Kurt Warner: Injuries like Detroit Lions rookie Mikel Leshoure no coincidence after lockout
Published: Tuesday, August 09, 2011, 2:30 PM
Updated: Tuesday, August 09, 2011, 2:31 PM
By Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- Two-time NFL MVP and current NFL Network studio analyst Kurt Warner said Tuesday morning during an appearance at Houseman Field for a youth football clinic that it's no coincidence there have been so many severe injuries at the outset of NFL training camps.

He pointed to the torn Achilles tendon injury suffered by Detroit Lions rookie running back Mikel Leshoure on Monday as one of numerous cruel blows team have suffered in the first two weeks of practice sessions since the NFL lockout ended.

"You want to say it's just a freak thing," he said, "but not being around for the offseason programs and all of those reps players get in minicamps and other workouts, you wonder how much of a factor that is when you see (Leshoure) or some of these other players go down. I think there have been eight or nine Achilles injuries around the league so far.

"Yes, guys were working out on their own during the lockout. It's a lot more difficult, though, for guys to do those things by themselves without being around their teams," he added.

The Lions lost first-round draft choice Nick Fairley, a defensive tackle out of Auburn, to a broken bone in his left foot at the outset of camp. He had surgery on his foot last week and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the preseason.

Titus Young, a rookie wide receiver from Boise State, chosen by the Lions in the second round, along with Leshoure, also has been slowed by a leg injury since the beginning of camp.

"I don't think it's a coincidence you're seeing many more injuries early in training camp," Warner said.

He remains impressed with the progress of the Lions under third-year coach Jim Schwartz and predicts a bright future for former No. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford -- if the offensive line can protect its franchise quarterback.

"Obviously, Matt's got to stay healthy. If he does, this team has a chance to have a lot of success," Warner said. "He's got all of the tools and all of the things you need to be a star in this league. He's got the big arm.

"I think, before long, you're going to find this team fighting for a playoff spot."

http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapid ... _detr.html

Detroit Lions' Jason Fox gets good news, should return soon
Published: Tuesday, August 09, 2011, 12:07 PM Updated: Tuesday, August 09, 2011, 12:35 PM
By Tom Kowalski

ALLEN PARK - The once-dire situation at offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions is starting to improve. Jason Fox, who suffered a foot injury last Saturday, received good medical news and, according to Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, is just week to week.

Gosder Cherilus continues to do more work in practice each day and Jeff Backus is still on schedule to return in time for the start of the regular season.

© 2011 MLive.com. All rights reserved.

8/09/2011
Injury report: No surgery needed for Jason Fox; Cherilus, Titus Young back at practice

ALLEN PARK — The Lions got relatively good news Tuesday on tackle Jason Fox who went to a specialist in Charlotte, N.C. on Monday.

His injured left foot will not require surgery, according to coach Jim Schwartz.

Fox was at practice hobbling around on crutches with his foot in a cast. The coach said it will be in a cast for a week, followed by a week in an orthopedic boot. After that it will go day by day.

During Tuesday’s practice guard Jeff Maddux (Central Michigan) appeared to roll his left ankle. He was carted off the field, but Schwartz said early indications are that it’s just a rolled ankle. Further tests were set.

Right tackle Gosder Cherilus (knee) and rookie wide receiver Titus Young were each participating in their second straight practice although on a limited basis.

Cornerback Alphonso Smith who reported to camp with a broken foot did not practice but did some running which is a sign he’s getting closer to practicing.

Linebacker Bobby Carpenter, who did not practice on Monday because of the flu, was back on the field Tuesday.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)

Labels: Detroit Lions, Gosder Cherilus, Jason Fox, Jeff Maddux, paula pasche, titus Young

posted by Paula Pasche at 12:08 PM

Aug. 10, 2011 5:27 p.m. - by John Kreger - Pettigrew is day-to-day
TE Brandon Pettigrew has an ankle injury and is day-to-day. Jim Schwartz said the injury is minor, but wouldn't give a timetable for Pettigrew's return. Lions RapidReports

Lions' Calvin Johnson misses practice, questionable for Friday's preseason game
9:39 AM, Aug. 11, 2011

Receiver Calvin Johnson is not practicing today because of an ankle injury, putting his availability in question for the Detroit Lions' preseason opener Friday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Johnson sat out the second half of practice Wednesday, but Lions coach Jim Schwartz said at the time he wasn't hurt but the tape on his ankle was too tight.

