TREY FLOWERS

This is the seventh of an eight-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs and priorities heading into the NFL draft, which is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday in Las Vegas. 2: Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, Walker, JohnsonFirst-round possibilities for Detroit at No. The Lions did re-sign Charles Harris, last year’s sack leader, to a two-year deal in free agency. He isn’t a perfect prospect, but he’s as close as it gets in this draft for Detroit. If Jacksonville does take Hutchinson, the Lions could turn to Thibodeaux, Walker or perhaps Johnson.

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.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions opened the NFL combine by announcing some tweaks to their defensive front and coaching staff ahead of the week of workouts, visits and interviews. That crucial question is Trey Flowers and what happens with his massive contract on the heels of two injury-shortened and disappointing seasons. Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell side-stepped questions concerning one of the league’s highest-paid edge defenders. The shift to more four-person defensive fronts is a change from the 3-4 primary looks seen around these parts in 2021. And it helps you find players, too.”Like Holmes after the season, Campbell made sure to say he loves Trey Flowers, the human being and football player.

Previous entries: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive lineDEFENSIVE LINE/EDGE DEFENDERSStarters: EDGE Trey Flowers, EDGE Romeo Okwara, DL Nick Williams, DL Michael Brockers, NT Alim McNeillBackups: EDGE Charles Harris, EDGE Julian Okwara, EDGE Austin Bryant, EDGE Rashod Berry, EDGE Jessie Lemonier, DL Levi Onwuzurike, DL Jashon Cornell, NT John Penisini, DL Bruce HectorKey stats: Charles Harris led the team with 7.5 sacks and 52 pressures. The third-round rookie even got in the mix getting after the quarterback, flashing that size-athleticism combo that had many excited. It allowed Charles Harris to come in and enjoy a career-best campaign while putting the pass rush on his back. Harris had only 6.5 sacks and 81 pressures through his first four years in the league. The former first-round pick exploded for 7.5 sacks and 52 pressures through only seven starts after signing a one-year deal.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions did a lot of good work this past season. Everyone needs good glue, and the Lions have a lot of guys who could fit that kind of role for a contender. But I just don’t think he’s the answer for the rebuild. I love these guys, especially Jacobs, but I’m scared they have “empty” stats and they would be bench players on a good team. Anyway, I don’t think so.

ALLEN PARK -- The future of Trey Flowers is one of the most pressing issues facing general manager Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions heading into the offseason. On top of that, Lions general manager Brad Holmes gave the veteran defender some props for being “the ultimate glue guy” despite shying away from discussing his future with the team. “Yeah, you know Trey, you’re talking about the ultimate glue guy, ultimate leader,” Holmes said Tuesday. Okwara notched two sacks in the season finale against the Packers while starting for the first time of his career. Related headlines:Live updates recap: Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes holds year-end press conference after first seasonDetroit Lions coaching staff selected for the 2022 Senior BowlRomeo Okwara moving more at this stage of Achilles recovery, motivated to get back for Detroit Lions2022 NFL draft: Top 18 picks set, Detroit Lions hold No.

Every year, players in every NFL city fail to meet expectations.

PregameReport: Lions ‘quietly’ pursued University of Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell before hiring Dan Campbell--DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (0-10-1) and their quest for that first win of the season continues into the homestretch, drawing the Minnesota Vikings (5-6) in Week 13 action from Ford Field. Minnesota has won eight straight in this series and is looking to keep its playoff hopes alive. This post will update with drive summaries, analysis, injury updates, photos and more throughout the game. Hit the refresh button to keep up and make sure to follow MLive’s Detroit Lions reporters on Twitter -- @BenjaminSRaven and @kmeinke. Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 13Trey Flowers headed back to injured reserve as the tough times continue for him in DetroitHow to watch Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Everything you need to knowLooking ahead: Minnesota Vikings can extend winning streak over Detroit Lions to 9 games2021 Team stats:DVOA offensive ranking: Lions 30th | Vikings 8thDVOA defensive ranking: Lions 28th | Vikings 17thNet yards gained per passing attempt: Lions 5.2 (32nd) | Vikings 6.9 (9th)Rushing yards per attempt: Lions 4.6 (6th) | Vikings 4.2 (17th)Points per game: Lions 15.8 (30th) | Vikings 25.5 (10th)Points allowed per game: Lions 26.3 (27th) | Vikings 25.1 (24th)Net yards allowed per passing attempt: Lions 7.5 (32nd) | Vikings 6.6 (23rd)Rushing yards allowed per attempt: Lions 4.3 (14th) | Vikings 4.8 (32nd)Takeaways: Lions 13 | Vikings 13

