Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford downplayed an incident in which C Dominic Raiola yelled at fans during the team's Week 8 home loss. In an interview with a Detroit radio station Monday, Nov. 2, Stafford said he was standing on the sideline near the end of the game when some fans starting ridiculing him. Raiola, who was standing nearby, ripped into the fans. "It did strike a chord,'' Raiola said. "You've got three or four guys yelling at him ... you want to run him out of town already? You know what I'm saying? That just hit home with me. Because I've been through it with Joey (Harrington), I've been through it. They sent him packing, and they're not going to do it to this guy. I'm going to be right here next to him.'' Stafford added, "(Raiola's) right. They're not going to run me out of town. I'm not too worried about it. They didn't get to me, so I'm cool with it.''

The Detroit Lions signed center Dominic Raiola to a four-year contract extension Thursday, putting the 6-foot-1, 295-pound starter under contract through the 2013 season. "He's everything that's right about the NFL," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "He's a guy that embraces the city he lives in.

Lions signed C Dominic Raiola to a four-year, $20 million extension through 2013. The deal includes $9 million in guarantees. Raiola was entering a contract year and has been a reliable starter for most of his eight seasons, but this isn't an attractive move. He's turning 31, missed four games to injury in 2008, and is undersized. With new OC Scott Linehan moving away from the Detroit's old zone-blocking scheme, Raiola will be asked to power run block more. He figures to struggle.Source: ESPN.com

News: Detroit PK Jason Hanson did not get a chance to kick a field goal or extra point on Sunday in the team's Week 8 game against the Rams. It was the second straight game he has been shut out in.

Analysis: The Lions' offense is terrible and it has resulted in Hanson failing to try a kick in each of the past two games. He won't likely get shut out three weeks in a row, but he is not a recommended option for Week 9 at Seattle

News: Detroit K Jason Hanson did not get a chance to kick a field goal or extra point on Sunday in the team's Week 6 game at Green Bay. It was the first time he has been shut out this year.

Analysis: Hanson's previous low for a game this season was six back in Week 4 at Chicago. The Lions offense is pretty awful, but they had given Hanson enough chances to be somewhat effective in Fantasy until Week 6. The Lions have a bye in Week 7 then face the Rams in Week 8. Hanson will likely be a low-end option for that game

Hanson hit 2-of-3 field goals Sunday against the Steelers.

Spin: Hanson had a long of 46 yards on Sunday. He also kick two PATs.Mon, Oct 12

News: Detroit RB Aaron Brown touched the ball four times on Sunday in a Week 8 loss to the Rams. Brown carried the ball twice in the game for a total of 15 yards. He also caught two passes for 13 total yards.

Analysis: Brown does not typically due too much offensively for the Lions but got a few more touches in Week 8 when Kevin Smith went down with injury. He is not a recommended option in any format for Week 9 at Seattle

News: Detroit RB Aaron Brown carried the ball two times on Sunday in the team's Week 6 loss at Green Bay. He gained a total of 13 yards in the game.

Analysis: Brown did not record a stat in Week 5 and only got two carries against the Packers in a blowout loss. He is not a relevant Fantasy player and can continue to be ignored in all formats unless Kevin Smith gets injured

Brown will be relieved of his duties as kickoff returner by Derrick Williams, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Spin: The rookie muffed a pair of kickoffs during Sunday's game, and was replaced by Adam Jennings who immediately muffed one as well. Williams should see plenty of opportunities to return kickoffs after scores.Tue, Oct 6

Favre: As an emailer pointed out - what if Favre was ready to go to the Vikings, but caught wind of the Manny Ramirez news and figured he’d push his announcement to next week so he could be the A1 lead in every sports page in the country and dominate Sportscenter for days? “This means

Lions LT Jeff Backus has surrendered an average of 10 sacks per season over the last three years. League average tackles average about five sacks allowed per year, so this puts in perspective how bad Backus has been. The Lions reportedly don't know which Backus they'll get this year, but he's likely to continue to struggle if Daunte Culpepper wins the starting quarterback job. Culpepper is a sack waiting to happen with a long release and no remaining mobility.Source: MLive.com

The Detroit Lions have signed veteran offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam as a free agent. Terms were not disclosed on Thursday. The 32-year-old Salaam has played for four teams since being drafted by Atlanta in the seventh round of the 1998 draft. He spent the last three seasons playing for Houston. Lions coach Jim Schwartz says Salaam will see time at both tackle positions, backing up Jeff Backus and...

