AUSTIN SEIBERT

ALLEN PARK -- Austin Seibert has taken a lead in the battle to become the Detroit Lions’ next place kicker. “I thought they both did a good job, but I felt really good about Seibert,” Campbell said before practice on Monday. Seibert has been excellent throughout camp, including banking in a 63-yarder off the crossbar at the intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at Ford Field. “But at the end of the day, that’s my job, is to go out there and do things like that. That’s good stuff from a backup kicker.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions claimed defensive end John Cominsky off waivers via the Atlanta Falcons. Detroit made room for Cominsky by releasing Aldrick Rosas, trimming its kicker competition from three to two. The 26-year-old had 67 tackles, 16.5 for loss with three sacks, two forced fumbles and 10 quarterback hits in 2018. Cominsky has 41 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and five quarterback hits across his three-year career. The defensive end is an intriguing athlete worth tracking this offseason on the push for a roster spot.

We’ll finish these prospect positional previews by taking a closer look at some of the specialists in this year’s draft. Patterson made 13 of 14 field-goal attempts, nailing all 16 extra-point attempts across seven games. Seibert showed a little more pop while making 10 of 12 field-goal attempts with a long of 52 yards through six games. With that said, let’s dig into five specialists to watch for the Detroit Lions. Jake Moody made 23 of 25 field-goal attempts while nailing all 56 point-after tries.

ALLEN PARK -- D’Andre Swift remains at least a week away, while kicker Austin Seibert and receiver Quintez Cephus are likely done for the year per Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell. “Right now, I feel like he may be a week away,” Campbell said. Swift ran for 130-plus yards in consecutive games leading into Thanksgiving, setting a new career-best on the ground in both of those instances. “It’s not easy to replace a guy like him, as dynamic as he’s been,” Campbell said of replacing Swift. “Both of those players, we feel very good about in 2022, being held up and ready to go,” Campbell said.

The Lions and Browns both enter Sunday's game desperate for different reasons.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions reportedly have another new kicker, signing Riley Patterson from New England’s practice squad per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Patterson is the team’s sixth kicker of the season, joining Randy Bullock, Matthew Wright, Zane Gonzalez, Austin Seibert and Ryan Santoso. Patterson sank 23 of 25 field-goal attempts in 2019, making 65 of 66 extra-point tries that season. The Detroit Free Press reports the Lions are also signing kicker Aldrick Rosas to their practice squad. Rosas is a former Pro Bowl kicker, spending three seasons with the Giants and portions of one each with the Jaguars and Saints.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions could be in the market for another new kicker after Ryan Santoso shanked two attempts in the team’s 16-16 tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. Santoso missed an extra point in the first half, something that’s hard to forget when looking at the final score, then failed to connect on the potential 48-yard game-winning field goal in overtime. Austin Seibert was placed on injured reserve heading into the weekend, meaning his hip injury will cost him at least three games. Santoso’s miss from 48 yards in overtime came with the rain coming down and on a sloppy field at Heinz Field. If you don’t, at least get yourself closer to the field goal.

The Detroit Lions will avoid becoming the first 0-17 team thanks to their 16-16 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. Detroit still hasn’t won in Pittsburgh since 1955, tying the Steelers twice on the road during that span. Lions kicker Ryan Santoso missed an extra-point attempt, not to mention the potential game-winner from 48 yards in overtime. Lions safety Will Harris knocked the ball out of right end Pat Freiermuth’s grip in the final seconds, sealing the tie. This post will track headlines from around the country after the first tie game of the 2021 season:Comedy of errors as Steelers, Lions slog to 16-16 tie -- Associated PressLions end 12-game losing streak but can muster only a tie against Steelers -- Yahoo!

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions slogged their way to a 16-16 tie in an ugly nearly four-hour marathon that produced more comedy than highlights.

