Defensive end Cliff Avril and the Lions broke off talks this afternoon for a new long-term contract.

Lions president Tom Lewand issued this statement:

“After extensive discussions with Cliff and his representative, we were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract by today’s 4 p.m. deadline. While we are disappointed that we could not execute a long-term deal, we do look forward to having Cliff with us this season under the terms of the Franchise tender.”

ALLEN PARK — One big absence at the start of the off-season program for the Lions is Cliff Avril.

Veteran defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said the defensive line group feels incomplete without him at the workouts.

Avril has been offered a one-year $10.6 million contract as a franchise player, but has yet to sign it. He wants a long-term deal and is working toward that before the July 15 deadline.

Vanden Bosch expects Avril to be in shape when he joins the team but feels he is missing out by not working out with his teammates.

“I worked out with Cliff almost every day last off-season. I know from a physical standpoint he will be ready whenever he gets here. I feel our group is a pretty tight group, the things we did two years ago (in the off-season), working everyday and pushing each other we had a special group,’’ Vanden Bosch said on Tuesday.

“I felt like we were missing some of that last year, being away from each other. We had a couple of player workouts during the lockout, but not being around each other every day, holding everybody accountable. I think it takes something away from your group.

“Cliff will miss out on that. It feels like we’re not complete when he’s not here. We know Cliff, we know he’ll be ready to go when he gets back,’’ Vanden Bosch added.

Avril had threatened to hold out if a new deal was not done.

“It’s the unfortunate part of the business sometimes, it is a business and I think, to a degree, the team understands,’’ Vanden Bosch said. “I think he understands where they’re at and both sides are hopeful that progress can be made.’’

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.)

When the possibility of a franchise tag was first discussed, Cliff Avril wasn’t too happy. Reportedly he even said he would hold out if that happened.

Well today (Monday) he was given a non-exclusive franchise tag. That means he can talk to other teams, but the Lions have a right to match any offer or be compensated with two first-round draft picks.

In all likelihood he’s staying. He’s a key piece to the puzzle and the Lions need him on the defensive line where he had his best season so far last year with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Avril apparently has softened a bit on his stance on the franchise tag.

“Honestly and truthfully — at the end of the day — I’m very, very fortunate to be franchised by an NFL team,’’ Avril said on the Lions web site. “I’m very blessed. That being said, being a business, you always want to do what's best for you and your family.

“Being franchised — I’m blessed and I’m definitely happy about being considered a player to give that tag to. I just hope we can continue to negotiate and try to get something done,’’ he added.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.)

A win is always a team effort, but three Lions have been singled out for their play in the 45-10 win on Sunday over the Denver Broncos.

Defensive end Cliff Avril, who scored his first career touchdown, was named NFC defensive player of the week.

He finished the game with two sack-fumbles, also recovering one and returning it 24 yards for the touchdown.

“It’s cool to get a little recognition out of all the hard work you put in day-in and day-out. I definitely appreciate this — for them to want to give me, out of all the players that are in our conference, this award,’’ Avril told the Lions web site.

Also, Matthew Stafford was nominated as the NFL Air Player of the week for his efforts. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterbacks also nominated were Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. To vote go to NFL.com/FedEx.

Wide receiver Titus Young was nominated for NFL rookie of the week. He had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown at Denver. To vote for him go to NFL.com/rookies.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.)

Calvin Johnson (ankle), Louis Delmas (hip) and Cliff Avril (knee) are listed as probable for Sunday’s game at the Minnesota Vikings. All three practiced on a limited basis on Friday.

DeAndre Levy (knee), Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder), Maurice Stovall (hand) and Rashied Davis (hamstring) are listed as questionable. They also saw limited practice.

Rookie Nick Fairley practiced for first time on Friday since breaking his foot in practice early in camp. But don’t get too excited, he’s got a long way to go and is listed as out for Sunday, along with Jason Fox (foot).

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700.)