The Lions announced a flurry of moves on Saturday evening, one of which sent the once-prized edge defender back to injured reserve. The former Patriots defensive coordinator had helped make Flowers a star in New England, which was appealing to Flowers. With where this team is headed -- they’re 0-10-1 heading into Sunday’s game against Minnesota -- it’s possible Flowers won’t play in any of the other three remaining games this year either. And with where his contract is headed, it’s possible he won’t play in Detroit again at all. For now, the Lions will have to continue to play out another lost season without either of their top edge rushers.

ALLEN PARK -- Prized rookie offensive tackle Penei Sewell was spotted back at Detroit Lions practice after missing Wednesday’s session with an illness. Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge was also back on the practice field after missing yesterday with an illness too. Running back D’Andre Swift (shoulder), edge defender Trey Flowers (knee), linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) and cornerback Bobby Price (shoulder) were not spotted. “I like the depth of our backfield,” Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said. Flowers has been out since the team’s tie in Pittsburgh, missing four games this season due to multiple injuries.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions were back from Thanksgiving break without running back D’Andre Swift, prized rookie offensive lineman Penei Sewell and edge defender Trey Flowers at Wednesday’s practice. Swift was held out due to the shoulder injury suffered in the team’s loss to the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. ESPN reports the second-year running back could miss multiple weeks due to the injury impacting the AC joint in his shoulder. Swift has been the team’s top offensive playmaker this season, hitting career highs in the rushing department in the two games leading into Thanksgiving. The Lions were also without receiver KhaDarel Hodge (illness), cornerback Bobby Price (shoulder) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder).

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is active against the Chicago Bears.

ALLEN PARK -- Tim Boyle just turned in the worst-rated game by any Lions starting quarterback since 2009. The Lions have upgraded Jared Goff to limited on their estimated practice report on Monday afternoon. The report was estimated because Detroit didn’t actually practice, but the league requires them to file one anyway because of the Thanksgiving game in three days against the Chicago Bears. That’s the worst rating by a Lions starting quarterback since Drew Stanton’s starting debut for an injured Matthew Stafford in 2009. Rookie Justin Fields was listed as out on their estimated practice report, along with important starters like defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and receiver Allen Robinson, while pass rusher Khalil Mack has already been placed on injured reserve.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff missed another practice, and he wasn’t the only one. Left tackle Taylor Decker was also sidelined on Thursday, along with rookie running back Jermar Jefferson and veteran edge defender Trey Flowers, leaving Detroit shorthanded heading into Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Goff is officially day-to-day with an oblique injury he suffered in Pittsburgh last week, although at this point, it’s not looking good. He admitted the injury limited his ability to throw against the Steelers -- he had just 54 yards passing in regulation, the worst outing by a Lions quarterback since 2004 -- and woke up even more sore on Monday. Decker just made a successful return to the position last week, but was in street clothes for practice on Thursday.

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.

The Pittsburgh Steelers say they're taking nothing for granted when they face winless Detroit.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have activated defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, giving them a shot at seeing their defensive line near full strength against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Hand was close to returning from injured reserve on Friday, saying they would monitor how he felt heading into Sunday’s game. Hand suffered a groin injury during training camp, missing every game to this point. Hand has missed 26 games since his impressive 2018 rookie season. The Lions announced a series of moves ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Eagles from Ford Field.

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.

That forced Bobby Price into the starting lineup, who was later benched for Jerry Jacobs, all of which left Oruwariye as the No. Now he’s banged up too, leaving the Lions short-handed in the secondary as they search for their first win of the season. Two other starters, tight end T.J. Hockenson and edge defender Trey Flowers, also did not practice. Left tackle Taylor Decker did make his return to the practice field as expected, although did so with a cast protecting his left hand. Detroit has three weeks to take a look at him before activating Decker or losing him for the season.

Dan Campbell has tried to soak the Detroit Lions in his signature blend of confidence and enthusiasm, a 6-foot-5 energy drink of a head coach who is determined to hoist one of the NFL's most historically unsuccessful franchises onto his...