D’Andre Swift racked up a career-high 130 yards all by himself, while rookie Jermar Jefferson chipped in a 28-yard touchdown run off the bench. Let’s get to some instant observations:-- The Lions have done a lot of talking about cleaning up their unforced mistakes. There aren’t many facets of this team that remind of the 0-16 team in 2008, but that passing game is reaching that kind of level of ineptitude. He was really bad before the break, and the extra rest didn’t magically solve the profound talent and schematic issues in this passing game. Nelson did the same thing later in the half, and delivered the key block on Jefferson’s 28-yard touchdown run.

PITTSBURGH -- In a year where very little has gone right for the Detroit Lions, kicker Austin Seibert has stood out as one of the year’s more pleasant surprises. Seibert returned from the off week nursing a right hip injury that held him out of practice all week. The injury is the latest turn in Detroit’s bid to replace Matt Prater, who was allowed to walk in free agency. He might not be Matt Prater, but that’s pretty reliable. When Seibert missed the Ravens game due to COVID, Santoso made a go-ahead 35-yarder that gave Detroit a 17-16 lead with 1:08 left.

Jamaal Williams and Austin Seibert, not so much. The Detroit Lions have ruled out Williams, their leading rusher, and Seibert, their top place kicker, for their game on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams is dealing with a thigh injury that he suffered leading up to the Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was listed as questionable for that game, then later downgraded to out. The good news is Decker was listed as questionable, the best designation available for an injured player.

Matthew Stafford passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns against his former team, and Jalen Ramsey made an end zone interception on his 27th birthday with five minutes left in the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-19 victory over Jared Goff and the winless Detroit Lions.

Joe Burrow tied a career high with three touchdown passes, helping the Cincinnati Bengals rout the Detroit Lions 34-11 Sunday.

The Detroit Lions stormed all the way back from a double-digit deficit in Minnesota, just as they did against Baltimore. Detroit has lost nine straight games overall, the second-longest losing streak in the league. -- The Lions have now lost eight straight games against Minnesota, the first time they’ve done that since dropping 10 straight from 2002-06. In case you were wondering how the Lions could lose five straight games to open the season. -- Charles Harris burned out as a first-round pick in Atlanta, but he’s been a really nice pickup for Detroit this season.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have cycled through five kickers in recent months, with that ever-evolving room holding onto uncertainty after three games with Austin Seibert still on the COVID list. Santoso, making his second stop in Detroit, was signed to the practice squad with the Lions using one of their weekly protections on him heading into last week’s game. He remains on the practice squad heading into this weekend’s game in Chicago and is an extremely likely candidate for protection, with Seibert’s status unclear. Austin is not here today, so we don’t have a decision,” Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said. We’ll make the decision at that time based off what we think is going to be best for the football team.

ALLEN PARK -- Three weeks into the regular season, and the body count on injured reserve has already hit double digits. The Detroit Lions announced a flurry of roster moves on Saturday afternoon, including moving defensive tackle Kevin Strong to injured reserve. The Lions have accounted for that by signing kicker Ryan Santoso to the practice squad this week, then elevating him to the game-day roster for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Lions also signed long snapper Beau Brinkley and punter Lachlan Edwards to the practice squad, perhaps realizing the value of having some depth at the specialist positions with COVID going around in that room. Detroit released receiver Javon McKinley and tight end Jared Pinkney from the practice squad.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are signing linebacker Josh Woods from Chicago’s practice squad. The Lions signed kicker Ryan Santoso to their practice squad this week, so keep tabs on Seibert’s status as he works through the league’s COVID protocols. Tavante Beckett remains on Detroit’s practice squad, and could be in the mix for those potential special teams reps too. We got him from the practice squad of Chicago,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. He went undrafted in 2018, spending the past three years between Chicago’s roster and practice squad.

