Lions Have Most Ready to Compete Roster, 'Jamo' Returns
The Detroit Lions will see wide receiver Jameson Williams return to practice Tuesday, when the team begins joint practices with the New York Giants.
The Alabama product missed Saturday's session dealing with a personal matter, but coach Dan Campbell said he would be back in action on Tuesday.
"I think that's what this is all about. Let's see how much we can give him, see how much he grows. There again, the more reps he gets, the better he's gonna get. He'll get a nice dose these next two days, we'll get him in the game and we'll let him grow."
Campbell said guard Jonah Jackson and wide receiver Denzel Mims may not participate in Tuesday's joint practices.
The Lions are optimistic heading into the upcoming season, as evident by their recent move signing backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
The move is being interpreted as evidence that the Lions are dedicated to going after their lofty goals of reaching the postseason.
"Certainly, we feel pretty good about where we're at. I think in a three-year period, this is the best we've felt about this roster," the coach explained. "Like we have the most game ready, most competitive ready, and so it only made sense to us to bring in a guy who can compete. He and Nate go back and forth, we'll figure it out. But, if something happens, you want to feel like, there again, you can keep the ship afloat, and we play with three phases here: offense, defense and special teams."
Joint practices
On Tuesday, the Lions and Giants will meet for their first joint practice session, leading up to Friday's preseason game.
The opportunity gives both teams a chance to battle after beginning camp going against their respective teammates.
Campbell outlined his expectations for the practices on Tuesday.
"Competing at a high level, and what I told those guys is details," the coach stated. "I want to see, now that we're getting some new competition in, some damn good players on both sides of the ball, can you focus in on the little details, or are you gonna go rogue on us? Or start playing rat ball and playing out of position and it costs us."
Notes
1.) Campbell doesn't expect Bridgewater to be in practice until next week.
2.) Former Lions defensive end Trey Flowers has signed with the New England Patriots, according to reports. He left the Patriots for the Lions after winning two Super Bowls, and has now returned to the organization.