Kyle Orton in the first half. Even without Delmas and Wade, they must do better than that.

Cornerback Chris Houston was called for pass interference. He’s looked better in camp than he did on the field Saturday night.

Pressure from the defensive front four can only help the secondary, but they have a job to do also and can’t depend on the line to bail them out on every play.

There’s plenty of time left until the regular season starts in Chicago on Sept. 12. Will the secondary be ready to play? We shall see.

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Here’s a look at a few standouts from the Lions’ 25-20 win at Denver on Saturday night.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked sharp in camp and has brought it onto the field in the first two preseason games. That is exactly what coach Jim Schwartz wanted to see.

Rookie running back Jahvid Best has done the same thing. He’s translated his stellar play in training camp into game situations.

Kevin Smith is not 100 percent yet, but not sure he ever had Best’s speed. Still Smith made a few cuts and his knee seemed to hold up.

Can any defensive back jump as high as Calvin Johnson? Don’t think so.

Safety Randy Phillips, a undrafted rookie free agent, once again made his presence known. The big question: How did he go undrafted? He filled in for Louis Delmas who is nursing a groin injury.

Defensive end Willie Young, a seventh-round pick, forced a fumble late in the game.

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Five things to watch in the Lions preseason game tonight at Denver:

1. Keep an eye on LB Zack Follett. Last week was his first start at LB and while he was physical, he was also thinking too much. He did well enough that he’s still practicing with the starters. Look for improvement tonight.

2. Watch to see if Ndamukong Suh is double-teamed by Broncos’ offensive line. The Steelers did it last week and certainly it was a sign of respect for the first-round pick. Still when Suh is double-teamed, it just give Corey Williams more room to operate.

3. The return game is still very much a work in progress. Derrick Williams called a fair catch on the 3-yard line last week, but still was part of the return rotation in camp this week. T.J. Rushing, who was signed this week, could get in on a few returns. He returned kicks for the Colts last season.

4. The battle at right tackle between Gosder Cherilus and Jon Jansen is not over. Last week at Pittsburgh, Cherilus got the start. But all week in camp they alternated lining up with the ones.

5. Rookie safety Randy Phillips had a good game last week, it will be interesting to see if he can follow that up with another good showing. He slipped through the cracks and was undrafted, but the Lions like him.

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The Lions will not throw new defensive end Lawrence Jackson into the fire. He is one of four Lions who officially won’t play on Saturday night in Denver. Others who will sit out will be announced Saturday, possibly at game time.

Also out will be defensive end Jared DeVries, who hasn’t practice for weeks with a leg injury; cornerback Aaron Berry (thigh) who also hasn’t practiced and cornerback Jack Williams who is coming off ACL surgery and still on the physically unable to perform list.

Also on Friday, the Lions waived OL Roy Schuening (injured) and signed T Noah Franklin, a rookie from Oklahoma State who had been waived by the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8.

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Coach Jim Schwartz’s theme in preseason games is to let the players win, not the scheme. After all it’s the preseason and he is going to have some tough decisions to make when it comes time to cut the roster.

What will he be looking for on Saturday night at Denver?

“It’s a lot of the same things, a lot of the same areas we were looking before. I think special teams are going to be very important, including the returners -- kickoff and punt return,’’ Schwartz said.

Even though Derrick Williams called a fair catch on the 3-yard line last week, he has been returning kicks and punts in practice during the week along with rookie Tim Toone.

Also, expect cornerback T.J. Rushing to get a chance at returns. He was signed this week because of the number of injuries at corner. He returned kicks for the Colts last year and has also returned punts in the NFL.

The Lions know that Nate Burleson can do the job, but they want to see who else can get the job done.

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ALLEN PARK -- Safety Louis Delmas has not put together back-to-back practices while coming back from a groin injury. He practiced Wednesday, but sat out Thursday morning’s session.

“It’s a groin injury and the more you beat it up the most it’s going to affect you in the long run. So I take one day off, two days off, one day off, two days off that would be the best treatment for it,’’ Delmas said.

