Lions signed RB DeDe Dorsey.
The MVP of the UFL's inaugural championship game, Dorsey offers a similar package to change-of-pace back Aaron Brown. The Lions are expected to add a possible starter as well, so Dorsey may have to impress as a returner to nail down a roster spot behind Maurice Morris.
Matthew Stafford (shoulder, knee) is hoping to be cleared for full participation for the offseason conditioning program, which begins on March 15.
Stafford's shoulder did not require surgery and he's simply been rehabbing it to improve strength in the capsule. He's at the Lions facility this week to check in with team doctors and all signs point toward him being good to go in March.
Matthew Stafford indicated that he's "pretty close" to being recovered from the left shoulder injury that ended his season.
Stafford underwent a knee scope in late December, but it was the shoulder that kept him out of the lineup for the final month. He's expected to be healthy for offseason activities, but the Lions will need to upgrade the offensive line to keep him in one piece for 2010.
Kevin Smith is reportedly seeking outside opinions on his left shoulder and may not need surgery after all.
Smith actually played through injuries to both shoulders in 2009. He was delaying the procedure until he ditched his crutches from ACL surgery. Now he's hoping to repair the left shoulder through rehabilitation instead. Per beat writer Tom Kowalski, Smith is expected to land on the training camp PUP list even if his shoulder doesn't go under the knife.
Matthew Stafford (knee scope) reiterated that he expects to be ready for the start of the off-season conditioning program in March.
"It's still in the rehab phase, but I'm moving around, doing a lot of stuff with it," Stafford said. "It's more strength now than anything." The minor surgery won't adversely affect his draft status this summer.
Frustrated by a lack of progress with the Lions, MLB Larry Foote is determined to test free agency this offseason.
Foote, 29, gave the Lions a one-year discount last year because he wanted to return to his hometown. With DeAndre Levy ready to step in as a starter, however, the Lions are in no hurry to bring back Foote on a multi-year deal.
Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he expects Kevin Smith (ACL, shoulder surgeries) to be back for the start of next season.
Smith hasn't even undergone the shoulder surgery yet. The Lions originally speculated that Smith's knee involved more than just the ACL tear, but he underwent surgery less than two weeks after suffering the injury. The lack of a delay and Linehan's optimism suggest Smith wasn't as seriously injured as first feared. Regardless, we remain skeptical that Smith will be ready for a prominent role by Week 1.
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