Three restricted free agents — LB DeAndre Levy, OL Corey Hilliard and DT Sammie Hill — were tendered offers today (Monday) by the Lions, according to the team web site.

Levy, a third-round pick in 2009, was given a second-round tender that will pay him $1.927 million in 2012. Any team that wises to sign him must give up a second-round pick in this year’s draft.

Hill and Hilliard received original-round tenders — sixth for Hilliard and fourth for Hill. Each is worth $1.26 million.

If a team makes an offer the Lions have a week to counter or receive the draft pick.

The cap hit for all three is about $4.45 million.

The Lions got a $1.6 million cap bonus today, along with 27 other NFL teams per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Redskins and Cowboys were punished for dumping salaries into the uncapped 2010 year. The Redskins will lose $36 million in cap space that can be split between 2012 and 2013, while the Cowboys will lose $10 million. The Saints and Raiders didn’t lose cap space money but won’t share in the rewards because they engaged in similar tactics.

The Lions restructured three contracts today — Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh and Nate Burleson — to help in the salary cap crunch.

Free agency opens at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

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Most of the Lions, at least the ones at the team workouts, just want a new contract negotiated and to play football.

Frustration is growing a bit — NFL training camp is set to start in 50 days — but they keep working hard.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has said more than once he is not losing sleep over it. On Wednesday he said no one really knows what is going on in the negotiations unless they are in the room. Of course, he’s right.

But Lions’ linebacker DeAndre Levy is more outspoken in his thoughts sent via Twitter.

Levy sent this tweet within the past day: “Wish there was something more we as players could do. When this gets resolved, we gotta go right back to smiling and making money for them.”

It was followed by: “Like they never tried to pull this on us all.”

And a third tweet: “Anyways excited for the season”

His Twitter account — @DreLevy — is not certified, but it is believed to be the Lions’ linebacker who has not attended any of the Lions team workouts this week or three weeks ago.

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ALLEN PARK -- Participation in Lions practice today (Thursday) was improved with five players who sat out Wednesday back in action.

That included starters WR Calvin Johnson (knee), MLB DeAndre Levy (ankle), TE Tony Scheffler (shoulder) and DT Corey Williams (shoulder/groin), along with LB Bobby Carpenter (toe).

RB Jahvid Best (toe) was still out, but it’s not uncommon for him to miss practice during the week and play on Sunday.

DE Cliff Avril (quadriceps) remained out. Avril did not play on Sunday at Buffalo.

Also out were: QB Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) and RB Kevin Smith (who will have surgery on his thumb today).

Kicker Jason Hanson, who has an injured right knee, was going through the kicking motion, but did not actually kick the ball. It will be determined later in the week if he’ll be ready to play on Sunday at the Dallas Cowboys.

Dave Rayner kicked for the Lions last Sunday and will go this Sunday if Hanson is not able.

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ALLEN PARK -- Seven starters were among the 10 Lions sitting out practice today (Wednesday) in preparation for Sunday's game at Dallas.

Curiously, QB Matthew Stafford, who is usually on the field during practice, was nowhere in sight.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was on the field but not participating, as was tight end Tony Scheffler.

Others not practicing included running backs Jahvid Best (toe) and Kevin Smith (knee). It could be both were given the day to rest. Best was on the field, Smith was not.

Linebackers DeAndre Levy (ankle) and Bobby Carpenter also were out.

Also missing were two starting defensive linemen -- DE Cliff Avril (who missed Sunday’s game with a quadriceps injury) and DT Corey Williams who had a groin injury last week, but played on Sunday.

Also, RB Ian Johnson had his first practice. He was signed to practice squad on Tuesday to replace WR Mike Moore who was placed on practice squad injured reserve.

You may remember Johnson from the Fiesta Bowl in 2007. He was the Boise State player who proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend in the frenzy on the field following the game. He was released from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on Sept. 27.

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DETROIT -- It’s a full-go for a healthy Lions’ squad today against the Redskins at Ford Field. No surprises on the active list.

As expected Matthew Stafford and Jahvid Best will start.

DeAndre Levy will play his second game this season, starting at middle linebacker against the Redskins. He was expected to play, but had been listed on Friday’s injury report as questionable. He’s been out since he sprained his ankle at Minnesota on Sept. 26.

Everyone else on the injury report will play except for quarterback Shaun Hill who has a broken forearm. Derrick Williams will serve as the third quarterback.

WR Bryant Johnson (foot) and DE Turk McBride (ankle) were listed as questionable, but are active.