The Detroit Lions remain inside the division on the quest for their first win of the season, on the road to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Latest line: Lions +10 (over/under 49.5 points)HOW TO WATCH (How to watch, stream, listen to every Detroit Lions game in 2021 NFL season)TV network: FOX(For additional viewing options, click here.) Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)HOW TO LISTENRadio network: 97.1 The TicketFor a full list of radio partners in Michigan, click here. Trey Flowers looks on track to make his return after missing two games, considered questionable heading into pregame. Trey Flowers trying to remain positive after tough couple years since signing mega-deal in Detroit“It’s tough,” Flowers said after practice on Thursday.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are back on the road and still in the division for Week 5′s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter of their NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, on Sunday, October 20, 2019. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers recovered from his long-forgotten ugly season-opening performance, tossing four touchdowns against the Lions in Week 2. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scrambles in the first quarter of their NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, on Sunday, October 20, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comWill either Vikings QB Kirk Cousins or Lions QB Jared Goff push the ball downfield?

ALLEN PARK -- Trey Flowers was the hottest free agent in the league in 2019. Nobody got more of it than Trey Flowers that year ($90 million). Detroit’s decline is due to a constellation of factors, although Flowers’ failure to live up to the contract hasn’t helped. And just the way we know how he approaches this game and how he loves this game, you feel for him. “But like I said, man, you do a lot of praying, a lot of meditation and just try to stay positive.”

The Detroit Lions are on the road for an NFC North showdown with the Chicago Bears in Week 4. Latest line: Lions +3 (over/under 41 points)HOW TO WATCH (How to watch, stream, listen to every Detroit Lions game in 2021 NFL season)TV network: FOX(For additional viewing options, click here.) Detroit Lions have prime chance to keep pass rush rolling against Chicago’s beat-up offensive lineEven without Flowers, this is an ideal matchup for Detroit’s pass rush to keep it rolling. Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into Week 4This post looks at the matchups between Frank Ragnow and Akiem Hicks, Allen Robinson and Amani Oruwariye while we try to answer some key questions. Anthony Lynn on USC rumors: ‘My focus is 1,000,000% right here with the Detroit Lions’“My focus is 1,000,000% right here with the Detroit Lions,” Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said of those USC rumors.

ALLEN PARK -- Trey Flowers’ injury woes continue. Going back to last season, Flowers has now missed 11 of Detroit’s last 13 games. The good news for Detroit is its edge rushers actually played pretty well without Flowers on the field last week against Baltimore. Austin Bryant chipped in one sack off the bench, while Julian Okwara had four pressures on just nine pass rushes. And that’s all those guys, from AB, Julian Okwara, Romeo, we have a number of guys we expect a lot of, right?

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions defense fared pretty well without Trey Flowers on Sunday against Baltimore. Flowers missed another practice on Wednesday afternoon as Detroit began preparations for next week’s game against the Chicago Bears. He missed another game on Sunday -- his 10th in 12 games going back to last year -- although Detroit played well without him in the 19-17 loss against Baltimore. The Lions also remain without Da’Shawn Hand, who is eligible to come off injured reserve with the groin injury that has held him out all season. Left tackle Taylor Decker, also eligible to come off IR, was at practice in street clothes and had a wrap on his injured hand.

DETROIT -- The Lions are going to have to face the league’s top-ranked running attack without their best run defender. Edge defender Trey Flowers has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Flowers has been limited by a shoulder injury all year, then suffered a knee injury too that kept him off the practice field all week. Baltimore is also without star left tackle Ronnie Stanley, along with defensive end Derek Wolfe and safety Ar’Darius Washington. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed a day of practice this week with a non-COVID illness, is active as expected.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions edge rusher Trey Flowers missed a third straight practice on Friday afternoon, further endangering his availability to play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Flowers has been fighting off a shoulder injury that has limited him at practice throughout the regular season, then suffered a knee injury coming out of the loss in Green Bay as well. He hasn’t practiced since and seems unlikely to play against Baltimore, although that has yet to become official. Fellow starting edge rusher Romeo Okwara (shoulder) has also been limited all week, while backup Julian Okwara was limited on Thursday after suffering a neck injury. That leaves Charles Harris and Austin Bryant as the only healthy players at that position for Detroit.