The coaches and trainers leave the daily decision up to Delmas. He is not sure how long this will continue.

“The groin injury is never going to heal if you keep aggravating it,’’ Delmas said. “I guess it will be something I’ll have to deal with.’’

He did not play in the preseason opener and, while it has not been made official yet, it’s highly unlikely he will play Saturday in Denver.

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General manager Martin Mayhew never stops tinkering with the Lions’ roster.

On Wednesday Detroit acquired defensive end Lawrence Jackson, a first-round pick in 2008, in a trade with Seattle, according to the Everett (Wash.) Herald. The Lions will give up an undisclosed draft pick in 2011.

Jackson would not fit in Seahawks’ coach Pete Carroll’s defense.

ProFootballTalk.com reports that Jackson, who attended USC, was knocked coming out of the draft as someone who had inconsistent effort, and he hasn't beaten that wrap with only seven sacks in two seasons.

Detroit is becoming Seattle East with several former Seahawks on the roster including WR Nate Burleson, LB Julian Peterson and LG Rob Sims.

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ALLEN PARK -- With the Lions' cornerback situation woefully short-handed due to injury, NFL veteran T.J. Rushing was signed on Wednesday.

He wore No. 38 which was worn by Jahi Word-Daniels in Tuesday’s afternoon practice. It was Word-Daniels’ first training camp session with the team and he suffered a minor injury. He was let go because the Lions need healthy corners.

Rushing, who is entering his fourth NFL season, had worked out for the Lions and was in the Memphis airport, his connection to flying home to Oklahoma, when the Lions called and asked him to return.

”This is a blessing to get a chance. I played in Indy last year, I’ve been at home waiting for a phone call since February,’’ said Rushing who played at Stanford.

Coach Jim Schwartz said not only is he a veteran, but he’s also a returner which could make him more attractive to the Lions. Last year he mostly returned punts for the Colts, but he’s also returned kicks.

“Our numbers are really low at corner right now, we get a guy we can add to the mix,’’ Schwartz said. “Our numbers are very, very concerning at corner. We need him to come in and be able to get up to speed right away.’’

Injured cornerbacks sitting out practice on Wednesday included Jonathan Wade (broken finger), Aaron Berry (hamstring) and Jack Williams who is coming off ACL surgery.

Dante Wesley and Dre Bly, who were both out on Tuesday, returned to the field on Wednesday.

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ALLEN PARK -- Cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels, who was with the Lions last season and was cut in June, was signed on Tuesday and practiced in the afternoon session. However he had to had to leave practice early with an injury to his left leg.

Following practice he said more evaluations would be done for the good or bad news.

The Lions, who are short on healthy cornerbacks, had called him at home in Atlanta on Monday. He flew up for a workout and was signed.

“When you’re home that’s what you do, you pray for a call,’’ Word-Daniels said. “All you can do is stay in shape and control what you can control.’’

Also: S Louis Delmas, who is coming off a groin injury, sat out both practice sessions. ... MLB DeAndre Levy participated in seven-on-seven and team drills in the afternoon after sitting out the morning practice. ... Rookie offensive lineman Jason Fox did not practice in the afternoon. Coach Jim Schwartz would not give a reason. ... CB Defensive end Korey Bosworth, a nephew of Brian, was signed by the Lions and participated in both sessions of practice. He was an undrafted rookie out of UCLA. ... LB Jordon Dizon, who is out for the season with a knee injury, watched the start of the afternoon practice while on crutches on the sideline.

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ALLEN PARK -- Even though the Lions have a nearly critical shortage at linebacker since they lost Jordon Dizon for the season, they do not want to rush DeAndre Levy to return from his back injury.

Levy practiced on Monday, was held out Tuesday morning and was expected to practice on Tuesday afternoon.

“He’s feeling good, we actually held him back. He was ready to go back in,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said after Tuesday's morning session.

It’s too early to tell if Levy will be ready for Saturday’s game at Denver.