Inactives for Detroit are; RB Aaron Brown, CB Brandon McDonald, T Jason Fox, DE Willie Young and DE Lawrence Jackson.

Also, there were no surprises on the Redskins’ active list. RB Clinton Portis (groin) was listed as out on Friday.

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ALLEN PARK -- The Lions’ full team practice today (Friday) was just that. Again, all were participating except quarterback Shaun Hill (broken forearm).

With Matthew Stafford back on offense and DeAndre Levy back at middle linebacker, this team should look much more like it was expected to look all season.

The Lions are a favorite over the Redskins for a reason. It won’t be easy, but the Lions should win on Sunday. No excuses acceptable.

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ALLEN PARK -- Just a week ago, 19 Lions were held out of practice. Today (Thursday) that number was down to one.

Quarterback Shaun Hill (broken forearm) was the only Lion not participating in the early drills that are open to the media.

Running back Jahvid Best (turf toe) and MLB DeAndre Levy (ankle) were back at it which is a good sign that they will play on Sunday vs. Redskins at Ford Field.

Also, the Lions confirmed that they claimed CB Brandon McDonald off waivers. He practiced wearing No. 33. He will add depth to the cornerback position.

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ALLEN PARK -- It was mostly a healthy bunch of Lions participating in practice today (Tuesday).

Key participants were quarterback Matthew Stafford and middle linebacker DeAndre Levy. Stafford (shoulder) hasn’t played since the first half of the opener at Chicago and Levy (ankle, groin) has been in just one game (at the Vikings) all season.

Running back Jahvid Best (toe) was not going through early drills, but instead was running along the sidelines with a trainer.

Also missing were tight end Will Heller and defensive tackle Andre Fluellen. Neither practiced last Wednesday and Thursday.

As expected QB Shaun Hill was watching, but not participating. His broken arm is no longer in a sling like it was last week.

Linebacker Zack Follett, who was injured in the Giants game, tweeted last Thursday that he will see a spine specialist this Thursday.

Coming off a bye week, the Lions play the Redskins at Ford Field on Sunday. (Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

In the NFL, health can mean everything. The Lions have been hit hard by injuries since the first half of the opener when they lost starting QB Matthew Stafford.

While other NFL teams are starting to lose players to injury, the Lions are starting to get guys back. It’s a good sign.

Even though the Washington Redskins managed to win Sunday’s game at Chicago, the Lions should have a good chance to meet them on Sunday when they play at Ford Field.

The Lions had a bye on Sunday and will be coming back a rested and healthier squad.

First, barring any setbacks, Stafford should be the starting quarterback. He hasn’t played since the first half of the opener at Chicago. He said on Thursday that he’s pain-free and because of the nature of the injury -- it was an A.C. separation -- all the zing will remain in his throwing.

Calvin Johnson didn’t miss the last game with a shoulder injury, but rest should bring him closer to 100 percent too.

Jahvid Best, who has played with turf toe, and has not been able to participate in many practices should be closer to healthy too.

The defense will be missing one starter for sure. Zack Follett tweeted last week that he will see a spine specialist this Thursday.

Coach Jim Schwartz said the plan is for middle linebacker DeAndre Levy to start. He’s only played one game and has been out the last three games with an ankle injury. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday which was not a good sign. If he’s back, you’ll see a difference in the defense.

The Lions have Monday off. They started preparing for the Redskins last week and will go full-out when they get back to work on Tuesday.

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When the Lions get back to practice on Tuesday to prepare for the Washington Redskins they will face three questions regarding the linebackers.

1. Will DeAndre Levy be ready to go? The middle linebacker’s bad luck has been costly to the Lions defense. He had a stiff back in training camp then pulled a groin in the preseason. He played in one game -- at Minnesota -- and sprained an ankle. That has kept him out ever since. Coach Jim Schwartz said the hope is to have him back against the Redskins, but Levy did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday. All he did was stretch with the team and then ran a few drills on the sideline on Thursday

The Lions have built their defensive back seven around Levy and safety Louis Delmas who is playing despite a groin injury. Neither has been close to 100 percent all season.

If they are to find success in the final 10 games of the season they need Levy in there. In the first six games they played five different linebackers in the middle -- Levy, Landon Johnson, Ashlee Palmer, Spencer Havner (who has been waived/injured) and Vinny Ciurciu who was brought back the week prior to the Giants game. This doesn’t even count Jordon Dizon, who should have been the backup in the middle, who was lost for the season during training camp.

