TRACY WALKER

ALLEN PARK -- While Ford Field drew headlines for the quality of its playing surface last season, players say their indoor practice field might have taken an even bigger toll on their bodies. Detroit is installing an artificial surface called CORE monofilament FieldTurf at both Ford Field and the team’s indoor practice facility. While it’s not the natural grass players prefer, the technology is considered one of the best artificial surfaces in the business. So let’s go find the very best, the best-rated turf we can get, and so that’s been a priority. Several Lions players have echoed those criticisms.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions’ free-agent approach under Brad Holmes has been straightforward. The general manager has offered a slew of one-year contracts to prove-it players that avoided long-term financial exposure, while focusing most of his resources into bringing back the internal free agents he likes and trusts the most. Last year, that meant guys like Tracy Walker and Charles Harris. The year before that, it was Romeo Okwara.

ALLEN PARK -- As criticism mounts over poor field conditions at Ford Field, the Detroit Lions are replacing their synthetic turf this month. They are using another artificial surface called CORE monofilament FieldTurf, which is believed to be a better, safer playing surface. That project and others around Ford Field are why Detroit was unavailable to host the AFC championship game, which could be played at a neutral site due to the cancellation of the Bills-Bengals game. I mean, football’s football, but I feel like playing surface plays a huge role. But players believe the surface at Ford Field could be contributing to the club’s unusually high injury rate.

ALLEN PARK -- Sounds like DeShon Elliott is going to give it a go this week. The Detroit Lions’ starting safety has missed two games with a shoulder injury, a tough blow for a team also playing without fellow safety Tracy Walker. With a must-win game against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers looming on the final weekend of the season, Elliott is expected to test out the shoulder at practice. But I know he wants to go, and I know he’s improving.”Elliott, 25, signed a one-year deal with the Lions in free agency. He has 91 tackles, which is second on the team despite the injury, plus five tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.

ALLEN PARK -- Ifeatu Melifonwu has arrived at something of a crossroads. The Detroit Lions (7-8) have a must-win game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. And if his significant struggles continue, well, he might find it difficult to find his way back to the rotation. Let Iffy get another week under his belt here and see where it goes.”The Lions are hopeful Melifonwu will be better against Chicago. Chicago ran for 258 yards that day overall, the second-best performance of the season by the league’s top-ranked rushing team.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (7-7) have won six of their last seven games, clawing into the playoff picture with three weeks left in the regular season. The Dungeon of Doom podcast is back, with hosts Kyle Meinke and Ben Raven going through some of their picks for the team’s most under-the-radar and unheralded players. Subscribe to the Dungeon of Doom wherever you get your podcasts -- Spotify, Apple, Google -- Follow Benjamin Raven and Kyle Meinke on Twitter. We’ve got a Detroit Lions newsletter! We’ll email you your Detroit Lions news five days a week.

The special teams ace added two tackles across 29 defensive snaps. Since returning to the team back in Week 8, Moore has logged 98 defensive reps and 156 on special teams. Melifonwu, a 2021 third-round pick, has played only six defensive snaps while dealing with another injury-riddle campaign. He’s logged special teams snaps in five straight games, with an increasing role over the previous two weeks. To put that into perspective, Joseph already has 702 defensive snaps through his first 14 games in the league.