ALLEN PARK — Running back Jahvid Best had a little trouble getting into the Lions facility Tuesday morning. He pulled his black Cadillac CTS up to the gate to enter the player parking lot, but had forgotten the code.

No problem. He just used the front door.

Best was one of several Lions to get to the Lions practice facility when players were allowed back after 10 a.m. Matthew Stafford was a few minutes early and the first to arrive. He was followed by Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jeff Backus and Ashlee Palmer.

Best said he wasn’t sure what to expect on Tuesday.

“I have no idea, that’s why I’m here right now, get a schedule and get mentally prepared and see what happens,’’ Best said.

Most of last season — his rookie year — he was hobbled by turf toe. Rest was the best medicine

“I’m 100 percent and ready to go,’’ said Best whose toes looked fine in his flip-flops.

“I feel the same, doing everything I’ve been doing, I’m ready for everything,’’ he added.

Best didn’t wait until the deal was done to get into town. The players voted to approve the collective bargaining agreement on Monday afternoon.

“I was here Monday, I just had a feeling,’’ Best said.

Stafford and Vanden Bosch will speak at a press conference which is set to start at 11:45 a.m. Come back here for full details.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

Here are some of the initial tweets from Detroit Lions players once the lockout was ended this afternoon:

— QB Matthew Stafford: @Staff_9: Just landed in the D bout to go to work... Feels good to be back. Time to grind!

— DE Cliff Avril: @Cliffavril It's official.... Let's gooooo

— DT Nick Fairley: @Nick_Fairley251 FOOTBALL!

— S Erik Coleman: Erikcoleman26 S/O to De Smith, NFLPA staff, exec. Committee and all the players for staying united! Thank U fans 4 patience! Let's Go to work! Go Lions!

— OL Jason Fox: @JasonFox70 Lockouts over! Detroit here we come

— Rookie LB Doug Hogue: @Doug_hogue FootBall!! No other sport like it #LoveIT

Three reasons the Lions' defensive line will be one of the NFL’s best:

1. Rotation in the middle with the addition of rookie Nick Fairley will keep the defensive tackles fresh from start to finish. Is there another NFL team that has such depth at tackle — Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams, Fairley and Sammie Hill who quietly had a solid season last year.

2. Kyle Vanden Bosch. He’s a monster and he makes the team better even if he’s on the sidelines. But when he’s on the field, he’s big trouble for the opponent.

3. Cliff Avril had his breakout season last year, his third in the NFL and with the Lions. It’s no coincidence that he had Vanden Bosch there to set an example.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Will offer daily lists of threes through July 22. Tell your friends. Let me know if you agree or not.)

When the Lions do open free agency, whenever that may be, it’d be safe to assume they won’t go after any defensive linemen.

Already they have Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril, Corey Williams and first-round pick Nick Fairley. Add to that Sammie Hill, Turk McBride, Lawrence Jackson, Andre Fluellen and Willie Young.

Former Patriots’ linebacker Willie McGinest, who worked out with the Lions last week, has rated the Lions’ defensive line in the top seven in the NFL.

“I think Detroit is one of (the best). They had a lot of sacks, I think they can improve in the run defense area,’’ McGinest said.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche)

Like most NFL players, the Lions are a bit frustrated. They would rather be preparing for the season with Lions’ coaches calling the shots. But that can’t happen until the NFL lockout is lifted. The next hearing is set for Friday but that doesn’t mean a decision will be made then.

Most of the Lions said they don’t follow the situation that closely.

Cliff Avril said he’ll know there’s a solution when his agent calls him and tells him to get to work.

Matthew Stafford has similar feelings.

“Somebody’s going to tell me when I’m supposed to be, where I’m supposed to be,’’ Stafford said. “I don’t waste time thinking about it.’’

The Lions have scheduled a follow-up to their informal workouts the week of May 16. Starting Monday, June 6, they will be back at Country Day, working out for four days that week.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche)

Defensive end Cliff Avril on his offseason during the lockout so far: “This is what I do, I work out twice a day. If I’m not working out or on Twitter, I’m taking a nap.’’