“I feel like I’m real close. I just want to take it easy and not rush back into it, I want to be smart about it,’’ Levy said.

Dizon had started the preseason game at middle linebacker in place of Levy. With both of them out, Vinny Ciurciu is taking reps with starters Julian Peterson and Zack Follett.

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ALLEN PARK -- With seven defensive backs missing from Tuesday’s morning practice, coach Jim Schwartz cut the last period short.

“We’ve got to get some of those corners back out there, our numbers are down there, you’re starting to see that chain reaction stuff. I thought we managed practice well to be able to make it through with those guys,’’ Schwartz said.

Sitting out were S Louis Delmas (groin), CB Jonathan Wade (broken finger), CB Dre Bly (thigh), CB Dante Wesley. CB Aaron Berry, S Ko Simpson (who was taken off the physically unable to perform list on Monday) and CB Jack Williams (the only remaining player on PUP).

Also S Randy Phillips had to leave practice early because of dehydration.

The good news is that most of the injuries are short-term. Some of the players could practice later this afternoon, including Delmas.

“He had a really good day (Monday), a hard work day. Just like all these other guys when he had that hard work day he just got sore afterwards. ... We never want to practice a guy that going into practice he’s already sore. ...He’s been doing well, he moved really well yesterday, he’s got fresh legs, we want to keep it that way,’’ Schwartz said of Delmas.

Delmas did not play in Saturday’s preseason opener. While it’s too early to rule him out for Saturday’s game at Denver, he’s at least extremely questionable.

Also sitting out Tuesday morning was LB DeAndre Levy, who has been slowed down with a back injury. He said he plans to practice this afternoon.

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ALLEN PARK -- Busy day here and practice has not started yet. The Lions just made it official that LB Jordon Dizon, who injured his knee in Saturday’s preseason loss, is out for the season.

The team signed rookie undrafted free agent LB Lee Campbell to replace Dizon. Campbell was at Detroit’s minicamp at the end of June, then was released on July 31.

Also today, the Lions released DE Jason Hunter who started nine games for the Lions last season and played in 14. He spent his first three years in the league at Green Bay.

S Ko Simpson, who is coming off ACL surgery, was also taken off the physically unable to perform list which is a good sign for the secondary.

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ALLEN PARK -- While the Lions seemed to be headed in the right direction under GM Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz, they have much work to do.

Depth was a huge issue last season for the 2-14 team. Some of that has been addressed, but depth will still be a problem this season. The reason is simple. The Lions have no players on the roster who were drafted by the Lions between 2002 and 2006, thanks to Matt Millen.

Depth became an issue over the weekend when backup linebacker Jordon Dizon, who was starting in place of the injured DeAndre Levy, went down with a knee injury and is expected to be lost for the season.

The Lions signed undrafted free agent LB Lee Campbell on Monday. Campbell, who played at Minnesota, had been in minicamp with the Lions in June. He was released on July 31.

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Let’s look at what the Lions’ rookies did in the 23-7 loss to Pittsburgh in the Lions’ preseason opener on Saturday night.

Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh moved bodies around on the inside just like he did at Nebraska. He has fit in from Day One despite his contract holdout. He’ll just get better.

Running back Jahvid Best let a sure reception go through his hands and turn into an interception, but he averaged almost five yards per run and broke a 15-yarder on the outside.

Not sure there will be room on the roster for wide receiver Tim Toone, the seventh-round and final pick in the draft, but he did what he does in practice -- when balls are thrown his way he catches them. He had a pair of catches for 24 yards and he also got a shot at a punt return late in the game.

Caleb Campbell’s rookie debut was delayed two years by the Army, but he seemed to fit in even though he’s making the transition from safety to linebacker, he hadn’t played a game in more than two years and he had never even attended an NFL game.

Cornerback Amari Spievey, who hasn’t practiced much because of a hip injury, got beat on a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and then got a few choice words from defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham. Spievey, a third-round pick, is behind because he hasn’t practiced much so this is not a surprise.

