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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

5/17/2013

Detroit Lions' top 5 players in the mix to return kicks, punts


One thing is for certain the Detroit Lions wlll be looking for a player or players to win the kick returner and punt returner positions in training camp and preseason games. Stefan Logan was not re-signed.
  Here are five of the top candidates in no particular order:
— Running back Joique Bell returned two kicks last season for a total of 54 yards. But he fumbled one of those returns. He only fumbled once on 82 carries, so he’s mostly sure-handed. He’ll definitely get a look.
— Wide receiver Mike Thomas, who arrived from Jacksonville via trade mid-season in 2012, returned kicks and punts for the Jaguars. To make the roster he’s likely going to have to contribute on special teams.
— Rookie running back Steven MIller tried to make the most of his chances at becoming a returner during rookie minicamp. He’s speedy, small (5-foot-7, 172 pounds), slippery and eager.
— Wide receiver Patrick Edwards did return kicks and punts at the University of Houston. Like Miller, he’s got the speed. Edwards’ problem in 2012 was staying healthy enough to be on the practice field every day. If he can stay healthy he should be in the running. (Shown in photo by Oakland Press photographer Vaughn Gurganian.)
— Rookie Theo Riddick  was the primary kick returner for Notre Dame as a freshman. It’s likely one of the reasons the Lions grabbed him in the sixth round. He didn’t participate in return drills at rookie minicamp but coach Jim Schwartz said not to read anything into that.
  Others could contribute also. Reggie Bush said he's game, but he hasn't returned punts since he was with the New Orleans Saints. Ryan Broyles was drafted to use in the return game, but for the second straight training camp he will be coming off ACL surgery.
(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you f-ing kidding me paula...this exact same article was posted on bleacher report ten hours earlier. Everything you write seems to come from other sources, a day late, including that hacked book of yours. Shameful as hell.

11:31 PM 
Blogger Unknown said...

I believe the lions have a some good return player,s have some good kick off and punt returner now! I just hope we do not use! Slay or fuller we need these guys on the field! Its to much of a risk to take starting player,s and use them in this role!

1:52 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not sure about the return guys you said were in the mix, but maybe the Lions should consider another five. Like Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, and Gummo. Or maybe Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, and Joe. They're all dead, you say? It's the Lions. Nobody will notice the difference.

8:17 PM 

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