Avril is one of the Lions who could be called some type of Twitter-holic. He has plenty to say and tweets quite often.

But he’s not the ony one. Twitter is all the rage with the Lions.

Matthew Stafford started his account a few months ago. He kept everyone updated on the progress of his shoulder rehab. Now he’s cheering on his hometown Dallas Mavs. Thursday he tweeted a pic that words would do no justice.

Ndamukong Suh is a regular in the Twitter-verse. On Tuesday he tweeted that he was in London, England.

Rookie Titus Young has received much love from the Detroit fans through his Twitter account.

Coach Jim Schwartz started a contest on Twitter on Thursday to name the newly revamped D-line. Tweet him a suggestion and be in the running to win an autographed football.

If you’re a Lions’ fan and you’re not on Twitter, what are you waiting for? It’s free and it’s another avenue to stay in touch with the Lions.

To get you started (twitter.com) here are some of the Lions’ Twitter addresses: @Staff_9, @J4hvidbest, @cliffavril, @LoJackson94, @Bigplaycj, @JasonFox70, @MLeshoure5, @Nick_Fairley251, @TitusYoung, @Lt_Campbell53, @LouisD_26, @jfelton45, @zakarianfollett, @B_Johnson80, @ndamukong_suh, @DWheelz12 and @jschwartzlions.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche)

So Cliff Avril tweeted on Monday that “the draft and combine might be the two most over rated things I’ve been apart of ...’’

Later he noted he’d been getting some good comments on that.

The Lions’ defensive end was drafted in the third round (92nd overall) by the Lions in the 2008 draft out of Purdue.

According to draft reports prior to that draft Avril moved up the draft boards after a good showing at the Combine. So it’s not like he had a bad experience.

It’s hard to disagree with him on the Combine. It's part of the process, but a lot of weight is put on the results. But the draft? Maybe Avril was pulling our legs. The draft is what matters in the NFL. Don’t draft well, don’t win. It’s pretty simple.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

The Lions proved that defensive end Cliff Avril will play a role in their future plans by tendering him at the first- and third-round levels. Avril confirmed the action through his Twitter account.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has said he planned to tender a number of potential free agents.

Avril, 24, is a restricted free agent. After the NFLPA collective bargaining agreement is resolved, he could sign an offer sheet with any team. If the Lions didn’t match the offer, they would receive that team's first- and third-round draft picks.

Avril tweeted, “Looks like I'll be in the D one more year atlease.... Yall kno I love the D.’’ (@CliffAvril)

Avril, who played at Purdue, played and started in 13 games last season, finishing with 8.5 sacks and 33 tackles. He has 19 sacks in his three NFL seasons.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

If the defensive line was not the strength of the Lions, there would be something wrong. After all they added Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams and Ndamukong Suh in the offseason.

No one has disappointed. In fact, Suh has delivered more than some expected for a rookie.

With Vanden Bosch out for the season and Cliff Avril banged up with rib injuries, others have stepped up big time.

While the big names are key, it’s the depth of the defensive line that makes it special.

Turk McBride has started for Vanden Bosch and Avril at times. His five sacks to date are a career high. In fact in his first three seasons in the NFL, he had 5.5 combined.

Lawrence Jackson, a former first-round pick, has stepped up after being acquired during training camp. A hamstring injury kept him from jumping in at full speed, but he’s been impressive with 4.5 sacks in eight games.

“He can make plays. We have a lot of guys who can make plays. That continues on,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “If (rookie) Willie Young got the opportunity, we would expect him to make plays also.’’

Let’s not leave out Sammie Hill, a starter last year, who is much improved this season, and Andre Fluellen.