DeShon Elliott injured his shoulder in the 20-17 win against the New York Jets over the weekend, and medical testing suggests he likely won’t be ready to suit up on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers. “I would say right now, (Elliott’s) looking like he probably won’t be able to make it,” head coach Dan Campbell said. Moore, a special teams ace best known for converting a pair of fake punts this season, replaced Elliott against the Jets. That leaves the Lions thin in the back end of their defense heading into the stretch run of a surprising playoff push. Campbell declined to say whether he thinks the Elliott injury could linger into future weeks.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions starting safety and captain Tracy Walker isn’t letting his season-ending Achilles injury keep him from spreading positivity and knowledge while wheeling through the locker room. “I mean, when I found out (about the extent of the injury), yes, I was a little sad,” Walker said. The Lions have seen cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive end Romeo Okwara suffer Achilles injuries over the previous two seasons. I’m circling right now, If I had to be honest with you, OTAs,” Walker said. In the two games without Walker, the Lions lost 48-45 to the Geno Smith-led Seahawks and then 29-0 to a Patriots team starting a fourth-round rookie quarterback.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions made it official, placing starting safety and team captain Tracy Walker on injured reserve with a season-ending Achilles injury. Walker welcomed his second child in the week leading into the game, missing practice time and traveling to Minneapolis separate from the team. Walker has 62 games and 37 starts under his belt since landing with the Lions via the third round in 2018. “Yeah, look, losing Tracy hurts. Pittman, a Detroit native and former Wayne State standout, has been with the Lions since going undrafted in 2019.

Now they’re hoping for the best with Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown underwent testing on the ankle this week, and received “encouraging” news according to NFL Network. “They’ll be cautious, but if St. Brown misses time, it shouldn’t be anything long term,” the report said. A fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, St. Brown has emerged as a budding star since the middle of last season. St. Brown will be needed more than ever.

ALLEN PARK -- There’s no way to replace a guy like Tracy Walker, the Detroit Lions’ longest-tenured defensive player, one of the only developmental success stories from the old regime who became the leading tackler for the new one. Then he blew out his Achilles in the third game of the season, leaving the Lions figuring out how to replace the irreplaceable. And it was Walker’s replacement, JuJu Hughes, who seemed to blow the assignment. Cornerback Mike Hughes lined up over Osborn on the play, then tried to hand off the receiver to JuJu Hughes, who was not there. Campbell defended JuJu Hughes’ performance a day later, saying he’s a viable option to replace Walker moving forward.

Safety JuJu Hughes needs to play better than he did in Minnesota. “You know, a little stuff in-house,” JuJu Hughes said when I asked him about it after the game. Based on the tape, that someone is almost certainly JuJu Hughes. The Walker injury really magnifies the lack of production from Brad Holmes’ Day 2 picks. You’d think that would fortify the depth behind Walker, himself a third-round safety -- yet Melifonwu and Joseph have combined to play zero defensive snaps this season.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings. Now they’ve lost leading tackler Tracy Walker and leading rusher D’Andre Swift, too. Swift, Detroit’s star running back and leading rusher, also sprained his shoulder in the game according to NFL Network. The injury is not expected to require surgery, but Swift is still expected to miss time according to the report. Then he re-injured his ankle against the Vikings, Swift told MLive, which forced him from the game.

Osborn get so wide open for a go-ahead touchdown? An even better question: How did Osborn get so wide open for a go-ahead touchdown after the Lions called timeout to set their defense? “Definitely a miscommunication, if he was that wide open,” cornerback Amani Oruwariye said. After missing Osborn on first down, quarterback Kirk Cousins connected with Osborn on a 28-yard pass to advance the ball into Lions territory. Then coming out of the timeout, Osborn -- lined up in the slot -- ran a corner route toward the end zone.

If the Detroit Lions’ worst fears are confirmed, he might not even be ready for the start of 2023. The injury was originally announced as an ankle, although head coach Dan Campbell later said it is potentially an Achilles injury. It’s never a good sign when the A-word is invoked, perhaps the most devastating injury in the game. We’ll know more tomorrow.”The Lions have dealt with a rash of Achilles injuries that have crushed their young nucleus on defense. “You know what?” Walker told his agent.

