Bell expected to test open market

Tatum Bell is expected to test the free agent market when it opens on Feb.29, according to freep.com The Detroit Lions organization has been trying to convince Bell to return to the fold by telling him they are implementing more of a run based offense in 2008. Sounds like their words are hitting deaf ears, as Bell who collected splinters on the bench for the final 11 games last year is going to test the market. He has averaged 4.8 yards per carry during his career, but is known as a player who is at his best with a 15 carry limit. The Tennessee Titans are rumored to be interested in his services as a homerun hitter to compliment LenDale White.

Kitna nursing shoulder injury

Jon Kitna was limited in practice on Wednesday by a sore left shoulder, according to the team's official website. He is expected to start on Sunday against the Cardinals. Kitna's injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, so we're not too concerned at this point. We'll keep close tabs on him throughout the week just to be on the safe side.

Johnson sore

Calvin Johnson aggravated his back injury during Sunday's win over the Bears. "It isn't as bad as the other one," head coach Rod Marinelli told the Detroit Free Press. "He's sore right now, but he came back and played." Johnson missed time earlier this season with a back injury. Johnson's status for Week 9 has not been determined. We'll keep fantasy owners updated on his status throughout the week.

Duckett still sidelined

T.J. Duckett will not play in Sunday's game against the Redskins. His name appears on the inactive list for the fourth consecutive game. He has not played since he suffered an ankle injury back in Week 1. Duckett practiced this week and appeared ready to play, so this news is surprising. If nothing else, it's good news for Kevin Jones owners, as they won't have to worry about Duckett stealing the money carries.

Johnson will play

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is active for Sunday's game against the Redskins. He missed Week 4 due to a bruised back and was limited in practice all week. Johnson was listed as questionable. It doesn't sound like Johnson is 100 percent, so he's not a slam-dunk fantasy start like he was prior to this injury. That being said, given the bye-week issues and all the injuries to notable wide receivers, the rookie will likely jump into many fantasy starting lineups.

Furrey gets the nod

Mike Furrey will start in place of Calvin Johnson when the Lions face the Bears on Sunday. Furrey is listed as the No. 2 receiver, leaving Shaun McDonald to play the slot. The Bears are missing a slew of defensive starters, making Furrey a sneaky fantasy option this week.

Johnson a game-time call

Calvin Johnson is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday due to a lower back injury. He's officially listed as questionable, according to the AP. Coach Rod Marinelli hinted earlier this week that he though Johnson would play. Johnson will probably suit up, but you should play it safe and not use him if you can afford it.

Johnson should play

Calvin Johnson missed a second day of practice on Thursday with a lower back injury. "I think Calvin is going to be fine," head coach Rod Marinelli told the Detroit Free Press. "But I don't want to tell you something, and then it's not true." Johnson suffered the injury during Sunday's loss to the Eagles. Johnson did some running during practice on Thursday and is hopeful of practicing on Friday. We'll keep you updated on his status as further information is released.

Duckett won't play

T.J. Duckett did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play on Sunday against the Bears, according to the Detroit Free Press. He is still nursing a high ankle sprain. Duckett didn't play last week and the team has yet to release a target date for his return.

Johnson unable to perform

Lions wideout Calvin Johnson was unable participate in practice Wednesday because of bruised lower back he suffered in Week 3, according to the team's website. Johnson is being called day-to-day and may be a game-time decision Sunday if he doesn't get a full practice in before then.

Johnson bruised

Calvin Johnson is considered day-to-day with a bruised back, according to the Detroit Free Press. He suffered the injury during Sunday's loss to the Eagles. Johnson was reportedly moving gingerly on Monday, but tests revealed no significant damage. We'll keep fantasy owners updated on his status throughout the week.

Anderson added

The Lions signed free agent Courtney Anderson on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Dolphins released Anderson during training camp. Anderson will serve as the primary backup to Sean McHugh, who took over the starting job when Dan Campbell was placed on IR over the weekend with a season-ending injury.

Backus' streak in jeopardy

Jeff Backus' streak of 99 consecutive starts at left tackle could come to an end on Sunday. He is nursing a strained muscle in his rib cage and is considered questionable for the Week 4 game against the Bears. Right guard Damien Woody is also nursing a rib injury and is uncertain whether he will play on Sunday. This can't bode well for Jon Kitna or the Lions running backs.

Orlovsky returns to practice

Dan Orlovsky practiced on Thursday for the first time since he suffered a turf toe injury during the second preseason game, according to the Detroit News. His status for Sunday's game against the Eagles has not been determined. The Lions could have used Orlovsky when Jon Kitna suffered a head injury last week. Orlovsky was the No. 2 quarterback before he suffered the injury and we expect him to regain that spot on the depth chart from J.T. O'Sullivan.

Jones might get first action

Kevin Jones is targeting Sunday's game against the Eagles for his return from a December surgery to repair a Lisfranc fracture. "I'm optimistic," head coach Rod Marinelli told the Detroit Free Press regarding Jones. "But I never want to tell you something that I can back up 100 percent." If Jones plays, he will most likely be limited to 15 to 20 snaps. Jones' return could take a bite out of Tatum Bell's production. Although we still expect Bell to start, he would lose some reps to KJ. We'll keep fantasy owners updated on Jones' status throughout the week.

Orlovsky still sidelined

Dan Orlovsky is not ready to practice yet due to a turf toe problem, head coach Rod Marinelli told the Detroit News. He suffered the injury during the second preseason game and has yet to practice at full speed. Orlovsky was the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart, but he lost his spot to journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan, who struggled during Sunday's win over the Vikings.

Duckett and Jones both out

The Lions will be without some of their running back depth on Sunday because both T.J. Duckett and Kevin Jones are inactive. Duckett is battling an ankle injury and Jones still hasn't played since December 13 surgery to repair a Lisfranc fracture in his left foot. Tatum Bell will see a vast majority of the carries again today, but he is a risky fantasy play against the stiff Vikings run defense.

Duckett ruled out

Lions backup running back T.J. Duckett was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Vikings due to an ankle injury, according to ESPN. With Kevin Jones looking toward next week as a possible return date, it appears Tatum Bell will shoulder the load as the primary back in week two for the Lions.

Jones almost ready

Kevin Jones is targeting Week 3 for his return from surgery on his left foot. He will not play in Sunday's game against the Vikings, but he has been practicing and told the Detroit Free Press on Friday that he is encouraged by his progress. Tatum Bell will get the start this week against the Vikings. KJ was limited throughout most of training camp, so he will most likely be used as a change-of-pace back until he proves he's ready to take on a bigger workload.

Cason comes back

The Lions re-signed Aveion Cason on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. He was among the final cuts during training camp. Cason was brought in as insurance for T.J. Duckett, who is questionable with an ankle injury for Sunday's game against the Vikings.