These guys all know that they’re always competing, whether it’s against themselves, somebody in the building or somebody outside the building. I think that’s really our goal as a unit and that’s my goal individually, is just to try to get a little bit better every day, and I think that’s what his focus is, but yeah. I think that’s one of his real strengths, to be honest with you,” Fipp said. I think he’s worked hard on his game. QB Jared Goff draws old NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers in Detroit Lions debut5 things to watch: Detroit Lions preparing for both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance

The Lions set their initial 53-man roster earlier this week without a kicker on the list, venturing into uncharted waters ahead of the season. They cut Matthew Wright after one preseason game, leaving Bullock and recent addition Zane Gonzalez locked in a battle through the rest of camp. They have since claimed kicker Austin Seibert off waivers via the Cincinnati Bengals, adding Gonzalez back to the practice squad. Bullock and Wright were rough in the team’s first showing in front of fans at their Ford Field scrimmage. He’s done it, he’s been consistent, he’s had experience, and so again, you don’t make decisions about, ‘OK, this guy won,’” Holmes said.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions had zero kickers when they set their initial 53-man roster. A day later, they have seven receivers and just one tight end after yet more roster adjustments. You might figure they would cut one of their seven receivers to get back down to 53, but they’ve chosen to ax tight end Darren Fells and safety Dean Marlowe instead. For the moment, though, that leaves T.J. Hockenson -- and only T.J. Hockenson -- at the tight end position heading into the season opener next week against the San Francisco 49ers. Making things even stranger: The Lions also have seven receivers on their 53-man roster.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are without a kicker no more, claiming Austin Seibert and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge off waivers per the league’s transaction wire. Seibert comes to the Lions via the Cincinnati Bengals, with Hodge spending camp and the preseason with the Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed a solid rookie season, connecting on 25 of 29 attempts with a long of 53 yards. Hodge’s addition is interesting, with the Lions keeping six receivers on their initial 53-man roster. Hodge has 522 snaps on special teams under his belt during that time, offering a little versatility in that department.

Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the NFL preseason with a 19-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Baltimore Ravens defense celebrates with cornerback Marcus Peters (24) after he intercepted a pass in the end zone intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green during during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cincinnati. After a Dec. 2 loss to Pittsburgh with Jackson on the COVID-19 list, the Ravens rebounded and won the next four. UP NEXTThe Ravens advance to the playoffs for the third straight year, will travel to either Tennessee or Indianapolis next weekend. The Bengals end another disappointing year and extend their playoff drought to five seasons.

Indianapolis left tackle Anthony Castonzo and starting linebacker Bobby Okereke are both active for the Colts’ visit to the Las Vegas Raiders. ___GREEN BAY AT DETROITPackers: QB Jordan Love, CB Ka’dar Hollman, LB Jonathan Garvin, G Simon Stepaniak, WR Malik Taylor, TE Jace Sternberger. Raiders: QB Nathan Peterman, CB Damon Arnette, RB Theo Riddick, OT Brandon Parker, OG John Simpson, DE Carl Nassib. Eagles: CB Michael Jacquet, QB Nate Sudfeld, WR John Hightower, RB Jason Huntley, DB Grayland Arnold, S Rudy Ford, LB T.J. Edwards. Jaguars: QB Jake Luton, CB Luq Barcoo, LB Kamalei Correa, LB Quincy Williams, C Brandon Linder, TE Tyler Davis, DE Reggie Gilbert.

(AP Photo/Aaron Doster)The New York Giants will be without starting quarterback Daniel Jones for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Jones was not expected to play because of a hamstring injury suffered last week against Cincinnati. Colt McCoy will make his first start of the season at QB for the Giants. Seattle was without both starting right tackle Brandon Shell (ankle) and backup Cedric Ogbuehi (calf) leaving a major question on the offensive line. ___CLEVELAND-TENNESSEEBrowns: WR Taywan Taylor, WR KhaDarel Hodge, CB Denzel Ward, RB Dontrell Hilliard, S Tedric Thompson, DE Joe Jackson.