The Detroit Lions (1-2) blew two different double-digit leads in their 28-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) in Week 3. Lions head coach Dan Campbell is already regretting the late field-goal attempt in the final 120 seconds of their crushing road loss. Kicker Austin Seibert missed from 54 yards out, his second misfire of the day, with the Vikings taking over near midfield with a little more than a minute left. Osborn on back-to-back big passes, with the first for 28 yards and the game-winning touchdown from 28 yards, too. The Vikings took their first lead of the game with less than 50 seconds on the clock.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions have lost Tracy Walker, their starting safety and leading tackler. Walker was carted to the locker room after suffering a left ankle injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Walker suffered the injury away from a Dalvin Cook 2-yard run, which often isn’t a good sign. He spent several minutes on the turf before walking gingerly to the sideline, then immediately getting carted back to the locker room. The injury is also a blow for Walker, who just welcomed another child -- baby “Cinco” -- to the world this week.

ALLEN PARK -- There’s still no sign of the Detroit Lions’ top two pass rushers at practice. Safety Tracy Walker joined defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson (thigh) and John Cominksy (wrist) as practice no-shows on Thursday, while Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson (finger) watched another practice in street clothes. Cominsky and Hutchinson lead the team in quarterback pressures and have accounted for four of the club’s six sacks overall. It’s unclear why Walker missed practice. The good news is running back D’Andre Swift (ankle) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (hip) both practiced on Thursday.

ALLEN PARK -- Tracy Walker was tossed from his first game as a Detroit Lions captain. The safety was docked $11,129 for his hit against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts last week. Walker hit Hurts as the quarterback was sliding, and made what appeared to be helmet-to-helmet contact. Walker was flagged for unnecessary roughness for the hit on Hurts, also flagged for everything that happened after it, and was ejected from the game. “I just let my team down,” Walker said.

The Detroit Lions began their 2021 season by rallying to turn a potential blowout into a close loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Then three quarters into the season, he was ejected after drawing two personal fouls for unnecessary roughness. “I just let my team down,” Walker said after the game. “Me, as a team captain, I’ve just got to be better. Walker was flagged for unnecessary roughness for the hit on Hurts, flagged again for unnecessary roughness for everything that happened after it, and got the hook. That’s not OK. And that’s not what we’re looking for because that’s how you get beat, and those guys know that.”

DETROIT -- With the ink barely dry on a big three-year contract extension, Lions safety Tracy Walker has been ejected from the season opener for committing two personal fouls on the same play. Walker lowered his helmet in a collision with quarterback Jalen Hurts, which drew one flag for unnecessary roughness, then threw a punch at an Eagles player after getting to his feet, which drew another flag for unnecessary roughness. JuJu Hughes, who made the roster because of his contributions on special teams, replaced Walker in the lineup. This certainly isn’t the way the Lions envisioned Walker opening a new three-year, $25 million contract. Walker finishes the day with 11 tackles, one sack and one pass defended.

ALLEN PARK -- Josh Woods opened training camp on the Detroit Lions’ roster bubble. Quarterback Jared Goff, center Frank Ragnow, linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive lineman Michael Brockers and safety Tracy Walker were the others. “I love where he’s taken his leadership. You can tell he’s taken it serious, too. A year later, Woods won another roster spot by making himself indispensable on special teams.

DETROIT -- Tracy Walker and DeShon Elliott have been at the top of the safety room for the Detroit Lions from the start of training camp. And that’s no surprise, with third-round rookie Kerby Joseph still relatively new to safety and other defensive backs swapping positions. Joseph put some good tape into existence through a couple of rookie blips on the radar with the opportunity. Walker added two tackles on his 13 reps. Hughes had two tackles while playing next to Joseph for most of the game. He ran three times for 13 yards while adding two catches for 5 yards.

ALLEN PARK -- Dan Campbell said that when Tracy Walker decided to stick around with the Detroit Lions that he challenged the safety to make this his defense. Walker has been a vocal presence on the back of Detroit’s defense for a couple of years. But Campbell said he’d felt a difference from Walker since that conversation, calling him a man on a mission. And so, I love where he’s at, I love where he’s taken his leadership. So with that being said, being a leader to me, that (expletive) comes easy.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn likes what he’s seeing from the early returns of the team’s new safety duo of DeShon Elliott and Tracy Walker. Elliott signed with Detroit during free agency, and Glenn already has to check himself with some of his praise for his new “hammer” of a safety. The one thing that DeShon does a really good job with is being able to challenge the guys in that room,” Glenn said. Glenn said that with that young of a safety room, not to mention the entire secondary, it’s vital to have leaders like Walker and Elliott overseeing the group. Even before I came here on my visit, he was telling me it was basically a safety-run defense,” Elliott said.

