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

The Lions signed Fowler on Wednesday.

Impacts: Fowler has started in 60 of 88 career games. He was released by Arizona Cardinals this year after starting 37 games the previous three seasons for Buffalo.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports the Detroit Lions signed free-agent C Melvin Fowler (Cardinals) Tuesday, Nov. 17. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lions signed C/G Melvin Fowler. Fowler, a starter at center for the Bills in 2006 and 2007, will add depth with guard Stephen Peterman sidelined by an ankle injury.Source: Detroit Free Press

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick Williams (hip) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11.

Williams (hip) practiced for the second-straight day on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Spin: With two days under his belt, we would expect Williams to resume his role as the Lions' fourth receiver Sunday against Cleveland.Fri, Nov 20

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick Williams (hip) returned for the team’s practice Thursday, Nov. 19, but he is questionable for Week 11. Williams said he was going to test the hip.

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 caught four passes for 48 yards Sunday against Minnesota.

Spin: There continues to be little consistency among Detroit receivers behind Calvin Johnson (knee) from week to week. Northcutt looked stron against the Vikings, but it's unlikely that he'll continue to be the No. 2 receiver for the Lions.Mon, Nov 16

News: Lions WR Dennis Northcutt had six catches Sunday at Minnesota for 48 yards.

Analysis: Northcutt is good for an occasional game as this, but he has minimal Fantasy value and should not be used in the majority of leagues even with a good matchup in Week 11 against Cleveland

Dennis Northcutt caught six passes for 48 yards in Sunday's loss to the Vikings. Northcutt was just a dump off for Matthew Stafford and racked up catches, but he's still waiver wire fodder. He had no catches in each of his previous two games.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick Williams (hip) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11.

Williams (hip) practiced for the second-straight day on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Spin: With two days under his belt, we would expect Williams to resume his role as the Lions' fourth receiver Sunday against Cleveland.Fri, Nov 20

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick Williams (hip) returned for the team’s practice Thursday, Nov. 19, but he is questionable for Week 11. Williams said he was going to test the hip.

News: Lions QB Daunte Culpepper and FB Terrelle Smith were dressed but did not record offensive stats Sunday at Minnesota.

Analysis: Culpepper is the backup QB, and Smith is a blocking back for the Lions. Ignore them both in Week 11 against Cleveland

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.

News: Detroit RB Kevin Smith has a great matchup in Week 11 against Cleveland, and he's the CBSSports.com Start of the Week. Cleveland is No. 30 in run defense with 166 yards per game allowed and 13 touchdowns. Nine running backs have reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns, including their past five opponents in Marshawn Lynch, Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Grant, Matt Forte and Ray Rice. Surprisingly, Cedric Benson is the only starting running back who failed to reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns, but don't expect Smith to follow suit. Cleveland is coming off a short week with the Monday night loss against Baltimore, and Smith appears healthy from the earlier shoulder problem.

Analysis: Shaun Rogers, the Browns' erratic but sometimes effective defensive tackle, could make life tough for Smith as he faces his former team, but not enough to keep Smith from being a solid starting option. It's not often that we recommend a Detroit player with such conviction, but this matchup is too good to let this opportunity pass us by. Start Smith in all leagues and look for a solid outing

News: Detroit RB Kevin Smith has a great matchup in Week 11 against Cleveland, and he's the CBSSports.com. Cleveland is No. 30 in run defense with 166 yards per game allowed and 13 touchdowns. Nine running backs have reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns, including their past five opponents in Marshawn Lynch, Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Grant, Matt Forte and Ray Rice. Surprisingly, Cedric Benson is the only starting running back who failed to reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns, but don't expect Smith to follow suit. Cleveland is coming off a short week with the Monday night loss against Baltimore, and Smith appears healthy from the earlier shoulder problem.

Analysis: Shaun Rogers, the Browns' erratic but sometimes effective defensive tackle, could make life tough for Smith as he faces his former team, but not enough to keep Smith from being a solid starting option. It's not often that we recommend a Detroit player with such conviction, but this matchup is too good to let this opportunity pass us by. Start Smith in all leagues and look for a solid outing

Smith had 12 carries for 55 yards Sunday in the Lions' 27-10 loss to the Vikings.