Receiver Titus Young (hamstring), tight end Brandon Pettigrew (ankle), cornerback Aaron Berry (groin) and safety Randy Phillips (shoulder) also are not participating in practice.

The Lions also made a roster move today, signing veteran offensive tackle Kirk Chambers. To make room for Chambers, the Lions waived injured lineman Jeff Maddox.

Last Updated: August 11. 2011 12:42PM
Calvin Johnson held out of practice, says he'll play in exhibition
Chris McCosky/ The Detroit News

Allen Park- Calvin Johnson left no room for interpretation.
"Look, I am fine, I am fine, I am fine," he said.

Johnson's left ankle swelled up at the end of practice on Wednesday and he was held out again Thursday, but he plans to be in the starting lineup against Cincinnati Friday.

"I am definitely looking forward to a little competition and getting on the field," Johnson said. We've been away for a minute, so to get some live action will be good for us."

Coach Jim Schwartz said Johnson was essentially given a rest day Thursday.

"We had to cut his tape off yesterday, but we have a lot of guys who take days off," Schwartz said. "He's fine."
Schwartz won't put out the official list of players who won't play in the exhibition opener, but some are obvious.
Tight end Brandon Pettigrew missed his third straight day because of what the team is calling a "mild" ankle injury.
Rookie receiver Titus Young has battled a hamstring injury since the first day of camp. He has not been on the field the last two days.

Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen and running back Maurice Morris have been out for more than a week because of broken hands. Offensive tackle Jason Fox still has a cast on his injured left foot.

Offensive tackle Tony Ugoh still has not returned to camp; he's apparently considering retirement.
Safety Randy Phillips has been out all week because of a shoulder injury.

Cornerback Aaron Berry has missed the last three days because of a groin injury. Berry could be a game-time decision.

Also, offensive tackle Jeff Backus (pectoral) and cornerback Alphonso Smith (foot) still are on the non-football injury list, and rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley's surgically-repaired foot still is in an cast.

The Lions on Friday brought in another veteran offensive lineman - tackle Kirk Chambers, a former fourth-round pick of the Browns. Chambers, 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, has played for three teams (Cleveland, Buffalo, Cincinnati) in six seasons, starting 14 games.

Game time Friday is 7:30 p.m. at Ford Field. Channel 7 will show the game on tape delay at 9:30 p.m.


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110811/SPO ... z1Uk1EV8K2

"ruptured Achilles, broken foot, ankle, ankle, ankle....." Anyone else wondering if they need new turf? I'm sure the lockout has had a major effect on this though.

They went from nothing --------> hitting in pads. If you weren't expecting injuries of this sort, then you don't understand the first thing about Physics or the law of speed and mass.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110813/SPORTS01/108130447/1049/sports01

CALVIN'S OK: Receiver Calvin Johnson left after he ended the first drive with a 26-yard catch. Johnson leaped for a high throw from Matthew Stafford and came down in the end zone on his left shoulder. He was seen getting treatment on the sideline but did not have it wrapped after the game in the locker room.

"It's all right," Johnson said. "I just came down on it. It's just sore right now. But it's all right."

Johnson joked that he had earned his time off.

"We go down and score on the first drive," he said. "We go down and score on the second drive. I think the starters deserved to come out."

Johnson and Stafford have improved their strength this off-season and have looked very sharp playing together.

"We're working hard in practice all week, the last two weeks," Johnson said. "Putting a lot of good work in with Matt, and you could see it on the field right now. It's paying off. We've just got to keep it up."

@TomLeyden
Tom Leyden
In case you missed this update Friday night, #Lions tackle Jeff Backus told @donshane7 he'll likely be back in about two weeks.

Thats good news. Any latest on Titus??

@davebirkett
Dave Birkett
No. Didnt practice. Still out with a hammy. RT @detwutupdoe: is Titus practicing today?