Undrafted rookie safety Randy Phillips, who just signed with Detroit a week and a half ago, started in place of the injured Louis Delmas and made a couple big plays. The Miami product was one of the positives in the secondary.

Fourth-round offensive tackle Jason Fox and seventh-round defensive end Willie Young both saw action, but it was later in the game and tough to evaluate them. Neither one is expected to produce much this season. They’re should be projects.

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Yes, it was a loss. Yes, the Lions have plenty of work to do before the season opener on Sept. 12 at Chicago. However, now there’s a better idea of what this team is all about with all the new faces including eight new starters on defense.

The offensive starters played just into the second quarter in the Lions 23-7 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday night in the preseason opener.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked comfortable, as expected, and threw a touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson that looked too easy. He also threw an interception, but that was not his fault. Rookie Jahvid Best let the ball sail through his fingers. He’s a rookie, but he should have caught the ball.

The starting defensive line was solid with Cliff Avril notching a sack and Kyle Vanden Bosch making his mark pressuring the quarterback.

The weak spot was the secondary which is not surprising. They were playing without injured safety Louis Delmas. The starters were more solid than the depth guys who saw time in the second half after the 73-minute weather delay.

The Lions will go back to work this week in preparation for their next preseason contest, next Saturday at Denver.

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Five things to watch for in tonight’s preseason opener at Pittsburgh:

1. Will the offensive line protect Matthew Stafford long enough so he can pass the ball? The line has been bolstered with LG Rob Sims and a healthy Stephen Peterman at right guard. Right tackle is still up for grabs between Gosder Cherilus and Jon Jansen.

2. Can rookie RB Jahvid Best run through the Steelers’ defense? Running backs are difficult to judge until they can really be hit. He has looked good at camp, but ...

3. Will the new-look defensive line be able to dominate? This is key to the Lions’ success this year and with all the talent on the line, it will be disappointing if they don’t.

4. Along with running backs, linebackers are tough to judge until they get a chance to hit someone in another jersey. DeAndre Levy will sit out with a bad back. Keep an eye on Zack Follett on the weak side.

5. Speedy corners Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade have had some success at camp. Will they translate to live action?

Running back Kevin Smith and tight end Brandon Pettigrew have been ruled out of Saturday night’s preseason opener along with eight others. Coach Jim Schwartz announced the names on Friday.

Smith and Pettigrew had a small chance to play, but both are coming off ACL surgery and both have been eased into training camp. Schwartz would rather err on the side of caution than throw players in when they are not ready.

Safety Louis Delmas, who practiced Monday through Wednesday after coming back from a groin injury, was ruled out Thursday.

Other injured players who will not take the field at Pittsburgh include: kicker Jason Hanson, linebacker DeAndre Levy, defensive end Jared DeVries, cornerback Aaron Berry, wide receiver Mike Moore and the two who remain on the physically unable to perform list -- cornerback Jack Williams and safety Ko Simpson.

ALLEN PARK -- Safety Louis Delmas is unlikely to play in the preseason opener on Saturday at Pittsburgh, coach Jim Schwartz said on Thursday following the first of two sessions.

"The way it looks now, Louis is not going to play in that game,'' Schwartz said.

Delmas, who participated in practices Monday through Wednesday, did not on Thursday morning. Delmas is coming off a groin injury. Schwartz said there has been no setback.

“He’s right on track for what we want, give him a little more, ease him back, give him a little more after that, ease him back. It’s not gong to be he’s going to go and, all of a sudden, go at full speed and full pads and everything else,’’ Schwartz said. “We’re trying to stay with our program and trying to not let how him feeling good to convince us he needs to go. He’s right on schedule.’’

Schwartz was uncertain if Delmas would practice in the Thursday afternoon session because they were zeroing in on the Steelers and he didn’t want to take reps away from a guy who will play.

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ALLEN PARK -- When wide receiver Nate Burleson played at Minnesota and Seattle, he looked forward to playing the Lions.