Jeff Backus is slated to start at left tackle after the team failed to draft an offensive lineman. Backus is one of the weaker left tackles in the league, so free agent acquisition Daniel Loper may push him in training camp. For as much as the Lions have improved this offseason, they've done little to address their weakness up front.Source: Detroit Free Press Related: Daniel Loper

Northcutt was held without a catch Sunday against the Rams.

Spin: A very disappointing day considering Calvin Johnson (knee) was inactive. It looks like Northcutt is not going to be a major target for Matthew Stafford, whether or not Megatron is on the field.Mon, Nov 2

Northcutt led the Lions for the second straight week with a five-catch and 40-yard performance against the Packers on Sunday.

Spin: With Calvin Johnson (knee) out, the passes had to be thrown to someone. With Matthew Stafford (knee) and Daunte Culpepper (hamstring) out against the Packers, there wasn't a whole lot of production coming out from under center for Detroit. The Lions have a bye this week, which should allow one of the signal callers to get healthy, though Johnson's status is still unclear.Mon, Oct 19

Dennis Northcutt caught five balls for 40 yards in Week 6. Northcutt drew the start with Calvin Johnson (knee, thigh) inactive and led Detroit in receiving, but the team's passing game was completely ineffective. Johnson figures to return after the Lions' Week 7 bye, rendering Northcutt irrelevant in fantasy leagues. He will continue to return punts.

News: Detroit WR Derrick Williams caught one pass on Sunday in the team's Week 6 loss at Green Bay. The catch went for seven yards.

Analysis: Williams is more of a special teams and situational player with the Lions than anything else. He is just a low-end Fantasy option and does not need to be owned

Tim Twentyman, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he liked how WR Derrick Williams performed in the offense and on special teams in Week 5.

Lions rookie WR/KR Derrick Williams had his best game of the season against the Steelers in Week 5. Williams provided the Lions with improved field position on kickoff returns and made consecutive catches of 18 and 19 yards on the game's final drive. Williams won't be a fantasy option as the Lions' No. 4 receiver.Source: Detroit News

Culpepper (hamstring) does not appear on Friday's injury report.

Spin: Culpepper seems to be physically healthy, but his time as a starting quarterback is likely over. Matthew Stafford, despite being listed as questionable with his knee injury, is expected to start against the Rams.Fri, Oct 30

Daunte Culpepper practiced Tuesday, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Our View: Rookie Matthew Stafford (knee) is feeling better, and might be able to play in Week 8 against St. Louis. If not, Culpepper should be ready to make another start in his place.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Daunte Culpepper (knee), FS Ko Simpson (hamstring), DL Dewayne White (hamstring) and DL Sammie Hill (ankle) all returned to practice Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Lindsay Jones, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos DL Le Kevin Smith will likely start the team’s Week 9 game in place of DL Ryan McBean (knee). Defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely said, “Le Kevin Smith is our guy who is going to be starting for Ryan. He’s played, and we brought him here from New England for a reason. He’s a good football player, and now he’ll get a chance to start and get a chance to play a lot more than he has in the first seven games.”

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

News: Detroit RB Aaron Brown touched the ball four times on Sunday in a Week 8 loss to the Rams. Brown carried the ball twice in the game for a total of 15 yards. He also caught two passes for 13 total yards.

Analysis: Brown does not typically due too much offensively for the Lions but got a few more touches in Week 8 when Kevin Smith went down with injury. He is not a recommended option in any format for Week 9 at Seattle

News: Detroit RB Aaron Brown carried the ball two times on Sunday in the team's Week 6 loss at Green Bay. He gained a total of 13 yards in the game.