D’Andre Swift missed portions of practice on Thursday with a groin injury, while Jamaal Williams missed time with a chest injury. Both players were listed as limited, along with defensive tackles Michael Brockers (shoulder) and Levi Onwuzurike (hip) and edge rushers Romeo Okwara (shoulder) and Trey Flowers (shoulder). Swift also missed most of training camp with a groin injury, so much so that he came off the bench in the opener against San Francisco. He finished with a team-high 54 rushing yards on nine carries and accounted for 110 yards of total offense. Williams missed another practice on Thursday with a brain injury.

Despite all of the ties to the past regime and the way they liked to do things, Flowers was one of five players voted captain heading into the start of the regular season. “That’s just a testament to my character and the way that I play football,” Flowers said. Flowers was limited to seven games last year, notching two sacks, ranking 13th among edge defenders per Pro Football Focus. Flowers was getting used to his new role in base looks at the start of camp, enduring some growing pains along the way. That’s a lot of tenacity, trying to get after the football, a lot of stuff in motion, obviously you can see it here in practice.

The staff and front office that brought Flowers to Detroit from New England, paying him $90 million over five years in the process, is gone. His position in the team’s base 3-4 defense is also changing, with Flowers moving from defensive end to outside linebacker. He’s spent the past month preparing for the season, getting used to his evolving role in the team’s new-look defense under first-year coordinator Aaron Glenn. Flowers didn’t play in the team’s preseason finale or the week before, drawing 11 defensive snaps in the exhibition opener against the Buffalo Bills. Lions coach Dan Campbell admitted at the start of training camp that they were asking Flowers to do some stuff he hadn’t done before.

A new era of Detroit Lions football kicks off Friday at Ford Field. There’s another new GM and head coach, and Matthew Stafford won’t be starting at quarterback.

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

Frank Ragnow leads the way with an 88 overall rating for the iconic game’s ‘22 edition, with third-year tight end T.J. Hockenson not far behind the center. Hockenson and Ragnow were two of Detroit’s three Pro Bowlers last season. Jack Fox was the other, with the punter coming in as the team’s fourth highest-rated player at 80 overall. Penei Sewell, the team’s first-round pick back in April, is rated as a 75 overall right tackle. Moore: 62 overallAlex Brown: 61 overallGodwin Igwebuike: 61 overallAlijah Holder: 58 overallJerry Jacobs: 58 overallSpecial teamsJack Fox: 80 overallRandy Bullock: 71 overallMatthew Wright: 69 overall

ALLEN PARK -- Trey Flowers is heading into his third season with the Detroit Lions, but it’s far from business as usual for the veteran defender. Here’s the beauty of Trey, he’s smart, he works his rear off, he’s adaptable, and he’s tough. Flowers notched seven sacks in 15 starts in Year 1 with the Lions, slotting 22nd on the analytic site’s rankings. “Yeah, it’s definitely different, you know, but it’s something that I can work on (and) want to work on,” Flowers said. “Willing to go out there and help my team, so it’s something different, but that’s why you got training camp.

The new coaching staff came into Detroit and once the dust settled, they transparently announced Trey Flowers and Okwara would play outside linebacker in base looks. He missed most of last season with a broken forearm but made a couple plays when dropping back off the line. “With outside linebackers, we look for three different characteristics,” Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash said. That includes new positions for Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara. Related: New Lions DE Charles Harris finds motivation in Sheila Ford Hamp’s request to get after the QB

You’d be hard-pressed to find another organization that has undergone more change than your Detroit Lions. Today, those very new-look Lions open training camp in Allen Park. When it comes to inside linebackers, most eyes in training camp will be on rookie Derrick Barnes, then the development and deployment of Jahlani Tavai and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Tavai has been regarded as one of the worst linebackers in football, struggling like none other in pass coverage. Roster projection: Jamie Collins, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Jahlani Tavai, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Trey Flowers (EDGE), Romeo Okwara (EDGE), Charles Harris (EDGE), Julian Okwara (EDGE)

