Lions HC Jim Caldwell said MLB Tahir Whitehead has grown in leadership the past years as he's taken an increased role in the defense.
Jim Caldwell said the Logan Thomas mini-saga -- signed by Detroit's practice squad as a QB-turned-TE and then signed by Buffalo to be on the 53-man roster as a TE the next day is not something he's seen very often before.
Jim Caldwell said "time is ticking" when it comes to using the IR designated to return spot. Ameer Abdullah and Jon Bostic are the two candidates for it.
Will DeAndre Levy ramp up work load this week? Jim Caldwell: "We will see."
Matthew Stafford said "it's nice to say but I don't worry about it" when asked about Jim Caldwell saying he's on a potential path to the Hall of Fame. Said it is up to you guys (media) who vote on it.
Matthew Stafford said his relationship with former OC Joe Lombardi (now the Saints QB coach) is "fine," but he hasn't talked with him much.
Matthew Stafford said there is a faith the Lions have late in games and a belief that all three phases will make plays when they need to. Detroit has won all seven games this season with come-from-behind victories.
LIONS THE UNDERDOGS, REALLY?
Somehow, the Saints are favored this weekend in their matchup with the Lions. Which is why one of our Insiders is calling Detroit over New Orleans as the weekend's biggest upset.
All Lions on the active roster present and accounted for during the open portion of practice Wednesday. Brandon Pettigrew and Armonty Bryant were also working in practice.
PLAYOFF LOCK? LIONS STILL HAVE WORK TO DO.
Football Outsiders gives Detroit north of a 50 percent chance to reach the postseason after beating the Vikings on Thanksgiving, but notes the Lions have one of the NFL's toughest schedules down the stretch.
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Michael Rothstein espn
