Ex-Lions defensive backs sign back with Atlanta Falcons
ALLEN PARK -- The Atlanta Falcons are signing cornerback Mike Ford and safety Dean Marlowe back after releasing the pair on cut day. Ford was a special teams mainstay for the Lions across his first three seasons in the league. ESPN reported that Ford and Marlowe were likely candidates to re-sign in Atlanta once roster movement, waiver claims and injury designations occurred. He logged 467 snaps on special teams in three seasons. The 30-year-old safety previously played two seasons for the Carolina Panthers before carving out a role for the Buffalo Bills over three years.
mlive.comPair of ex-Lions defensive backs released by Atlanta Falcons
ALLEN PARK -- The Atlanta Falcons cut a pair of former Detroit Lions defensive backs in cornerback Mike Ford and safety Dean Marlowe. Ford spent three seasons in Detroit, appearing in 31 games and making seven starts. He was one of the team’s leading special teams players. Ford spent last season with the Denver Broncos, mainly contributing to special teams. Related: Detroit Lions lose second player to Atlanta FalconsRelated: Detroit Lions waive RB Jermar Jefferson to make room for waiver claimMarlowe started nine games in Detroit last season.
mlive.comTraded back and forth, Ford learns to live out of suitcase
Mike Ford has learned to travel light — and quickly. Since the start of the season, the 29-year-old first baseman has played for Tacoma, San Francisco and Sacramento. Traded from Seattle to the Giants on April 30, he was dealt back to the Mariners on Thursday.
news.yahoo.comTyrell Crosby among 9 players cut by Detroit Lions: ‘We didn’t feel like he was one of the best guys’
ALLEN PARK -- The latest wave of Detroit Lions cuts includes an unexpected casualty, with Tyrell Crosby getting released with an injury designation. Fellow offensive lineman Dan Skipper was also released with an injury designation, while receiver Victor Bolden, defensive lineman Miles Brown, safety Alijah Holder, offensive lineman Evan Heim and receiver Damion Ratley were all waived outright. The Lions were in a bad spot up front when big free-agent signing Halapoulivaati Vaitai proved to be a flop at right tackle, but Crosby stepped in capably to start 11 games and stabilize the situation. But then the Lions drafted another offensive tackle, Penei Sewell, with the seventh overall pick. “We didn’t feel like he was one of the best guys,” head coach Dan Campbell said.
mlive.comDetroit Lions reportedly releasing cornerback Mike Ford
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are reportedly releasing cornerback Mike Ford, one of the team’s returning players and a key cog on special teams in recent years. The Detroit Free Press reported the move shortly after Ford posted a farewell to Instagram. It’ll be harder to replace what Ford offered on special teams, serving as an athletic and capable gunner. Elder is no stranger to special teams, drawing 346 snaps in that department across three seasons with the Carolina Panthers. So the more you can do, you’re more valuable than just one roster spot.”Related stories:WR Breshad Perriman reportedly cut by Detroit LionsBen Raven’s final Detroit Lions 53-man roster projectionKyle Meinke’s final Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection
mlive.comDetroit Lions release CB Quinton Dunbar, sign RB Craig Reynolds
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have released cornerback Quinton Dunbar and signed running back Craig Reynolds with their corresponding move. It’s worth noting this decision comes on the heels of the team signing veteran cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. Elder has been dealing with a hamstring issue, so his status for Friday’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills is unknown. Seventh-round rookie Jermar Jefferson is dealing with an ankle injury, with his status for the preseason opener in question. How much are we looking at here?’”More from camp:Letter from the Editor: Can ‘Same Ol’ Lions’ learn some winning ways?
mlive.comDay 9 notes and observations: Halapoulivaati Vaitai trying to put difficult Lions season behind him
Vaitai was among the biggest disappointments in a 2020 season that was full of them for the Lions. But he’s going to do it at a different position, after the Lions used their top draft pick to add Sewell at right tackle. With Jonah Jackson coming off a nice rookie season at left guard, Vaitai is the biggest question mark of the group. After taking it easy during the walk-through on Thursday, St. Brown and Okudah were back at each other’s throats on Friday. St. Brown, by the way, has now hurdled two defenders during those tackling drills.