2. Will Zack Follett, who has started five games on the outside, return this season? No one knows the answer to this. Follett missed one start because of a concussion, but this injury that resulted from a helmet-to-helmet hit in the Giants game is neck related. Follett tweeted on Thursday that he’s getting more movement in his neck and that he will see a spinal specialist next Thursday. He’s tough, he’s the pain train. But whether he can come back has nothing to do with toughness.

3. How much can Bobby Carpenter help and how soon will he be ready to step in? Carpenter was signed this week and was at his first Lions’ practice on Thursday. He’s played mostly in a 3-4 alignment, but was in training camp last summer with the Rams who play a 4-3. He’s played inside and outside. Last season, which Schwartz calls his best in the NFL, he played nickel linebacker for the Cowboys. If he’s a fast learner and has something to offer he could help the linebacking depth.

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ALLEN PARK -- Quarterback Matthew Stafford was one of the few starters who participated in Lions practice today (Wednesday). Stafford has not played since the first half of the opener at Chicago when he injured his throwing shoulder.

The Lions have a bye on Sunday, so it’s likely some of the 18 Lions who did not practice are being given rest.

Coach Jim Schwartz indicated on Monday he was hoping to have middle linebacker DeAndre Levy back for next game -- against the Redskins on Oct. 31. But Levy (ankle, groin) stretched with his teammates but did nothing else.

Linebacker Zack Follett was absent which was expected after his collision on Sunday. Quarterback Shaun Hill was watching with his left arm in a sling following surgery on his broken arm on Monday.

Others not practicing were: WR Calvin Johnson (shoulder), S Louis Delmas (groin), RB Jahvid Best (toe), RB Kevin Smith (knee), WR Nate Burleson (ankle), CB Alphonso Smith, WR Bryant Johnson, DT Andre Fluellen, RG Stephen Peterman, TE Will Heller, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, DT Corey Williams, TE Brandon Pettigrew, LT Jeff Backus and CB Nathan Vasher (nose/biceps).

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ALLEN PARK --Calvin Johnson was at practice today (Wednesday), but no balls were thrown his way. The Lions wide receiver fell awkwardly on his right shoulder early in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 44-6 win over St. Louis. He did not finish the game.

Johnson participated in drills and ran routes, but didn’t have a chance to catch in the early part of practice that the media could witness.

Three middle linebackers did not practice -- DeAndre Levy (ankle, groin), Landon Johnson and Spencer Havner. Johnson left Sunday’s game with an illness. It is unknown what is wrong with Havner. If all three are out on Sunday it’s likely Isaiah Ekejiuba would start at middle linebacker.

Those not practicing also included RB Jahvid Best (toe) who could just be resting to stay healthy for Sunday.

QB Matthew Stafford was not practicing. It seems highly unlikely that he will play on Sunday at the Giants. Coach Jim Schwartz could make an announcement on the starting quarterback at the end of practice.

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ALLEN PARK -- No surprises at practice today (Thursday).

TE Tony Scheffler (concussion) and LB DeAndre Levy (ankle, groin) were not practicing.

Coach Jim Schwartz said on Wednesday that Levy's ankle is keeping him out not his groin. He has played in just one game this season.

It is unclear when Scheffler got his concussion. He finished Sunday's game.

Neither was QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) who has been ruled out for Sunday against the Rams.

Returning to practice for a second straight day were WR Nate Burleson (ankle), DT Sammie Hill (knee, ankle), safety C.C. Brown (quadriceps) and S Louis Delmas (groin).

In a roster move, WR Tim Toone was placed on practice squad injured reserve, and WR Alric Arnett (West Virginia) was signed to the practice squad.

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ALLEN PARK -- While injuries have been costly so far this season, at practice today (Wednesday) many of those who have missed time were back on the practice field.

That did not include QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) who was on practice field but not participating.

Among those practicing were WR Nate Burleson (ankle), RB Aaron Brown (hand) and DT Sammie Hill (leg) who did not play on Sunday at Green Bay.

Also S Louis Delmas (groin) practiced which is unusual. He has been taking Wednesdays off and practicing Thursday and Friday to prepare for games.

RB Jahvid Best, who has been hampered with a toe injury yet still has played every game, was also at practice.

Those sitting out were linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin), safety C.C. Brown and tight end Tony Scheffler.

Also the Lions picked up T Jamon Meredith who had been released by Buffalo. On Tuesday they released G Manny Ramirez.