(AP Photo/John Froschauer)Dalvin Cook is back for the Minnesota Vikings from a one-game absence, his injured groin cleared to play in Green Bay. Packers: QB Jordan Love, CB Kevin King, S Raven Greene, RB Aaron Jones, LB Randy Ramsey, OT David Bakhtiari, DL Billy Winn. ___LOS ANGELES RAMS AT MIAMIRams: RB Raymond Calais, OL Brian Allen, WR Trishton Jackson, TE Brycen Hopkins, DL A’Shawn Robinson. Dolphins: RB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr., RB Salvon Ahmed, FB Chandler Cox, CB Jamal Perry, RB Jordan Howard, DE Jason Strowbridge. Bengals: K Austin Seibert, WR John Ross III, RB Joe Mixon, OG Michael Jordan, C Trey Hopkins, OT Bobby Hart, OT Jonah Williams.

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)The Green Bay Packers are without their leading rusher for Sunday's game at Houston after Aaron Jones was ruled out with a calf injury. Cam Erving is back at left tackle with Connor Williams at left guard. Washington will be without left tackle Geron Christian because of a knee injury, so journeyman Cornelius Lucas starts in that spot. ___GREEN BAY AT HOUSTONPackers: QB Jordan Love, CB Kevin King, S Darnell Savage, RB Tyler Ervin, RB Aaron Jones, T David Bakhtiari, DL Tyler Lancaster. Texans: WR Keke Coutee, CB John Reid, LB Peter Kalambayi, T Charlie Heck, TE Jordan Akins.

Jones had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Even so, the winless Falcons’ secondary gets a boost with safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) returning from injuries. ___PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGHEagles: TE Hakeem Butler; RB Jason Huntley, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, QB Nate Sudfeld, DE Casey Toohill. Falcons: S Jaylinn Hawkins, WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Ravens: RB Justice Hill, WR Chris Moore, QB Trace McSorley, DT Broderick Washington, DT Justin Ellis, OL Tyre Phillips.

Jeudy is active for the Bucs game as Denver quarterback Jeff Driskel makes his first start while Drew Lock recovers from a shoulder injury. Cardinals: QB Brett Hundley, WR Christian Kirk, RB Eno Benjamin, OL Mason Cole, OL Josh Miles, DL Leki Fotu. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaé Sharpe, WR K.J.

CLEVELAND – Backup right tackle Chris Hubbard will start over injured Jack Conklin for the Cleveland Browns when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. Conklin, who was the Browns' biggest signing in free agency this winter, injured his ankle and a finger in last week's season-opening, 38-6 loss at Baltimore. He's active to face the Bengals, but the Browns announced before the game that Chris Hubbard is starting. Cleveland starting center JC Tretter (knee) and rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) are both playing. Starting cornerback Greedy Williams (shoulder) will miss his second straight game andThe Bengals are missing defensive tackles Geno Atkins (shoulder) and Mike Daniels (groin).

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts after running for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. Outside, Burrow got lessons on Paul Brown, Jim Brown, Boomer Esiason, Bernie Kosar, The Ickey Shuffle and Dawg Pound. “In my eyes I played terrible through 3 1/2 quarters and then played up to my standards in the last drive and almost won the game,” Burrow said. RUN OVERThe Bengals significantly overhauled the NFL’s worst run defense of last season — 149 yards allowed per game —- and had a tough start against the Chargers, who ran for 155. Bengals coach Zac Taylor expects Bullock, who fully practiced on Tuesday, to handle kicking duties against the Browns.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass as he is pursued by Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Baltimore, MD. Facing a Cleveland secondary depleted by injuries, Jackson completed 20 of 25 passes and racked up a team-high 45 yards on the ground. A year ago, the multi-faceted star set an NFL single-season record for yards rushing by a quarterback and threw 36 TD passes. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw an interception on the opening series, the first of three Browns turnovers. The Browns then withstood a 47-yard completion from Jackson to Marquise Brown by forcing a fumble by Patrick Ricard inside the 10.