mlive.comDetroit Lions training camp preview: All eyes on Jeff Okudah as new secondary takes shape
The Detroit Lions have a new head coach and general manager. You’d be hard-pressed to find another organization that has undergone more change than your Detroit Lions. Parker, S Will Harris, S D’Angelo Amos, S Jalen Elliott, S Alijiah Holder, S Godwin Igwebuike, S C.J. If you’re looking for a candidate for bounceback defensive player of the year in Detroit, Walker is as good of a bet as any. Roster projection: CB Jeff Okudah, CB Amani Oruwariye, CB Quinton Dunbar, CB Corn Elder, CB Mike Ford, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, S Tracy Walker, S Dean Marlowe, S Will Harris
mlive.comTannehill has 5 TDs, Titans rout Lions 46-25
The Titans (10-4) did their part with a second straight victory and fourth in five games to stay atop the AFC South. Henry capped the opening drive with a 3-yard TD run, his 15th this season. The Titans led 21-7 after a 75-yard TD pass from Tannehill to Corey Davis and a 17-yard TD run by Tannehill. Romeo Okwara sacked Tannehill two plays later for the Lions' first safety in 75 games, also against Tennessee on Sept. 18, 2016. The Titans put it away with 22 points in the fourth quarter with Tannehill's second TD run and two more TD passes.
Stafford throws 3 TDs, Lions rally to beat Bears 34-30
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO – Darrell Bevell had a hard time processing everything from his first game as an NFL coach. They fired general manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia while elevating Bevell, their offensive coordinator, to interim coach. But the Lions turned things around down the stretch, sending the Bears (5-7) to their sixth straight loss. The Lions came out on top after losing four of five, and Stafford gave Bevell the game ball.
Kenny Golladay, Jeff Okudah ruled out for Thanksgiving; D’Andre Swift questionable
The Lions have lost three of their last four games, all in blowout fashion, heading into Thanksgving. With top free-agent signing Halapoulivaati Vaitai joining last year’s top free-agent signing (Trey Flowers) on injured reserve earlier in the day, Detroit might not get a lot out of its free-agent hauls either. Promising running back D’Andre Swift (brain), linebacker Reggie Ragland (ankle) and cornerback Amani Oruwariye (back) are officially questionable. That’s an upgrade for Swift, who had not participated in a practice since he was diagnosed with a brain injury last Thursday. With Okudah and Ford also ruled out, Detroit’s depth is concerning heading into a matchup with Deshaun Watson and two speedy receivers in Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks.
mlive.comD’Andre Swift trending up, Kenny Golladay trending down with 2 days to go until Thanksgiving
ALLEN PARK -- D’Andre Swift is trending up on the Detroit Lions’ latest practice report, but Kenny Golladay is trending down and is very unlikely to play on Thanksgiving against the Houston Texans. Golladay was listed as limited by a hip injury on Monday, but did not participate in the walk-through on Tuesday and was downgraded to out on the injury report. That’s 15 players who remain slowed by injuries heading into the Thanksgiving game against Houston, seven of whom are offensive starters. The biggest concern is for Golladay, who has already missed five games this year, including the last three in a row due to a hip injury he suffered against Indianapolis on Nov. 1. The Lions have declined to say how or even when Swift suffered the injury.
mlive.comD’Andre Swift among 7 offensive starters banged up on Thanksgiving injury report, 16 players overall
Now they have four days to figure out how to get something going with seven starters banged up on offense. Detroit didn’t actually practice on Monday, but the NFL mandates teams release an injury report three days before its next game, even if it has to be estimated. He was listed as limited after missing practice on Thursday and Friday with a lingering hip injury. While Stafford continues to be listed as limited, the concern for his thumb injury is low. He had no support in the running game without Swift, who was diagnosed with a brain injury on Thursday and hasn’t practiced since.
mlive.comHalftime analysis: Lions QB Matthew Stafford looks fine after injuring throwing hand
DETROIT -- Matthew Stafford suffered an injury scare for the second time in as many weeks, this time injuring his throwing hand late in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against Washington. Stafford appeared fine and got the green light to stay in the game. Stafford also hooked up with Marvin Hall for a 55-yard touchdown pass to open the game. One injury situation worth monitoring though is at slot cornerback, where Justin Coleman has left the game with a knee injury. Mike Ford replaced him, then suffered an injury of his own on the penultimate play of the half.
mlive.comVikings RB Cook up vs. Packers, who keep LT Bakhtiari out
(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.
Lions can’t get defense off field in 41-21 drubbing to Colts: Live updates recap
Colts 41, Lions 2113:36 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 25The Lions open with a sack, loss of 6 yards. Colts 35, Lions 2113:34 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 25Pick 6 by Kenny Moore. 8:53 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 21It’s third-and-12 after an incompletion and a Swift rush attempt moving backward. 11:00 -- Indianapolis Colts drive starts on own 29Two runs by Jordan Wilkins is going to make it third-and-2 for the Colts. 3:46 -- Indianapolis Colts drive starts on Detroit’s 48The Colts are looking at a third-and-4 after two running plays.