While Flowers has remained one of the more well-rounded ends around, he’s making the switch to outside linebacker with Romeo Okwara in Detroit’s base 3-4 defense. Flowers has been back in town for the past couple of weeks, speaking with reporters for the first time since Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash confirmed Flowers and Okwara would switch positions. Pro Football Focus ranked him 13th among all edge defenders, though, with top 10 marks in coverage at his position. It depends on how we trying to manipulate the scheme, whatever it is, so I’m prepared,” Flowers said. “That’s why I’m working now, to be prepared to drop back when I have to or when the play is called.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions players issued a statement saying they would boycott voluntary workouts this offseason. Then on the eve of voluntary workouts, the Detroit Lions are releasing photos of players reporting for work anyway. So was Taylor Decker, who got the biggest contract of last year (and has said he won’t get the vaccine). It seems the Lions could be headed for a good turnout with top-level talent for the first batch of three OTA practices, despite those same players releasing a statement last month saying they would opt out of such workouts. But those numbers have plummeted since, due in part to an effective vaccine rollout in Detroit and throughout the state.

The Detroit Lions will use a base 3-4 defense this fall, which means Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara will play more from stand-up positions.

ALLEN PARK -- We already ranked the five best and worst draft picks of the Bob Quinn era in Detroit. Without further ado ...Top 5 free-agent signings of the Bob Quinn era1. If more signings would have went like the first, Quinn would still have an office in Allen Park. But Flowers has just nine sacks in two seasons and Detroit has continued to trot out one of the worst pass rushes in the league. He was given a four-year, $22.6 million deal that made him one of the 15 highest-paid tight ends in the league in 2019.

ALLEN PARK -- Trey Flowers finally revealed the extent of his season-ending injury, saying he fractured his forearm while making a pass-rush move in Week 8. Flowers said he suffered the injury making a rip move against Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo. Flowers, speaking to reporters via Zoom, said he doesn’t need surgery and “definitely” expects to be back for the offseason program. Pro Football Focus still had Flowers ranked ninth overall among edge defenders with enough snaps to qualify on the season. So we definitely, definitely can -- I know I said I wasn’t going to talk -- but we can definitely be contenders.

DETROIT -- It seems Matthew Stafford isn’t the only Lions player who will try to come back from an injury in the season finale. Defensive tackle Danny Shelton has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to suit up on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Shelton suffered a knee injury on Thanksgiving and missed the last four games, dealing yet another serious blow to Detroit’s embattled defense. The Lions have also signed safety Bobby Price from the practice squad, plus elevated defensive tackle Albert Huggins and center Evan Brown from the practice squad for the finale against Minnesota. They released defensive tackle Frank Herron in the corresponding move.

DETROIT -- Robert Prince is about to make his (interim interim) head coaching debut down eight starters, including two on the offensive line. Center Frank Ragnow has been ruled out with a fractured throat he suffered two weeks ago against Green Bay. He finished that game, but has been ordered not to talk since due to the damage to his vocal cords. With defensive end Trey Flowers, defensive tackle Danny Shelton and cornerback Desmond Trufant on injured reserve, Detroit is down eight full-time starters overall, in addition to part-time starter Jeff Okudah. That’s almost half the starting lineup, for a team that is rolling with a receivers coach as their interim interim head coach (Prince), a quarterbacks coach calling offensive plays (Sean Ryan) and a research analyst calling defensive plays.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)In a year impacted by a pandemic and social unrest, NFL players have spoken out and stepped up. “The 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees remind us that even in the face of adversity, players continue to raise awareness and use their voice and platform to positively impact their communities. “Being nominated as the Chiefs' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” tight end Travis Kelce said. As an organization captain, he directs a team of active NFL players who are committed to using their platform to help address the clean water crisis.

ALLEN PARK -- Kenny Golladay and D’Andre Swift were not at Lions practice during the 25-minute window that was open to reporters, leaving both players trending the wrong way heading into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Swift was a limited practice participant on Wednesday as he tries to come back from a brain injury that has sidelined him the last two games. Golladay, who has missed four games with a hip injury, was working on the side with a trainer. “(Swift’s injury) is a touchy subject, obviously, with the concussion protocols and everything,” interim head coach Darrell Bevell said before practice. The good news is defensive end Trey Flowers was working on the side with a trainer on Thursday.