Impacts: Smith has gone five straight games without a rushing TD and fantasy owners may not want to use the Lions RB anymore.

Brown was inactive for Sunday's game against Minnesota not due to an injury, but a coach's decision, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Spin: "We haven't been getting production out of Aaron's role, and we needed to do something about it," Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said. "We couldn't continue in the same vein that we'd been going." Brown had been running the ball effectively, but mental mistakes - probably expected ones from a rookie - made him expendable Sunday. Look for him to get the message and start studying his playbook a little more closely.Mon, Nov 16

Lions rookie RB Aaron Brown was benched by coach Jim Schwartz for Sunday's loss to the Vikings. Brown had been active for the team's first eight games, but Schwartz didn't like what he saw. "We haven't been getting production out of Aaron's role, and we needed to do something about it," Schwartz said. "We couldn't continue in the same vein that we'd been going." Brown went the wrong way on a screen play against the Seahawks in Week 9 and he's in the doghouse.Source: Detroit Free Press

Week 10 inactives: QB Drew Stanton (3rd), RB Aaron Brown, DB Anthony Henry, LB Ernie Sims, OL Daniel Loper, OT Ephraim Salaam, DE Cliff Avril, and DT Landon Cohen.

Our View: As expected, QB Matthew Stafford (knee) and WR Calvin Johnson (knee) are active and will start. On defense, rookie DeAndre Levy replaces Ernie Sims, who is inactive due to a hamstring injury. Also, LB Larry Foote (knee) and DE Dewayne White (toe) are active and will start.

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.

John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew dropped two passes and had a costly late-hit penalty Week 10.

News: Lions rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew had two catches for 23 yards Sunday at Minnesota.

Analysis: Pettigrew is a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues, but he should be considered a sleeper in deeper formats for Week 11 against Cleveland

Brandon Pettigrew caught two passes for 23 yards in Sunday's loss to the Vikings. It was a disappointing game for Pettigrew as he was coming off a seven catch, 70 yard performace in Week 9. He had a bad drop and took a stupid personal foul after a play in the first half, but his playing time was not affected. The rookie still is not close to a TE1.

Fitzsimmons had a season-high six catches Sunday against Seattle.

Spin: Fitzsimmons and fellow tight end Brandon Pettigrew were far and away Matthew Stafford's top targets on a day when the rookie quarterback was really struggling, throwing five interception on the afternoon. Pettigrew is the more valuable of the two tight ends, and we would not expect Fitzsimmons to have many more games with over five catches.Mon, Nov 9

News: Detroit TE Casey Fitzsimmons caught six passes on Sunday in a Week 9 loss to the Seahawks. He gained a total of 41 yards in the game with a long of 9 yards.

Analysis: Fitzsimmons is a low-end tight end with the Lions and is not worth owning in pretty much all Fantasy formats. He is not a recommended option for Week 10 at Minnesota

News: Detroit TE Casey Fitzsimmons was able to catch two passes in the team's Week 8 game against the Rams. He gained a total of 17 yards in the game.

Analysis: Fitzsimmons is a low-end tight end with the Lions and is not worth owning in pretty much all Fantasy formats. He is not a recommended option for Week 9 at Seattle

Johnson was limited in Friday's practice by a hand injury, but is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Cleveland, the Lions' official site reports.

Spin: We're not sure how he suffered the injury -- he may have just bumped it in Thursday's practice -- but Johnson's status for Sunday doesn't appear to be in jeopardy.Fri, Nov 20

Getty Images Quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith are players the Lions can build around. Detroit cornerback Phillip Buchanon lingered a bit longer than...

Johnson had eight catches for 84 yards Sunday in the Lions' 27-10 loss to the Vikings.

Impacts: Johnson has scored just one TD this season and does not appear to be a good selection for fantasy owners despite his physical gifts.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick Williams (hip) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11.

Williams (hip) practiced for the second-straight day on Friday, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Spin: With two days under his belt, we would expect Williams to resume his role as the Lions' fourth receiver Sunday against Cleveland.Fri, Nov 20

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Derrick Williams (hip) returned for the team’s practice Thursday, Nov. 19, but he is questionable for Week 11. Williams said he was going to test the hip.

