Detroit Lions Weblog

Bryant’s Season Finished, etc.

It was announced on Monday that CB Fernando Bryant’s season was finished. The Lions signed WR Scottie Vines to fill the roster vacancy left by Bryant. Vines has bounced on and off the Lions roster so often in recent years it’s surprising that he has never caught on. It also has been announced that Andre Goodman will start in place of Bryant and that R. W. McQuarters will remain the Nickel Back.

The Lions hired former NFL receiver Shawn Jefferson to serve as their Intern Receiving Coach. It would seem that Jefferson, who briefly played with the Lions, would serve as an excellent mentor to the young Lions receivers. His presence can’t come a moment too soon. Charles Rogers is upset about his lack of involvement in the Lions offense and “Big” Mike Williams is starting to establish himself to the point that he will begin to take some plays away from Rogers. The Lions “Big 3″ had better improve in a hurry, in two games they have 12 receptions between them (Roy Williams 7, Charles Rogers 4, Mike Williams 1).

Teddy Lehman is listed as probable for Sunday and will pressing James “Dirty” Davis for playing time immediately. Unfortunately for the Lions, Corey Schlesinger still is not available to play. The Lions could really use his lead blocking against the stout Bucs rushing defense (The Bucs have allowed 58 total rushing yards in 3 games and the Kevin Jones is averaging a miserable 3.3 yards/carry).

It also looks like Jason Hanson will be able to resume his kicking responsibilities this weekend, which after Remy Hamilton’s blocked PAT against the Bears, which should alleviate a small portion of the Lion’s overall concerns about the Bucs game.