“Playing against the Lions, to be honest, I knew I was going to have a good game. ... Every time I stepped on the field against the Lions I had some big-time stats,’’ said Burleson who is starting his eighth season in the NFL.

He said he always thought of the Lions as a big group of athletes.

“They always good athletes, they always had talent, it was just that for some reason that camaraderie or that chemistry or that gel wasn’t there. When it came down to third or fourth quarter I felt the bond I had with my team was going to sustain us to get to victory. I didn’t think the Lions had that when I played against them,’’ Burleson said. “This year and this team is a lot different.’’

ALLEN PARK -- Safety Louis Delmas practiced for the third straight day, yet still on a limited basis. Delmas participated in seven-on-seven drills, but was not on the field for team drills.

“It’s just part of his progression to getting back, he’s been outstanding,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

Thursday is the final day of practice before the preseason opener at Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Even though Delmas is unlikely to play in the game he might get on the field more during one of Thursday’s training camp sessions.

“We got some stuff getting ready for Pittsburgh tomorrow that might be a good chance to get him some reps. The tempo is different (because) it’s shorts, no shoulder pads. We’re sort of on a day-to-day basis of how he’s doing,’’ Schwartz said. “He’s been really, really good. He’s back in shape, he had a really good week of work last week. He’s real close. He’s close to being able to come back and do everything.’’

Delmas injured his groin in the late June minicamp and has not been at 100 percent since.

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ALLEN PARK -- Stephen Peterman had no reason to think his knee injury was serious, but there was a question. On Tuesday the Lions dodged a bullet when an MRI showed no damage to Peterman’s knee.

“I got kicked the other day pretty hard in practice, it kind of swelled up on me and they wanted to do some checks and make sure everything was OK and everything’s fine. We’ve been working to get the swelling out,’’ said Peterman who starts at right guard.

Despite the swelling he practiced at Ford Field on Saturday and went through the first practice on Sunday.

Coach Jim Schwartz said he didn’t lose any sleep because he didn’t think it was a serious injury.

He learned last season what it was like to play without Peterman in the lineup when he went out with an ankle with seven games left.

“Any time on the offense line you want to have continuity. We didn’t have enough of it last year. Petey played well early in the season for us, after he got hurt it was hard to replace him especially with what was going on at left guard,’’ said Schwartz referring to the revolving door at left guard.

Peterman watched practice on Tuesday and expects to be back in action shortly.

ALLEN PARK -- One of the more interesting competitions at training camp so far is at right tackle between Jon Jansen and Gosder Cherilus.

Cherilus started 13 games at the position last year which was his second in the league. Jansen, who had always played left tackle with the Washington Redskins, filled in at right tackle occasionally last year.

At camp, they switch back and forth from drill to drill.

“We’re trying to find the best fit for us, trying to make guys concrete for their jobs and find the best guy at the end of training camp,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

And so the battle continues. It will be interesting to see how it plays out especially in the preseason opener on Saturday at Pittsburgh.

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ALLEN PARK -- Starting right guard Stephen Peterman had his knee tested on Monday instead of participating in training camp.

“From a concern standpoint, he’s been able to practice. Anytime a guy goes for a test, you’re always concerned what they’re going to find. This is the National Football League, it’s tough. I expect to see him back pretty soon,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

Peterman, missed the final seven games last year with an ankle injury that required surgery.

After the season was complete, Schwartz said that he had not realized how much they had missed Peterman until he watched game film with him on the line and without.

If it’s a minor injury this time, the Lions should be fine. If Peterman is forced to miss extended time, it will be an issue for the offensive line.

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ALLEN PARK -- Louis Delmas is back. The Lions safety, who had been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of camp a week ago, took part in individual drills Monday morning.

Delmas injured his groin late in June at the Lions minicamp. The best medicine was rest, ice and treatment. He had been out on the practice field each day watching practice.

Monday was a big step in his progression.

“I came out warmed up extra early just so if it was kind of sore I wouldn’t go out there and have any tweaks. It felt great,’’ Delmas said.