Delmas (tooth, jaw) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Cleveland, the Lions' official site reports.

Spin: Delmas was active last week, but barely played thanks to an infected tooth. He should get more time on the field Sunday.Fri, Nov 20

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions S Louis Delmas (tooth, jaw) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19. He should be OK for Week 11 and is expected to play.

Lions rookie FS Louis Delmas (infection) should be back in the starting lineup Sunday after he surprisingly was unable to play last week. Delmas was active for the game, but his tooth infection flared up on him in warmups and he watched the entire game from the sideline. Delmas, who has been the Lions' best IDP bet in the secondary and a real bright spot, returned to a full practice Wednesday.Source: Detroit Free Press

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports the Detroit Lions have placed SS Marquand Manuel (shoulder) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.

The Detroit Lions put Manuel on injured reserve Wednesday because of a shoulder injury.

Impacts: Manuel made 35 tackles in nine games this season.

News: The Lions put safety Marquand Manuel on injured reserve Wednesday because of a shoulder injury and signed defensive back DeAngelo Smith. The Lions also placed cornerback Jack Williams on injured reserve on Wednesday due to a knee injury and signed center Melvin Fowler.

Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys drafted Smith in the fifth round of this year's draft and released him. He was also cut by Cleveland and Chicago. Fowler has started in 60 of 88 career games. He was released by Arizona Cardinals this year after starting 37 games the previous three seasons for Buffalo. Manuel made 35 tackles in nine games this season. Williams was hurt in his only game for the Lions after playing for Denver. None of these players have any Fantasy relevance

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions CB Anthony Henry could see time at nickel cornerback or safety Week 11.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions CB Anthony Henry remains in the doghouse. He has been practicing as a starter on special teams, but not on defense.

Week 8 inactives: QB Drew Stanton (3rd), WR Calvin Johnson, CB Anthony Henry, FB Jerome Felton, OG Manny Ramirez, OG Daniel Loper, and DE Jason Hunter.

Our View: We already reported that Johnson (knee) would be inactive earlier in the day. WR Dennis Northcutt has played well in the last two weeks, and could be the primary beneficiary of his absence. Also, Stafford returns under center for the first time in two weeks, and Daunte Culpepper will be the primary backup.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions CB Phillip Buchanon (knee), LB Jordon Dizon (neck), LB Larry Foote (knee), DE Jason Hunter (knee) and S Ko Simpson (knee) were limited in practice Thursday, Nov. 19, but each are expected to play Week 11.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions FB Jerome Felton (ankle), DE Jason Hunter (knee) and DT Joe Cohen (ankle) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 13. They are listed as probable for Week 10 and are expected to be available to play.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions FB Jerome Felton (ankle) and DE Jason Hunter (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 12, but both are questionable for Week 10.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DT Grady Jackson (knee), CB Phillip Buchanon (knee), LB Jordon Dizon (neck), DE Jason Hunter (knee) and FS Ko Simpson (knee) were limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. They are listed as probable for Week 11 and will be able to play.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DT Grady Jackson (knee) missed the team’s practice Thursday, Nov. 19, but he is expected to play Week 11.

Detroit Lions CB Phillip Buchanon (knee), LB Jordon Dizon (neck), LB Larry Foote (knee), DE Jason Hunter (knee), DT Grady Jackson (knee) and FS Ko Simpson (undisclosed) were limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Cohen was inactive for Sunday's game at Minnesota.

Impacts: Cohen, a seventh-round pick last season, has made three starts.

