Detroit Lions News

A few weeks into the 2013 season, Mikel Leshoure realized he wasn't going to have a role in the Lions' backfield.

The Detroit Lions were badly in need of secondary help when they brought in 11-year veteran Rashean Mathis for a tryout last August.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford finished last season third in the NFL in passing yards with 291 per game, behind Peyton Manning and Drew Brees .

Matthew Stafford took his spot on the podium after the Lions finished their first day of training camp Monday.

With the first day of the Detroit Lions training camp in the books, the key position battles are naturally settled.

Early during Monday afternoon's practice, Van Noy injured his right thumb and left the field to receive medical attention.

Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the Lions' second-round draft pick, didn't have a great start in Monday's training camp opener.

Given that Big Ten coaches by and large are not a jovial bunch, at least when they're addressing a crowd of media, Franklin got everyone's attention right away.

David Freese hit a tiebreaking homer off Joba Chamberlain in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Detroit Tigers 2-1 Sunday for their third straight victory.

Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn in the end zone for a safety during the third quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field.

As the Detroit Lions are starting training camp at Allen Park, all eyes will be on new head coach, Jim Caldwell.

Jun 12, 2013; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens secondary coach Teryl Austin holds up a play during mini camp at Under Armour Performance Center.

Ndamukong Suh's contract negotiations have dragged on longer than expected, but first-year Lions coach Jim Caldwell said he remains confident that Suh and the Lions will reach a long-term extension to keep the Pro Bowl defensive tackle in Detroit.

The Detroit Lions have won one playoff game in the past 56 years, and none since 1991.

Coach Jim Caldwell, on why he believes he is the coach who can make the Lions winners: 'We have a talented group.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, left, stands with defensive end Ezekiel Ansah during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Ford Field in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013.

Nick Fairley put on a few pounds during his six weeks away from football this summer, but for once it appears the weight was good weight.

Second-year defensive end Ziggy Ansah will be a key cog of the Lions' defense this season, but when he'll be able to contribute is uncertain.

Brandon Pettigrew rolled up to Detroit Lions training camp this morning in an orange and black 1972 Plymouth Barracuda, a classic car so loud he had to shut the engine off so he could talk over the intercom at the player's entrance gate.

MLive will examine each of the Detroit Lions' positions heading into the start of training camp July 28. Today we hit on the defensive backs.