Coach Jim Schwartz said he will work him in gradually. Delmas said he hopes to participate in position drills on Tuesday.

It’s too early to determine if he will play in the preseason opener on Saturday at Pittsburgh.

Delmas is just glad to be on the field.

“I was very frustrated. You know me, I’m very energetic I love to be out here,’’ Delmas said.

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While the Lions’ secondary is still a work in progress, through OTAs, minicamp and the first week of training camp Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade have been lining up with the ones (the potential starters).

At training camp Houston often goes up against WR Calvin Johnson, a handful for any NFL cornerback.

Coach Jim Schwartz said when a corner goes up regularly against Johnson, he either sinks or swims and the coach thinks so far that Houston is swimming. Schwartz would like to see Houston make more interceptions, but so far so good.

This does not mean Houston and Wade will necessarily start when the Lions open the season at Chicago on Sept. 12, but their chances look good.

The Lions picked up Houston in March in a trade with Atlanta for late-round draft picks. He had started 37 games in three seasons for the Falcons.

Wade, who had started six of the 47 games he played with the Rams, was signed as a free agent.

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DETROIT -- Just one week into Lions training camp, it’s too early to determine the Lions’ identity and how many wins that could lead to this season.

There is a common thread though. The new Lions -- rookies and free agents -- are extremely impressed by quarterback Matthew Stafford.

When defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was asked if his red tinted contacts might intimidate Stafford, he laughed it off saying as far as he could tell Stafford is unflappable.

New Lions’ tight end Tony Scheffler said the offense has Stafford’s back and they want to win for him.

It’s not surprising really. Especially after seeing, once again, the play against the Browns last year when Stafford’s non-throwing shoulder was separated and he literally got off the turf and went back into the game and threw a touchdown that led to the win.

Hadn’t seen it in several months, but they replayed it several times on the big screen at the open practice at Ford Field on Saturday. It just reinforced what everyone learned that day. Stafford is one tough guy. .

His teammates last year knew it, now the new guys are discovering it.

If the team could develop the same tough identity as Stafford, there’s no question they would win many more games. That is yet to be seen.

Kicker Jason Hanson underwent his another minor knee surgery this week, similar to the one he had done last year at this time. The main difference is this year it was his left leg which he uses to plant. Last year it was his kicking leg..

The good news is that both times the doctors didn’t find any other problems with they went in arthroscopically.

“I’m telling myself it’s just strange circumstances. The feedback I got is there’s no degeneration. So I should be able to come back and play,’’ Hanson said.

He turned 40 in June and is entering his 19th NFL season, all with the Lions. He’s getting a little good-natured feedback from his teammates telling him if he wanted to skip camp, he should have it written in his contract.

He would rather be on the practice field than in the training room.

“It’s disappointing because I feel like I’m kicking well and am ready to go, now I’ve got to take a deep breath and regroup. But I should be able to come back and kick well and have a good season,’’ Hanson said.

He expects to be on the field when the Lions open the season on Sept. 12 at Chicago.

ALLEN PARK -- Seven days into Lions’ training camp injuries are beginning to add up.

In fact Friday morning’s session was cut a little short due to the rash of injuries. Coach Jim Schwartz said he was planning to down-tempo the end of practice, but he was not planning on no helmets and he cut the reps short.

None of the injuries appear serious, although cornerback Aaron Berry was carted off the field after he appeared to injure his hamstring.

“This is NFL training camp, guys are starting to feel their groin, feel their hamstring and quads and calves and soft muscle tissue stuff. They practice hard, they’ve been out here quite a bit, part of being professional and part of this business is the ability to be available and the ability to stay healthy,’’ Schwartz said.

Sitting out again today was rookie cornerback Amari Spievey (muscle pull). Cornerback Jonathan Wade started practice, but didn’t finish it.