Second-year DT Landon Cohen has been running with the Lions first team defense alongside Grady Jackson. Cohen appears to have jumped ahead of Chuck Darby and Andre Fluellen, with Fluellen getting the reps in nickel situations. Cohen gained 20 pounds in the offseason to better fit Jim Schwartz's run-stopping defensive plan.Source: Detroit News Related: Andre Fluellen

The new Lions coaching staff is putting an emphasis on bulking up its defensive linemen this offseason. "I love 'em, just because I get to eat more," said DT Landon Cohen. New coach Jim Schwartz actually cares about stopping the run, although he's going to have a hard time doing it with Rod Marinelli's undersized holdovers.Source: Detroit News

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions LB Zack Follett (neck) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 but is expected to play.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions LB Zack Follett (neck) missed the team’s practice Thursday, Nov. 19, and his status for Week 11 is unknown.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions LB Zack Follett (undisclosed) was not participating during the media-access portion of practice Thursday, Nov. 19.

Foote (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Cleveland, the Lions' official site reports.

Spin: Foote should be available on Sunday if you need him.Fri, Nov 20

Larry Foote was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to the Browns' official website. He is nursing a knee ailment.

Our View: Foote has not missed a game over his previous six seasons, and the tough vet should have good odds of playing Sunday against Cleveland. He racked up 59 tackles (45 solo) over nine games with the Lions.

Foote was limited in practice Wednesday with a knee injury, the Lions' official site reports.

Spin: The fact that Foote was on the practice field in some capacity is a good sign, but check back later in the week if you plan to start him.Wed, Nov 18

Phillip Buchanon and Will James have finally settled in as the Lions' starting cornerbacks. It only took half a season for Detroit to find the "right" mix. They still have the NFL's No. 32 pass defense. The Lions targeted Buchanon to be their No. 1 corner in the offseason. He was benched early on and has regained his job, but hasn't picked off a pass all year. He has 25 tackles and a forced fumble.Source: MLive.com

John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions CB Phillip Buchanon (knee) is dealing with a knee injury.

Buchanon had seven tackles and a forced fumble Sunday against Minnesota.

Spin: Buchanon left the game for a short time Sunday with an injury, but he was able to return. The Lions sustained a number of injuries Sunday in the secondary, so they'll lean heavily on the veteran.Mon, Nov 16

News: The Detroit Lions put cornerback Eric King on injured reserve with an injured left shoulder, creating an open spot on the roster Monday. King was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Analysis: He wasn't expected to produce enough stats on a regular basis to be useful in Fantasy. Keep him off rosters

The Lions put King on injured reserve with an injured left shoulder, creating an open spot on the roster Monday.

Impacts: King was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Lions have placed King on injured reserve with an injured left shoulder, the Associated Press reports.

Spin: The reserve cornerback finishes up the season with seven tackles in four games.Mon, Oct 12

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

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DT Sammie Hill (toe) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 13. He is listed as probable for Week 10 and will be available to play.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions DL Sammie Hill (ankle) should be fine to play in Week 9.

Detroit Lions DL Sammie Hill (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9.

News: Detroit LB Ernie Sims (hamstring) and S Kalvin Pearson (hamstring) have been ruled out of the team's Week 11 game against the Browns.

Analysis: Neither of these players need to be active in IDP formats and should remain on waivers

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions SS Kalvin Pearson (hamstring) and LB Ernie Sims (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. They have been ruled out for Week 11.

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions LB Ernie Sims (hamstring) missed the team’s practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He is considered week-to-week, but he will likely miss Week 11.

Ko Simpson will likely take over as the Lions' starting strong safety for the rest of the season. The team lost Marquand Manuel to I.R.; Simpson is next on the depth chart. Simpson beat Manuel out earlier in the year, but lost the job when he got hurt. Give Simpson a look in deep IDP leagues behind Detroit's leaky front seven, though FS Louis Delmas remains their most productive defensive back.

Ko Simpson will likely take over as the Lions' starting strong safety for the rest of the season. The team lost Marquand Manuel to I.R. and Simpson is next on the depth chart. Simpson beat Manuel out earlier in the year, but lost the job when he got hurt. Give Simpson a look in deep IDP leagues behind Detroit's leaky front seven, though FS Louis Delmas remains their most productive defensive back.

News: Detroit DB Ko Simpson recovered a fumble in the team's Week 9 game against the Seahawks. He also led the team with nine tackles in the game.

Analysis: Simpson is not a relevant Fantasy option but put up big stats Week 9 as the Seahawks were throwing the ball all over the field. He is not recommended for Week 10 at Minnesota