Lions 27, Football Team 248:53 -- Washington Football Team drive starts on own 34Third-and-5 for Washington after Smith tosses one away out of the pocket. 7:52 -- Washington Football Team drive starts on own 18Justin Coleman is back in the game to start the second half. Lions 24, Football Team 1015:00 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 25D’Andre Swift opens the half with a 3-yard gain. Lions 24, Football Team 3HALFTIME -- Detroit Lions 17, Washington Football Team 3Halftime analysis: Lions QB Matthew Stafford looks fine after injuring throwing handSecond quarter:01 -- Washington Football Team drive starts on own 32Kneel into the half. 8:01 -- Detroit Lions drive starts on own 33Third-and-10 quickly here, Lions look to avoid a three-and-out -- incomplete look for Marvin Hall.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have to win on Sunday to preserve whatever’s left of their playoff hopes. And they’re going to have to do it without top receiver Kenny Golladay and starting safety Tracy Walker. Golladay (hip) and Walker (foot) were officially ruled out by Detroit on Friday afternoon, along with reserve receiver Jamal Agnew (ribs). The Lions may also turn to tight end T.J. Hockenson to help fill Golladay’s role in the passing game. Oruwariye has played pretty well too, but could be poised to head to the bench with the return of Trufant.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions need to beat the Vikings to preserve what’s left of their fragile playoff hopes. Matthew Stafford was moved to the COVID list on Wednesday, although has not tested positive for the virus according to his wife. That means Stafford could be eligible to come off the list on Sunday, the day Detroit plays in Minnesota against the Vikings. Stafford, he should be there.”Of course, that means Stafford would be facing the Vikings without practicing all week. Stafford is the second Lions player to land on the COVID list this week, following linebacker Jarrad Davis on Tuesday.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will try to notch their first win inside the NFC North of the year with a Week 9 trip to face the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings (2-5) beat the Packers 28-22 last week, riding an eye-popping performance from running back Dalvin Cook. Related: Detroit Lions sit tight at trade deadlineDalvin Cook scored a TD on each of the @Vikings' first 4 offensive drives. The Lions will also be without linebacker Jarrad Davis, who landed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Tuesday. Related: Detroit Lions place linebacker Jarrad Davis on COVID-19 reserve list

ALLEN PARK -- After getting some shopping done last week, the Detroit Lions elected to stand pat at Tuesday’s trade deadline. That includes Detroit, which acquired Cowboys pass rusher Everson Griffen for a conditional sixth-round pick. Then just days after the trade, the Lions lost star defensive end Trey Flowers to an arm injury. So the trade for Griffen has turned out to be especially timely, and the Lions are excited to get him on the practice field for the first time on Wednesday. The Lions are 3-4, two games out of the final spot in the NFC field, and teetering on the edge of competitiveness.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will be without Trey Flowers for at least three games but are expecting the well-timed addition of Everson Griffen this week. Flowers was placed on short-term injured reserve with an undisclosed ailment to open the week. Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin spoke with reporters on Tuesday, expressing his excitement to get Griffen in the building. Griffen spent 10 seasons with the Vikings, who the Lions happen to face on the road this weekend. So, not there yet, but we’re going to depend on D. Hand just like we depend on everyone else.”Related: Detroit Lions placing Trey Flowers on injured reserve

DETROIT -- So not only were the Lions blown out at home, but now they’ve lost star receiver Kenny Golladay and star defensive end Trey Flowers because of it too. Lions coach Matt Patricia announced on Monday afternoon that Flowers is headed for injured reserve. The move comes as yet another blow for a Lions pass rush that has struggled this season. So, yeah, losing Flowers is a blow for a defense that has struggled for most of the season anyway. The good news is Golladay isn’t headed to injured reserve, although he’s still expected to miss at least one game with the hip injury he suffered on Sunday.

Detroit Lions player Trey Flowers and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist will be part of an online voting townhall this afternoon titled “Your Vote Matters: How to Cast Yours in Michigan." Eligible Michigan voters can learn their options when it comes to registering to vote and casting their ballot. The event is being hosted by the “Players Coalition” which is an independent advocacy organization made up of over 1,400 professional athletes, coaches and team owners. The online townhall gets underway at 5 p.m. and to register to be apart of it click here.

ATLANTA -- The Detroit Lions stormed back for an unbelievable 23-22 win on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Here are three things we learned:The defense is getting better. Detroit locked down the Jaguars last week, and backed up that performance with another solid outing in Atlanta. Flowers also dropped into coverage and broke up a pass on a key fourth-down stop in the red zone. The run defense continued its ascent too, holding Atlanta to a season-worst 66 yards, just one week after holding Jacksonville to a season-worst 44 yards.

Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers (90) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Lions have given top defensive end Trey Flowers the green light to play on Sunday despite a wrist injury that he’s battled all week. Trufant was Atlanta’s first-round pick in 2013 and turned in seven good seasons there, including making the Pro Bowl in 2015. But that signing hasn’t worked out so far, with Trufant sidelined most of the season with hamstring injuries. That has forced the Lions to turn to Jeff Okudah, a promising rookie whose development was slowed by a lack of practice time. Trufant’s injury issues forced Okudah to start the following week in Green Bay, and the inexperience showed.

But Flowers has emerged from that game banged up, missing practice on Wednesday with a wrist injury. Receiver Marvin Jones (knee), center Frank Ragnow (groin) and cornerback Desmond Trufant (hamstring) also did not participate, leaving Detroit short four starters heading into Sunday’s game with the Atlanta Falcons. “Trey is someone that shows up every single week and does stuff that you’re just like -- it’s almost clinic-like teaching,” coach Matt Patricia said this week. I think it’s a great example for everybody that’s around him of how you need to approach every single week. I think that’s just how he is.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Of course the Detroit Lions would like to rush opposing quarterbacks. “I think we just did a good job of having a good rush and good coverage,” Harmon said. "I think we did a pretty good job in coverage the whole day, whether we were in zone or whether we were in man. I think we did a good job of mixing it up.”Indeed. “They did a good job mixing their blitzes and mixing their coverage.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are coming out of the bye week considered three-point favorites by most oddsmakers for their Week 6 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Detroit was off after blowing a double-digit lead to the New Orleans Saints to fall to 1-3 heading into its off week. The Jaguars (1-4) lost 30-14 to the Texans in Houston’s first game after firing coach and general manager Bill O’Brien. The Lions allow the most rushing yards per game in the league (170.3) while giving up 31.8 points (29th most). Jacksonville has been rough against the pass this year, giving up 280.2 yards through the air each week (28th) and 29.4 points per game.

The Packers (4-0) and Detroit Lions (1-3) don’t play this week and therefore are the first NFL teams to get a taste of how different off weeks will be amid a pandemic. “We have new protocols in place that are meant to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. The NFL sent out a reminder Friday that the league’s agreement with the NFL Players Association in August means players who miss tests can be punished with a $50,000 fine. “You’ve got to look no further than Tennessee.”The protocols are impacting some players more than others. While the protocols have changed those plans, it has created opportunities for those players who already have their family members with them.

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.

ClickOnDetroit (WDIV)FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WDIV) - A billboard showing a football referee wearing a cheesehead popped up along I-275 in Michigan as Detroit Lions fans continue to protest the officiating in the "Monday Night Football" game against the Green Bay Packers. At least one billboard in Metro Detroit has featured the image of a referee signaling an "illegal hands to the face" penalty while wearing the Packers' signature cheesehead, ClickOnDetroit reported Thursday. Sky 4 captured video of the billboard at about 4 p.m. Thursday along I-275 near 10 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In both instances, the "Monday Night Football" announcers, as well as fans and analysts across social media, disagreed with the calls. It's been three days, but obviously Lions fans haven't forgotten.

A billboard showing a football referee wearing a cheesehead along I-275 near 10 Mile Road in Farmington Hills on Oct. 17, 2019. (WDIV)FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - A billboard showing a football referee wearing a cheesehead popped up along I-275 in Oakland County as Detroit Lions fans continue to protest the officiating in the "Monday Night Football" game against the Green Bay Packers. At least one billboard in Metro Detroit has featured the image of a referee signaling an "illegal hands to the face" penalty while wearing the Packers' signature cheesehead. READ: 9-year-old Lions fan pens letter to NFL after blown callsSky 4 captured video of the billboard around 4 p.m. Thursday along I-275 near 10 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. It's been three days, but obviously Lions fans haven't forgotten.

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.

Justin Coleman of the Detroit Lions defends a pass intended for Allen Lazard of the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field on October 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Williams finished with 104 yards on 14 carries and four catches for 32 yards for Green Bay (5-1), which captured its first win in five tries against its NFC North rival. The first set up Lazard's touchdown, and the second allowed Green Bay to run the clock down to 2 seconds before Crosby's game-winner. In both cases, replays showed Flowers' hands on the neck or shoulder - not the face - of a Packers lineman. Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith each had a sack for Green Bay.