But no deal has materialized, and the pass-catching tight end remains under contract through only 2023. “I’ll be honest with ya, I don’t really deal much with that. I kind of told my agent, ‘You do your thing, and I’ll do my thing.’ That’s kind of where it’s at. “They’re making a little money,” Hockenson said. That’s really my whole goal with everything is winning.

A year later, Dan Campbell believes in Aaron Glenn so much that the thought of losing his defensive lieutenant sent his mind wandering into strange places. And he’s always going to look out for you, but he’s going to tell your ass when you’re wrong? “AG is always going to tell you when you’re wrong, but he’s going to love you. “It allows us to play downhill and not really think about it. I’m going to stand by that, and continue to say it, because I really believe that in my heart.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions continue chipping away at securing their draft class ahead of the start of this year’s rookie minicamp at the end of the week. NFL Network reports the Lions and safety Kerby Joseph agreed to terms on his four-year rookie deal worth $5.044 million. Joseph gets a signing bonus of $849,020 and will receive all of his maximum compensation for being a comp pick. The Lions grabbed Joseph in Round 3 at Pick 97. Last year’s draft class wasn’t fully under contract until cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu signed his rookie deal days before reporting to training camp in late July.

The Detroit Lions added another piece to their defense in the 2022 NFL draft. Detroit selected Illinois safety Kerby Joseph at Pick 97 in Round 3 near the end of Day 2. He fills an obvious need around these parts, adding a potential ball-hawking safety next to Tracy Walker. The Lions re-signed Walker to a three-year deal earlier this offseason. He projects as quite the consolation prize for those wishing the Lions would have taken a safety on Day 1.

Previously: Receivers | Quarterbacks | Running backs | Offensive line | Tight endsProjected starters: CB Amani Oruwariye, CB Jeff Okudah, CB A.J. Parker, S Tracy Walker, S DeShon ElliottProjected reserves: CB Jerry Jacobs, DB Will Harris, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, S C.J. 2: S Kyle Hamilton, CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB Derek StingleyFirst-round possibilities for Detroit at No. The Lions are banking on cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs returning from serious injuries, and then hitting another level. Will Harris is another candidate to see looks there, bouncing between safety and cornerback in his “cafety” role.

The Detroit Lions are connected to two more defensive players for their 30 pre-draft visits. Detroit reportedly has visits with Illinois safety Kerby Joseph and Oklahoma safety Delarrin Turner-Yell this week. It’s worth noting the Lions announced their signing of safety DeShon Elliott earlier Thursday. The former Ravens safety missed his entire rookie season, then was limited to only six games in Year 2. Safety has remained a popular mock pick for the Lions heading into the draft, which shouldn’t be expected to change.

Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton (+350), Hutchinson (+400), Georgia edge defender Travon Walker (+500), Liberty quarterback Malik Willis (+550) and Oregon edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux (+800) are the favorites at Pick 2. Jacksonville still has Walker Little, Ben Bartch and Jawaan Taylor under contract. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, MichiganMocked by: Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, Kyle Stackpole of CBS SportsBoth Kyle Meinke and I mocked Hutchinson to the Lions too. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, OregonMocked by: DraftWire, Pro Football NetworkKayvon Thibodeaux continues to fall down the board while maintaining a presence near the top. George Pickens, WR, GeorgiaMocked by: Danny Kelly of The RingerGeorge Pickens was also my pick for the Detroit Lions at Pick 32.

The Detroit Lions have signed unrestricted free agent Tracy Walker to a $25 million, three-year deal and he is determined to be part of the team's turnaround.