Analysis: Brown did not record a stat in Week 5 and only got two carries against the Packers in a blowout loss. He is not a relevant Fantasy player and can continue to be ignored in all formats unless Kevin Smith gets injured

Brown will be relieved of his duties as kickoff returner by Derrick Williams, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Spin: The rookie muffed a pair of kickoffs during Sunday's game, and was replaced by Adam Jennings who immediately muffed one as well. Williams should see plenty of opportunities to return kickoffs after scores.Tue, Oct 6

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions OT Gosder Cherilus (shoulder) participated in practice Friday, Oct. 30. He is listed as probable for Week 8 and will play.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions OT Gosder Cherilus (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions OT Gosder Cherilus (shoulder) and SS Kalvin Pearson (quadriceps) were limited during practice Friday, Oct. 9. They are listed as questionable for Week 5 but are expected to play.

News: Detroit TE Will Heller made one grab in the team's Week 8 loss to the Rams. The catch went for a total of 10 yards.

Analysis: Heller is not a recommended Fantasy option in any format and can continue to be ignored in all formats for Week 9 at Seattle

News: Detroit TE Will Heller made one catch on Sunday in the team's Week 6 loss at Green Bay. The reception went for 22 yards.

Analysis: Heller is not an important part of the Lions offense even with Calvin Johnson out Week 6. He is not going to be putting up enough stats to be relevant in any Fantasy format and is hardly worth owning

News: Lions TE Will Heller caught one pass for 16 yards in Week 5 against Pittsburgh. He was thrown to one time in the game.

Analysis: Heller hasn't gone over 100 yards in his first six NFL seasons and we aren't sure he will reach that mark in 2009 unless he breaks a big gainer. Heller is not a prominent pass catcher and has little to no Fantasy value

Johnson caught two passes for 49 yards Sunday against the Rams.

Spin: A pretty disappointing day for Johnson considering Calvin Johnson (knee) did not suit up against the Rams. It looks like the Lions passing game isn't going to get going with Matthew Stafford showing rust and Megatron on the bench.Mon, Nov 2

Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports the Detroit Lions’ receivers had four drops and zero receptions in the first half of their Week 8 game. WR Bryant Johnson and WR Dennis Northcutt each dropped passes that would’ve put the Lions in range for a field goal.

News: Detroit WR Bryant Johnson made two grabs in the team's Week 8 game against the Rams. He gained a total of 43 yards in the game with a long of 36 yards. He got the start in place of Calvin Johnson who was out with a knee injury.

Analysis: Johnson continues to start opposite Dennis Northcutt in Detroit as Johnson continues to sit with the knee injury. He has only one scoring TD on the season and has not seen an increase in production with Johnson out. He remains just a low-end option for Week 9 at Seattle

Northcutt was held without a catch Sunday against the Rams.

Spin: A very disappointing day considering Calvin Johnson (knee) was inactive. It looks like Northcutt is not going to be a major target for Matthew Stafford, whether or not Megatron is on the field.Mon, Nov 2

Northcutt led the Lions for the second straight week with a five-catch and 40-yard performance against the Packers on Sunday.

Spin: With Calvin Johnson (knee) out, the passes had to be thrown to someone. With Matthew Stafford (knee) and Daunte Culpepper (hamstring) out against the Packers, there wasn't a whole lot of production coming out from under center for Detroit. The Lions have a bye this week, which should allow one of the signal callers to get healthy, though Johnson's status is still unclear.Mon, Oct 19

Dennis Northcutt caught five balls for 40 yards in Week 6. Northcutt drew the start with Calvin Johnson (knee, thigh) inactive and led Detroit in receiving, but the team's passing game was completely ineffective. Johnson figures to return after the Lions' Week 7 bye, rendering Northcutt irrelevant in fantasy leagues. He will continue to return punts.

Lions beat writer John Niyo is reporting on Twitter that the team has released wide receiver John Standeford.

Our View: Standeford was signed by the team on October 13, an he never really made an impact on the offense. He isn't a bad depth guy, but he doesn't stand much of a chance to make an impact with anyone this season.

John Niyo, of the Detroit News, reports the Detroit Lions have released WR John Standeford.

Lions released WR John Standeford. This is a good sign that Calvin Johnson (knee) will play against the Seahawks Sunday. Standeford was a special teams contributor and deep receiving reserve.Source: John Niyo on Twitter

Delmas led the Lions with 9 tackles on Sunday against the Packers.