“You need to get them back on the field. Unlike DeAndre Levy and (Louis) Delmas and some of those other guys, Kevin Smith, Brandon Pettigrew that we took really slow, those guys need to prove what they can do. We really don’t know them as well as we know the other guys,’’ Schwartz said.

In other words the secondary is still pretty much wide open so they need guys to get healthy and show what they can do.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was scheduled to have a session off but also had a little tightness so the timing was good. Defensive end Jared DeVries, who tweaked his leg injury on Wednesday, also was out.

Jason Hanson who underwent minor knee surgery on his non-kicking leg on Tuesday is confident he can be back for the start of the season.

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p> ALLEN PARK -- Despite rumors to the contrary, Lions safety Louis Delmas said he has suffered no setbacks in his recovery from a groin injury and he is not worried about missing any part of the season.

“Not at all, not at all. That’s what I’m doing now, I’m missing part of training camp so I can be 100 percent when the season rolls around,’’ Delmas said after practice today (Thursday).

ProFootballTalk.com reported that there is a split in the Lions’ organization on whether Delmas should have surgery and if so, he could be shut down for the season.

Delmas admitted surgery has been discussed. “But it’s not a possibility right now. The best thing for me right now is taking time off and doing a lot of ice and (stimulation),’’ Delmas said.

Delmas injured his groin in minicamp at the end of June and has been laying low ever since.

He heard the rumor when he stepped on the practice field this morning to watch.

“To me that’s just people who don’t have nothing to do. Obviously they want to feel important so they throw a couple words out there. Rumors are rumors. Once I’m healthy enough to go out there and participate the rumors will be shut down,’’ Delmas said.

Coach Jim Schwartz said he was not going to take the bait and respond to every rumor. But he confirmed that Delmas’ injury is still in the short-term category.

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ALLEN PARK -- Veteran safety Marquand Manuel was cut by the Lions today.

Manuel, who signed as a free agent in 2009, started six games last season at strong safety. In nine games total he had 36 tackles, two pass defenses and one forced fumble.

The Lions signed safety Randy Phillips, an undrafted free agent out of Miami, who had been at minicamp with the Lions. Phillips was coming off a shoulder injury and the Lions had been keeping an eye on his progress.

“He looked good to us. He’s got some catching up to do, but he also has a little experience. Tim Walton, our secondary coach, coached at the University of Miami with him so they speak the same language,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

The Lions also cut DT Leger Douzable to make room on the roster for Ndamukong Suh who is expected to practice for the first time this afternoon after agreeing to a deal on Tuesday night.

ALLEN PARK -- Ndamukong Suh was actively engaged in the contract negotiating process which was a good sign for Lions president Tom Lewand who announced the contract deal this morning.

“We worked hard for the last several weeks really, but in particular the last few days. As with all these deals it’s a matter of compromising and finding common ground,’’ Lewand said before the start of practice.

“I give a lot of credit to (agents) Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker, but obviously most importantly to Ndamukong himself because it takes a player’s involvement to really get a deal done.

“While we would have liked to do it earlier, I’m sure he would have liked to do it earlier, we’re just glad it’s done and over with, he’s got a lot of training camp ahead of him,’’ Lewand added.

Suh, the second overall draft pick, was on a flight from Omaha which is expected to land at lunchtime. He will be at practice for the first time in training camp at this afternoon’s session at 3:15 p.m. which is open to the public.

Lewand said that Suh was involved in the negotiating process more than a typical rookie.

“I’ve always thought when a player is involved in his business dealings that can only be helpful to the process,’’ Lewand said.

Obviously the Lions think highly of Suh whose contract is reportedly worth $68 million over five years with $40 million guaranteed. Lewand would not talk details. He would also not compare it to Matthew Stafford’s contract ($78 million over six years with $41.7 million guaranteed).

“That’s not really the point. There’s a reason we don’t talk about details of contracts, it’s really the player’s business,’’ Lewand said. “The focus for us is on the football field and not on the amount of dollars a guy makes. ... Obviously all of these guys are blessed to make a tremendous living doing this the focus needs to be on what they do for a living not how much they make.’’