What do you want to do?”The Detroit Lions safety could have let the process play out. “You know what, think Detroit’s where I’m going to be back at,” Walker told his agent. “Yeah,” Walker said, “we’re going back to Detroit. That’s top-20 money at the position -- and in a show of how much the Lions believe in Walker, they guaranteed $17 million of the deal. The Lions went 3-3 down the stretch last year, and were 3-1 in the last four games started by quarterback Jared Goff.

The Detroit Lions continue to take care of their own to start free agency. The NFL Network reports Detroit is re-signing breakout pass rusher Charles Harris to a two-year deal worth $14 million. “He had his best year, in my opinion,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said of Harris after the season. “The Lions, in general, Detroit, the team, the city, it just embodies myself,” Harris said in the interview. Related headlines:There’s a lot to like about the Detroit Lions signing WR D.J.

The first day of free agency negotiations is well underway, and quite a bit of money has been sent around to get the week started. Quandre Diggs re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a reported $40 million deal over three seasons. The agreement includes a $20 million signing bonus, and the salary goes from $1.5 million to $15.5 million in Year 2. This post will continue to update as more signings and happenings occur:2022 NFL free agency tracker: Latest signings, trades, contract info for all 32 teams -- NFL.comCould Baker Mayfield get traded? Hilton: I’m A Free Agent, So If You Want Me, Come Get Me -- Pro Football TalkJacksonville Jaguars make free agency splash, land Brandon Scherff, Christian Kirk -- Florida Times-UnionPackers Re-Signing All-Pro Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell -- Sports IllustratedJaguars’ free agency moves point toward Aidan Hutchinson at No.

This is the sixth of a seven-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs heading into free agency. Previously: Receivers | Running backs | Quarterbacks | Offensive linemen | LinebackersUnder contract: CB Jeff Okudah, CB Amani Oruwariye, CB Jerry Jacobs, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB A.J. Parker, S Will Harris, S Brady Breeze, CB/S Bobby Price, CB Mark Gilbert, S JuJu HughesExpiring contracts: S Tracy Walker, S Dean Marlowe, S C.J. Related headlines:2022 NFL combine: Could safety Kyle Hamilton or the strong cornerback class entice the Detroit Lions? Detroit Lions 2021 review: Jeff Okudah’s future shrouded in mystery after 2 forgettable seasonsRe-signing Tracy Walker ‘absolutely’ a priority for Detroit LionsTracy Walker named Detroit Lions’ first NFC defensive player of the week since 2018

The Lions lack talent throughout their roster, and they can use help in NFL free agency at every position in coach Dan Campbell's second season.

The defensive backs and specialists closed the show at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash with elite shuttle and three-cone times. Michigan’s Dax Hill, another possible target for Pick 32 or 34, wasn’t far behind in the 40-yard dash (4.41 seconds). Gardner ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and some impressive split times. -- NFL.comNFL Combine 2022: Players who most-improved their draft stock -- 24/7 SportsWith Two Days To Go, No Franchise Tags Yet -- Pro Football TalkOne free agent fit for each team: QB to Saints, Colts?

This is the sixth of an eight-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ interests heading into the 2022 NFL combine, which kicks off next week. Will Harris is heading into the final year of his rookie deal after finishing the season at cornerback. 2 overall pick on Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton? Top prospectsS Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame): Kyle Hamilton is such a legit prospect that he has people thinking about taking a safety within the first three picks. He allowed 20 catches on 40 targets for only 131 yards while making three interceptions in 14 games last season.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have a big decision to make on Tracy Walker before free agency opens next month. The hard-blocking fullback has become the first player to get a new contract this offseason, agreeing to a two-year extension that will run through 2023. While Cabinda isn’t exactly a household name, it isn’t a huge surprise the Lions prioritized his future to kick off the offseason. “Look, I’m a Cabinda fan because I know what the guy is,” Campbell said during his training camp in Detroit. “He would go and play linebacker and hit the (bleep) out of you,” former Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow said, when asked who was most difficult to face in practice during his Detroit years.