mlive.comNo news is good news for Lions' inactives list in Atlanta
ATLANTA -- When it comes to inactive lists, no news is usually good news. On Sunday, there wasn’t much news on Detroit’s inactive list at all for a second straight week. Running back Bo Scarbrough, activated from injured reserve this weekend, won’t play in the Lions’ matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Lions are bringing back another corner though, with Mike Ford set to make his 2020 debut in Atlanta. Atlanta’s inactives: Cornerback Jordan Miller, running back Qadree Ollison, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, offensive tackle John Wetzel and defensive tackle Deadrin Senat.
mlive.comDetroit Lions rally to beat Atlanta Falcons 23-22 at the buzzer: Live updates recap
Falcons 22, Lions 165:29 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on Atlanta’s 32It’s third-and-a-mile for the Lions after the takeaway. 11:57 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 13Kenny Golladay looks to have made another spectacular catch, but this one is under review. Lions 7, Falcons 010:44 -- Atlanta Falcons drive starts on own 20Alex Mack is back on the field. #InspireChange | #WeWontBeSilent pic.twitter.com/H7gh8GpTbx — Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 25, 2020--The Detroit Lions have a chance to get back to .500 in Week 7 despite a tumultuous start to the strange season. Team stats:Average yards per game: Lions 347.8 (24th) | Falcons 403.2 (4th)Passing yards per game: Lions 230.4 (22nd) | Falcons 291.2 (2nd)Rushing yards per game: Lions 117.4 (15th) | Falcons 112 (19th)Points per game: Lions 26.6 (15th) | Falcons 27 (13th)Points allowed per game: Lions 28.6 (22nd) | Falcons 30.7 (28th)Defensive yards allowed per game: Lions 379 (21st) | Falcons 432.5 (31st)Passing yards allowed per game: Lions 234 (15th) | Falcons 335.3 (31st)Rushing yards allowed per game: Lions 145 (29th) | Falcons 97.2 (5th)Takeaways: Lions 6 | Falcons 8DVOA offensive ranking: Lions 19th | Falcons 22ndDVOA defensive ranking: Lions 23rd | Falcons 25th
mlive.comGrand Rapids airport unveils statue of Gerald R. Ford, dedicates new plaza to former president
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Gerald R. Ford International Airport unveiled a statue of its namesake Thursday and dedicated its new Presidential Gateway Plaza in his honor. President Ford is depicted in a seated position with one arm lifted to give a warm welcome to travelers. A statue honoring Betty Ford is located at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. While they typically look “austere (and) authoritative” he chose to sculpt President Ford with a smile. While Ford often traveled internationally, he expressed his pride for his Grand Rapids home, said Dan Koorndyk, board chair of Ford Airport Authority.
mlive.comBo Scarbrough, Joe Dahl, Mike Ford all returning to Lions practice from injured reserve
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions won just one game in the first quarter of the season. Guard Joe Dahl, running back Bo Scarbrough and cornerback Mike Ford all will practice when Detroit returns from the bye on Wednesday afternoon. That has forced the Lions to play musical chairs up front, most recently shifting Jonah Jackson to left guard and inserting Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right guard. Dahl’s return will likely shift Jackson back to right guard, which prompts some questions about what will happen at right tackle. The Lions replaced Scarbrough on the roster with Adrian Peterson, who has become the club’s No.
mlive.comCole just misses 20th reg-season win in row, Yanks beat Rays
With two outs and a runner on, Cole had a 1-2 count on Ji-Man Choi, who came back to hit an RBI double. Jose Martinez followed with a two-run homer on the 107th pitch from a clearly tiring Cole. Cole was bidding to tie Roger Clemens, Jake Arrieta and Rube Marquard for the third-longest streak ever. His only loss since May 2019 came in Game 1 of the World Series last October, pitching for Houston against Washington. ... Rays C Mike Zunino was mired in an 0 for 23 slide before doubling off Cole during the fifth.
Nats star Juan Soto positive for COVID-19, out for opener
Washington Nationals' Howie Kendrick (47) is greeted with "air high fives" by Juan Soto (22) after Kendrick scored them both on a two-run home run off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Alex Cobb during an exhibition baseball game, Monday, July 20, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)WASHINGTON Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto tested positive for COVID-19 and was put on the injured list Thursday, forcing him to miss the start of the pandemic-delayed season. Soto had missed the first two weeks of the teams summer camp this month after he was exposed to someone with COVID-19. Also Thursday, Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list as New York set its opening day 30-man roster before playing Game 1. "If you told me my dream, making the opening day roster for the yankees, as a young kid in New Jersey would come true, I wouldnt have believed you.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Gerrit Cole & recorded fans tune up for Yankees debuts
NEW YORK The crowd noise was phony. Those runs in the fourth inning were the only ones Cole allowed over 5 2/3 innings Friday night. He thought the crowd noise was a work in progress. It kind of sounds the same, I guess, if youre in your zone and youre and youre not really paying attention, he said. Warren wont be ready to pitch at the major league level until next year and the Yankees could re-sign him.