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GREEN BAY, Wisc. -- Middle linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) is out for today’s game against the Packers. Landon Johnson will start in his place.

Running back Kevin Smith, who is recovering from ACL surgery, will see his first action this season.

No surprises on the list of inactives.

Also inactive are DT Sammie Hill (leg), QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder), WR Nate Burleson (ankle), RB Aaron Brown (hand), G Manny Ramirez, Jason Fox and Willie Young.

No third quarterback is listed which means Derrick Williams would likely backup Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton if needed.

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ALLEN PARK -- Middle linebacker DeAndre Levy, who missed the first two regular season games with a groin injury, could play Sunday at Minnesota.

Injuries have prevented the Lions from playing all 11 of their defensive starters at the same time, but defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said that tide seems to be turning.

“(Louis) Delmas is practicing more than he ever has, Levy stepped up and practiced for two straight days,’’ Cunningham said today (Thursday). “I’m going to take him home with me, he’s not going anywhere. Hopefully we have our middle linebacker back.’’

Landon Johnson filled in for Levy the first two games, but this week Johnson will likely play on the outside in place of Zack Follett who is out with a concussion.

Delmas has been dealing with a groin injury since the end of June. But he said when he’s on the field he is 100 percent. This week’s injury report lists Delmas as having groin, bicep and calf injuries.

Also, right guard Stephen Peterman who has not practiced this week, hopes to practice on Friday and play on Sunday.

What kind of injury is it? “Whatever Jim (Schwartz) says it is,’’ Peterman said with a smile. He’s listed on the injury report with a foot injury.

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DETROIT -- Linebacker DeAndre Levy, who practiced on a limited basis all week, is inactive for today’s game against the Eagles. He is coming off a groin injury and had not practiced since Aug. 28.

Veteran Landon Johnson will start at middle linebacker for the second straight week.

With Matthew Stafford out and Shaun Hill starting, Drew Stanton will be the second quarterback.

WR Derrick Williams is listed as the third quarterback. If he enters the game in the first three quarters, then Shaun Hill or Drew Stanton would not be allowed back in the game. If he enters in the fourth quarter or overtime, Hill or Stanton would be allowed back in. Williams cannot play wide receiver.

As expected DE Cliff Avril who injured his left knee and broke the pinkie finger on his right hand in the loss at Chicago is also inactive. Turk McBride will get the start in his place. DE Lawrence Jackson is active after being inactive last week.

Other inactives are RB Kevin Smith, G Manny Ramirez, T Jason Fox and DE Willie Young.

Inactives for Philadelphia include LB Stewart Bradley who suffered a concussion last week. Kevin Kolb, the usual starter, is listed as the third quarterback. He also had a concussion last Sunday.

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ALLEN PARK -- Starting linebacker DeAndre Levy was back at practice today (Thursday) for the first time since he injured his groin in a preseason game on Aug. 28.

He participated in the individual drills that the media were allowed to watch. It is unknown if he went through the full practice or if he will be available to play on Sunday.

Defensive end Cliff Avril, who injured his left knee and broke the pinky finger on his right hand on Sunday, did not practice for the second straight day. He was on the field watching his linemates.

Also, quarterback Matthew Stafford, who injured his right shoulder on Sunday, did not practice but was on the field. Shaun Hill will start on Sunday against the Eagles.

Safety Louis Delmas (groin) was back at practice. He missed Wednesday as part of the plan to keep his groin healthy enough so he can play on Sundays.

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CHICAGO -- No surprises on today’s inactive list for the opener against the Bears.

RB Kevin Smith, who is coming back off ACL surgery, will sit out.

LB DeAndre Levy (groin) who has not practiced for a few weeks is also out. As expected, Landon Johnson will start in Levy’s spot in the middle.

Others who won’t play are Derrick Williams, Manny Ramirez, Jason Fox, Willie Young and Lawrence Jackson.

LB Julian Peterson will play but will wear a different number -- 98.

By the way, it’s a GREAT day for football in the Windy City. It’s sunny and temp is expected to be in low 70s.

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ALLEN PARK -- According to plan, safety Louis Delmas participated in practice today (Thursday). He was on the field for the individual drills which the media is allowed to watch. It was unsure if he went the whole practice, although he was expected to do so. Delmas, who is coming back from a groin injury, has said he definitely plans on playing in the opener at Chicago on Sunday.

Middle linebacker DeAndre Levy, who also has a groin injury, did not practice. No one has ruled him out for Sunday, but it looks unlikely at this point. Landon Johnson would start in his place.

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