Whether through free agency, internal avenues, April’s draft or a combination, it’s one of the more pressing needs around these parts. It means he’s a rock-solid option that shouldn’t break the bank due to his lack of playmaking or field-flipping chops. Marcus Williams and Jessie Bates III highlight the impressive free-agent offerings, while this year’s draft class isn’t too shabby either. Let’s dig into five safeties that could make sense for the Lions in April’s draft:Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre DameKyle Hamilton is challenging the notion that you shouldn’t draft a safety with a top-three pick. He’s been mocked to the Lions at the back of the first round in recent weeks too.

The Detroit Lions have wrapped up the 2021 season. Previous entries: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive line | Defensive line/edgeDEFENSIVE BACKSStarters: CB Amani Oruwariye, CB Jerry Jacobs, CB A.J. Parker, S Tracy Walker, S Will HarrisBackups: CB Jeff Okudah, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Bobby Price, CB Mark Gilbert, CB Parnell Motley, CB Saivion Smith, S Dean Marlowe, S C.J. The former third-round pick was among the 10 worst safeties in the league in his first two seasons according to ProFootballFocus. In fact, he was even worse, finishing as the second-worst safety in the whole league this past season per PFF.

The Detroit Lions defensive coordinator is expected to draw an interview to replace Sean Payton as the head coach in New Orleans, according to NFL Network. When the Jets hired Robert Saleh instead last offseason, Glenn decided to follow Dan Campbell to Detroit and become the Lions’ defensive coordinator. “AG’s is kind of like that uncle that — you know how there’s that uncle that always watches your back when you’re young? And he’s always going to look out for you, but he’s going to tell your ass when you’re wrong? “AG is always going to tell you when you’re wrong, but he’s going to love you.

Denver general manager George Paton is in town today to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for that club’s head-coaching vacancy. Denver is also expected to speak with Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Packers quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy, Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod May, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathon Gannon according to 9news in Denver. And he’s always going to look out for you, but he’s going to tell your ass when you’re wrong? “AG is always going to tell you when you’re wrong, but he’s going to love you. I love playing for Dan.

The Dungeon of Doom is back with a season-capping special episode, offering highlights and observations from Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes’ year-end press conference. -- Charles Harris and Tracy Walker are the team’s top in-house free agents, with Brad Holmes calling each a fit for what they’re looking for in players. Holmes runs through the story of Dan Campbell coming to his office to discuss taking over playcalling duties. -- Holmes talks about past experiences from the Senior Bowl, which should have Lions fans feeling optimistic heading into draft season. Dungeon of Doom podcast: Jack Fox was living on friend’s floor months before record-setting Lions seasonDungeon of Doom podcast: Graham Glasgow talks leaving Detroit, working out with Michigan’s Aidan HutchinsonDungeon of Doom podcast: Dan Miller, voice of the Detroit Lions, looks ahead and talks favorite callsLetter from the Editor: Why start a Lions podcast now?

ALLEN PARK -- Tracy Walker is heading into the offseason and potential free agency with some hardware, with the Detroit Lions safety winning NFC defensive player of the week honors. He’s the first Lions safety to win the award since Glover Quin in 2014, and first player since Darius Slay in 2018. Jared Goff won NFC offensive player of the week honors earlier in the season, with the quarterback being the first Lions player to win that one since Calvin Johnson in 2015. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn previously said he “absolutely” wants Walker on the back of his defense next year. That’s why I respect them the way I do.”Related headlines:Re-signing Tracy Walker ‘absolutely’ a priority for Detroit LionsLions’ Tracy Walker on new-look defense: ‘It’s a better scheme for everybody’NFL free agency: GM Brad Holmes says Tracy Walker, Charles Harris are fits for LionsLions’ Tracy Walker celebrates guilty verdict of Ahmaud Arbery’s killers while continuing to honor cousinBroncos request to interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn for head-coaching vacancy

“Tracy had already been with us obviously, but a new scheme, a new regime, new coaching staff, and he responded well here, he really did. Walker has sidestepped questions about his intentions for free agency, but has been clear about his love and respect for the new coaching staff in Detroit. “I love my coaching staff,” he said. But I love this coaching staff, I love this locker room, I love this group of men surrounding me. With high-priced rushers like Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara injured most of the season, Harris stepped into a starting role and led the team in sacks (7.5) and quarterback hits (10).