Spin: Delmas hasn't quite put up the numbers we expected, but it looks like the rookie may be starting to get the hang of things.Mon, Oct 19

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions FS Louis Delmas is still in the starting lineup, but the coaches are frustrated that Delmas has been making too many mental mistakes.Mancini’s Take: The judgement errors made by Delmas are typical rookie mistakes. On a Super Bowl contender, his miscues might warrant some time on the bench, but not on a rebuilding squad. Overall, Delmas has been a fantastic addition and was recently recognized as the NFL’s...

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions FS Louis Delmas is still in the starting lineup but the coaches are frustrated that Delmas has been making too many mental mistakes.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions CB William James likely will start at cornerback Week 4.

Veteran cornerback William James was signed last year by the team for which James "Shack" Harris served as V.P. of player personnel.Harris and James are both former employees of the Jaguars, and they'll soon be reuniting.Per a league source, James...

Updating a previous report, John Niyo, of the Detroit News, reports the Detroit Lions have signed unrestricted free-agent CB William James (Jaguars), according to his agent. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Lions placed CB DeMarcus Faggins (upper-body injury) on injured reserve, ending his season. Faggins appeared in two games for Detroit, making four tackles. The Lions will roll with Kevin Hobbs, newly signed Jason David, and declining Anthony Henry behind starters Phillip Buchanon and Will James going forward.Source: John Niyo on Twitter

John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions CB Demarcus Faggins (undisclosed) has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.

DeMarcus Faggins left Sunday's game with an upper body injury. Faggins was able to stroll to the locker room under his own power, but it's not clear if he will be able to return.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DE Turk McBride (head) was limited during practice Friday, Oct. 30. He is listed as probable for Week 8 and is expected to play.

Turk McBride started at defensive end over Cliff Avril for the Lions in Week 5. McBride was in on early downs while Avril came in for passing situations. Lions coach Jim Schwartz continues to juggle his defensive lineup.Source: Detroit Free Press Related: Cliff Avril

Turk McBride started at defensive end over Cliff Avril for the Lions in Week 5. McBride was in on the early downs while Avril came in to rush the passer on third downs. Lions coach Jim Schwartz continues to juggle his lineup on the defensive side of the ball.Source: Detroit Free Press

Detroit Lions DL Grady Jackson (knee) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9.

News: Detroit DL Grady Jackson was held out of practice on Thursday with a knee injury. He is considered questionable for Week 9 at Seattle.

Analysis: Jackson is not a relevant Fantasy player and can continue to be ignored in all IDP formats

Detroit Lions TE Casey FitzSimmons (ear), DL Sammie Hill (ankle), DL Grady Jackson (knee), DL Turk McBride (head) and FS Ko Simpson (hamstring) were all limited in practice Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando So, Julian Peterson, did having a couple other ex-Seahawks in Detroit help ease your transition...

Peterson busted out for 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles against the Packers on Sunday.

Spin: This was the game the Lions were hoping to see from Peterson when they traded for him this offseason. The tackling situation at linebacker for Detroit has been pretty unstable, so don't overpay for Peterson right away, but this is certainly an encouraging sign.Mon, Oct 19

News: Detroit LB Julian Peterson put up some big numbers on Sunday in the team's Week 6 loss at Green Bay. Peterson made 2 1/2 sacks in the game, pestering Aaron Rodgers all game. He also forced two fumbles and was in on 10 tackles.

Analysis: Peterson went to the Pro Bowl with Seattle last season and certainly improved his resume this season with his performance at Green Bay. This was by far his best game of the season, having recorded only 18 tackles and one sack coming into the game. He is worth picking up as a nice bye-week replacement in Week 8 against St. Louis as the Lions have a bye in Week 7

Nicholas J. Cotsonika and Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, report the Detroit Lions have not discussed a contract extension with LB Larry Foote, but Foote said he would like to retire as a member of the Lions.

