Detroit Lions Weblog

Kevin Jones 50-50 to Play Sept. 9, CB Bryant Re-Structures, Woody Next?

As players report to Lions training camp tonight, transactions and news will emerge very quickly in regards to contract negotiations, etc.  Tom Kowalski of MLIVE.com has reported that CB Fernando Bryant has already agreed to restructure his deal, although the terms weren’t currently available.   In Kowalski’s blog, he also speculates about what the future of G Damien Woody might be if he is unwilling to follow Bryant’s lead and also restructure his deal.

Woody missed nearly all of last season, and was unproductive and overweight when he was available to play.   At this point, Stephen Peterman and Edwin Mulitalo are slated as the starting guards in what will likely be a heated competition.   If Woody decides to restructure and continues to keep his weight down, he should enter into the mix of players vying for one of the starting guard spots.

The trouble is, the Lions don’t really want to pay a backup a starter’s salary and furthermore would be on the hook for all of Woody’s contract should he get hurt in training camp, according to Kowalski.  It will be interesting to watch this play out, Woody may actually want the option of being available on the open market as opposed to remaining with the Lions.

The news about Kevin Jones recovery from his Lisfranc (foot) injury does not appear to be as encouraging as it once was. Sources are stating that he has a 50/50 chance of being ready by Sept. 9th.    The Lions prepared for this possibility during the offseason by adding RB’s Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett and may also see the return of Brian Calhoun and Shawn Bryson soon. 

Jones appeared ready to blossom as Martz’s primary back last season, prior to his injury, especially considering how poor the team’s offensive line performance actually was.  Jones also faced the daunting task of assimilating all of the information that he was given in the complicated Martz offensive scheme.   It would stand to reason that his increased understanding would give him an edge entering his second season in the offense.

Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett could each perform well in Jones’ stead, but both have their weaknesses.   Duckett likely will be limited to short-yardage and goal-line situations and provide and occasional change of pace.   Bell should flourish in Jones’ role, but has been inconsistent in the past and has had issues with fumbling the ball.   I think that Bell may be better suited for the Lions offense that Denver’s, though.  In Denver, the offensive line utilized a zone-blocking scheme which forced it’s backs to run a more straight ahead kind of style and Bell wasn’t asked to catch a lot of passes like he probably will in Martz’s offense.