The Denver Broncos have filed a request to interview Glenn for their head-coaching vacancy, according to NFL Network. This is the second head-coaching interview Glenn has drawn in as many years, also speaking with the New York Jets last year. The Lions finished the regular season 28th against the run, 24th against the pass and 29th in overall defense. And he’s always going to look out for you, but he’s going to tell your ass when you’re wrong? “AG is always going to tell you when you’re wrong, but he’s going to love you.

The Detroit Lions put cornerbacks Ifeatu Melifonwu and Mark Gilbert along with linebacker Tavante Beckett on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young suffered a potentially serious right knee injury, putting a damper on Washington’s big win against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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.

Matthew Stafford still has positive feelings about his time in Detroit.

Defensively, the Detroit Lions have nowhere to go but up as head coach Dan Campbell prepares for his first season.

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)DETROIT – Kirk Cousins danced in the end zone after running for a go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter and the Minnesota Vikings went on to celebrate the end of a disappointing season with a 37-35 win over the lowly Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Vikings (7-9) failed for the fourth time in a decade to make two straight trips to the playoffs. The Lions (5-11) lost their last four games eight of 10 after going into November with a .500 record under former coach Matt Patricia. In a matchup without postseason implications, the Vikings and Lions combined to play a closely contested game with a lot of highlights and lowlights. Alexander Mattison ran for 16 yards to convert a fourth-and-1 from the Lions 25 with 2:28 left, allowing the Vikings to run out the clock to seal the win.

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.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Detroit Lions to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field Sunday. Aaron Jones rushed for a career-high 168 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a 75-yard breakaway, as the Green Bay Packers rallied from an early 11-point deficit to beat the Detroit Lions 42-21 on Sunday. Green Bay took the lead for good 17-14 on Rodgers' 11-yard pass to Tonyan with 14 seconds left in the second quarter. That gave Stafford 35 career touchdown passes against the Packers, the most by any Green Bay opponent. Stafford has thrown for 5,430 career yards against the Packers to lead all Green Bay foes.

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

NEW YORK NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says there remains an urgent need for action following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests around the country that have followed. As current events dramatically underscore, there remains much more to do as a country and as a league, Goodell said in his statement Saturday. There remains an urgent need for action. I understand the outrage because it seems the list continues to grow: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. Will he be treated like George Floyd or Ahmaud Abrey?

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 14: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass over the defense of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)DETROIT - The Lions took a hard loss to the Green Bay Packers on "Monday Night Football," and the refs have some explaining to do. The Lions, who lead 22-13 in the fourth quarter, were on the receiving end of multiple questionable penalties that ultimately helped Green Bay keep drives alive and complete their comeback. Calls under scrutiny include two hands-to-the-face calls against Trey Flowers, which upon review appeared to be clean moves in both cases. (On the two hands-to-the-face penalties on Detroit defensive end Trey Flowers.

(Photo by GregoryDETROIT - The Detroit Lions will report for training camp July 24 and over the next six weeks, coaches will watch position battles and measure player value to cut the roster from 90 players to 53. While many players are already guaranteed a spot, training camp is where fans will get their first look at younger players and where coaches will define roles for the start of the season. Heres a group of guys to keep your eyes on throughout camp and preseason games as this years team takes shape. During training camp, Amendola will be fun to watch as he competes against the Lions defense as fans get to see how hes used with other weapons. After missing the last three games of the season with an injury, Hand looks to build on a strong rookie season, as the Lions will count on him more.