"I think No. 1, there’s good players there. They fit the scheme; they’re coached well. I think all those things go into it and we do have some depth at that position. Fluellen was a guy that was heavily involved in our defensive tackle rotation last year. His play time got significantly cut this year when we traded for Corey Williams and drafted Ndamukong Suh. Sammie Hill, same thing; he started for us last year,’’ Schwartz said. “Those guys are much improved over last year, but their playing time had been affected. So when they got their opportunities, they’ve gone in and played well.’’

Suh, Williams and Vanden Bosch are the faces of the defensive line. But it’s the depth that makes it special.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ALLEN PARK -- Ndamukong Suh wasn’t the only Lions’ defensive lineman hit with a $15,000 fine after the Bears game on Sunday.

Defensive end Cliff Avril was fined $15,000 for roughing the passer -- Chicago’s Jay Cutler. Avril was called for the penalty in the second quarter.

“I didn’t even hit him in the face, that’s the crazy part. I’m going to appeal mine also,’’ Avril said.

Just like Suh, Avril said he can’t let it affect the way he plays.

“It definitely hurts my pocket, I just go out there and try to play hard. You never want to get any fines or any penalties, but sometimes in the process of being physical you get them,’’ Avril said.

It’s Avril’s first fine this season.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

DETROIT -- Cliff Avril who had been questionable for today’s game will play against the Patriots today. Avril missed the last two games with a quadriceps injury.

The Lions will be playing with just three defensive ends with Lawrence Jackson (concussion) out and rookie Willie Young inactive.

Tight end Tony Scheffler (rib) was doubtful and will not see action today.

Zac Robinson is designated as the third quarterback.

Other inactives are QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder), K Jason Hanson (knee), T Jason Fox and G Daniel Thomas.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ALLEN PARK -- It’s difficult to judge the important absences at Lions practice today (Tuesday) because it’s a different week with the quick turn-around from Sunday to Thanksgiving.

Running back Jahvid Best, who usually doesn’t practice until Friday during a normal week, was on the field.

Defensive ends Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams (shoulder) did not participate in practice. While it appeared Cliff Avril was on the field in a limited basis. Avril has missed the last two games due to his quadriceps injury. Linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba, who has missed the last three games with a knee injury, practiced.

Tight end Tony Scheffler, who injured his ribs on Sunday, sat out. As did quarterback Matthew Stafford who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury.

Also, kicker Jason Hanson did not kick.

The Lions play the Patriots at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at Ford Field.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ALLEN PARK -- Kicker Jason Hanson, who is rehabbing an injured right knee, hopes to return to action for the sold-out Thanksgiving Day game against the Patriots.

Same for defensive end Cliff Avril who hasn’t been able to practice because of a quadriceps bruise.

Neither is sure that they will be ready, but it’s the goal for both.

Both said today (Thursday) they do not expect to be ready to play on Sunday at Dallas.

Neither played in the loss at Buffalo on Sunday.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Rookie Amari Spievey will get his second straight start at strong safety today against the Buffalo Bills. Last week when he was in for the injured C.C. Brown (knee), Spievey had five tackles. Brown is back today.

Also Turk McBride will start at defensive end in place of Cliff Avril (quadriceps).

Zac Robinson will serve as the third quarterback behind starter Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton. Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) is in attendance.

Dave Rayner will start for Jason Hanson (right knee). Hanson made the trip for moral support.

Other inactives are LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee), RB Aaron Brown, WR Derrick Williams and T Jason Fox.

With Avril out Lawrence Jackson is active for just the second time in the last five games.

A light rain has been falling on and off at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

ALLEN PARK -- Starting defensive linemen Cliff Avril (quadriceps) and Corey Williams (groin) were back at practice today (Thursday) after sitting out Wednesday’s session.

Also returning after a day off were running back Kevin Smith (knee) and right guard Stephen Peterman.

Kicker Jason Hanson was on the field, wearing a helmet and going through kicking motions. He is expected to miss Sunday’s game which is why they signed Dave Rayner.

Still missing from practice were quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker/special teams Isaiah Ekejiuba.

The Lions (2-6) play at the Buffalo Bills (0-8) at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)