Suh missed seven practices and Lewand would not engage in guessing how much he missed or when he’ll catch up.

“It really depends on what he does from here on out. As Jim (Schwartz) said the other day. There’s no replacing those practices that he missed,’’ Lewand said. “I know Ndamukong is going to show up and work hard on and off the field to do what he needs to do to contribute the way he wants to contribute to this franchise and the way we think he will.’’

Suh, who has a reputation for staying conditioned, attended OTAs and minicamps.

How long can Jason Hanson hang around the Lions? That’s the question now since it was announced that he’s having minor knee surgery after tweaking his knee on Monday. This is the second straight camp where the-40-year-old Hanson has required minor knee surgery.

A year ago it happened later in camp and still he did not miss a regular season game. While no timetable has been set, if all goes well this should not have an impact on the upcoming regular season.

Hanson is in his 19th season with the Lions and has always been steady. Any signs of falling off and the Lions will be looking for another kicker, but that has not happened yet. Many Lions at more physically demanding positions come back from major knee surgery just fine, although they are all younger.

So far, it seems Hanson is on track for another season with the Lions.

A

LLEN PARK -- The Lions have announced that James Hunter, one of the more popular Lions on and off the field, died of an apparent heart attack today (Monday). He was 56.

Hunter was the Lions’ first-round pick and 10th overall selection in 1976 after an outstanding collegiate career at Grambling State playing for coach Eddie Robinson. He played in 86 Lions games before a neck injury in 1982 ended his career.

“He was a great athlete and a great guy,’’ said Lem Barney in a statement issued by the Lions. Barney helped mentor Hunter when he came to the Lions. “I thought I had a lot of energy until I met James. He was always upbeat; always had an encouraging word. He will be sorely missed.”

Since 1985 Hunter served in several executive capacities with Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

ALLEN PARK -- Another training camp session today, another missed opportunity for Ndamukong Suh, the Lions top draft pick, who has not reached a deal yet. This is the third day of camp the defensive tackle has missed.

Suh was the second overall pick in the draft. After top pick Sam Bradford signed with St. Louis for $78 million over six years with $50 million guaranteed on Friday, it was thought that Suh would be right behind.

“We have six practices in shoulder pads, we have six full padded practices in training camp. We’ve already finished two of those shoulder pad practices and those are opportunities that once they’re gone, they’re gone forever,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said.

Schwartz said before camp started that as long as the holdout was short, Suh would easily be able to catch up, but any long-term absence would hurt the rookie lineman. Schwartz can't define long-term but he'll know it when/if it happens.

ALLEN PARK -- If Ndamukong Suh misses extended time, he will have a hard time playing catch-up. That’s certainly a possibillity if the ESPN report that Suh, the second overall pick, wants more money than St. Louis QB Sam Bradford who was the top pick.

ESPN is reporting that Suh wants $90 million over six years with $56 million guaranteed.

Bradford got a six-year deal worth $78 million with $50 million guaranteed.

Suh has missed two Lions practices so far. There's another scheduled for this afternoon with another double-session on Monday.

ALLEN PARK -- Tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who missed the first day of practice, was back at it today (Sunday). Pettigrew is one of three Lions coming off ACL surgery and the plan is to let those three get adjusted slowly. During two-a-days they will only participate in one of the sessions. And coach Jim Schwartz said they will also get one day off each week.

Pettigrew participated during OTAs and minicamp so it was somewhat of a surprise when he wasn't on the field on Saturday.

Running back Kevin Smith is another ACL survivor and he has practiced both days so far and looked solid.

Cornerback Jack Williams, the third of the ACL rehabbers, hasn’t practiced the first two days.

Safety Louis Delmas, who missed Saturday’s practice to attend a funeral, was back today, but he will remain on the physically unable to perform list until he gets back in condition following a groin injury during minicamp six weeks ago.

Defensive end Jared DeVries and Will Heller each have small lingering injuries and Schwartz said he expects them to practice soon.