Detroit native Larry Foote said he "would love" to finish his career with the Lions. After signing a one-year contract in the offseason, Foote is currently the Lions' leading tackler. Rookie DeAndre Levy is emerging as one of the team's better linebackers, so Foote's return may not be a lead-pipe lock.Source: Detroit Free Press

Foote had six tackles Sunday against Chicago.

Spin: Foote has been a bit inconsistent this year, and there's likely stronger IDP options available at the moment.Sun, Oct 4

Lions CB Phillip Buchanon was benched in favor of DeMarcus Faggins in Sunday's loss to the Packers. This is the second time in four weeks Buchanon has been benched. It's also the fourth straight week that a member of the Lions' secondary has been pulled in the middle of a game. Buchanon did have a hand injury, but that wasn't the main reason Faggins got in the game. Aaron Rodgers shredded the Lions for 358 yards and two touchdowns.Source: MLive.com Related: DeMarcus Faggins

Lions CB Phillip Buchanon returned to the starting lineup for last week's game against the Steelers. Coach Jim Schwartz said the team will look at "every possibility" in the secondary now that both starting corners have been benched in the first five weeks. Opposing quarterbacks are completing 73.3 percent of their passes en route to average passer rating of 119.7 -- higher than the red-hot Peyton Manning's 114.5.Source: Detroit News

Buchanon lost his starting spot to Will James on Sunday against Washington, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Spin: The Lions haven't been thrilled with Buchanon, and Sunday's demotion comes as no big surprise. Buchanon could be moved to safety.Mon, Sep 28

Jason David has signed with Detroit, according to Adam Caplan's twitter page.

Our View: The Lions have been struggling at cornerback, and David is not likely going to help much at the position. David made five interceptions with New Orleans in 2008, but was still a liability in pass coverage.

Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports the Detroit Lions have signed free-agent CB Jason David (Saints). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lions signed CB Jason David, formerly of the Saints. The Lions' secondary is already worse than last season's, so it's not like David can sabotage the defense to the point that he did in New Orleans. David was torched relentlessly with the Saints for two years, and he's not likely to help the Lions now.Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

The Lions placed Bryan on injured reserve Thursday with a sprained MCL in his right knee, ending his season.

Impacts: He suffered the injury against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Bryan had three tackles and one sack in five games this season.

Copeland Bryan has been placed on injured reserve with a leg injury, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Our View: Bryan had five tackles in five games for the Lions this season. He could latch on a special teamer somewhere else.

Lions placed DE Copeland Bryan (leg) on injured reserve, ending his season. Bryan's loss isn't a big blow to the Lions, but they have been ravaged by injuries (and lack of talent) on the defensive line all season.Source: Detroit Free Press

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DE Andre Fluellen (knee) was limited in practice Friday, Sept. 25. He is listed as questionable for Week 3, but he is expected to play.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), DE Andre Fluellen (knee) and QB Drew Stanton (knee) were limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 24. Buchanon and Fluellen are expected to play, while Stanton is expected to be the No. 3 quarterback.

John Taylor, of The Washington Times, reports Detroit Lions CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), DE Andre Fluellen (knee), DT Sammie Hill (neck), DT Grady Jackson (knee) and CB Eric King (shoulder) were limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions LB Jordon Dizon (foot) should be fine to play in Week 9.

Detroit Lions LB Jordon Dizon (foot) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions LB Jordon Dizon (foot) and DT Sammie Hill (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Nov. 5. They are expected to play in Week 9.

The Lions have claimed Marvin White off waivers from the Cowboys, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Our View: The Cowboys were hopeful of retaining White after releasing running back Chauncey Washington today, but the Lions scooping him up. He will provide quality depth at safety, and will also chip in on special teams with Kalvin Pearson banged up.

John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions S Ko Simpson could emerge as a starting safety as soon as he gets settled into the team's defensive scheme. Neither Kalvin Pearson nor Marquand Manuel were able to lay claim to the starting job during training camp.

Kalvin Pearson is the early favorite to start at strong safety opposite rookie Louis Delmas. At 5'10/200, Pearson is too small to last long at the hard-hitting position, but the alternatives are unappetizing. Daniel Bullocks was burned routinely last season and Marquand Manuel is strictly backup material.Source: MLive.com