Jan 7, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) carries the ball during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Here is a look at the news impacting the Detroit Lions:

• According to FOXSportsWisconsin.com, the Detroit Lions and the Oakland Raiders attempted to sign former Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson. Benson told reporters that he chose to sign with the Green Bay Packers because, “They talk about a Super Bowl around here, not about winning their first playoff game.” To which we say, thanks, Cedric, but we’ll stick with our humble, hardworking running backs.
• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported from his Twitter account that wide receivers Calvin Johnson, Patrick Edwards and Ryan Broyles, and safety Don Carey returned to practice today; however, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, linebacker Stephen Tulloch, defensive tackles Sammie Hill and Corey Williams, safety Louis Delmas, running backs Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best, and offensive tackles Jeff Backus and Jonathan Scott did not participate in today’s practice.
• Birkett also added that Corey Hilliard took first team reps at left offensive tackle. Riley Reiff took third team reps at right offensive guard for the second straight day in a row.
• John Kreger of CBS Sports mentioned on Twitter that Nick Fairley was banged up during a contact drill, but was able to return to practice in a limited manner.
• Here is surprise: Jacques McClendon had his best moment of training camp, Kreger tweeted, as the huge offensive lineman opened a hole to help the offensive line win a drill at practice.
• Lions foe Brian Urlacher, a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, had surgery on his knee this morning and is eyeing a return for the first week of the regular season, ProFootballTalk.com wrote today.

Jacques McClendon

Oct 10, 2009; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Montori Hughes (93) and guard Jacques McClendon (65) dump the Gatorade on head coach Lane Kiffin following their victory over the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 45-19. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

SLR Says:

McClendon, the former Indianoplis Colts draft pick (2010 NFL Draft, Round 4, Pick 129), has a legitimate shot at making the final 53-man squad. Mayhew has shown a trend of picking up players who can play multiple positions along the offensive line and McClendon is one of those guys who can play both guard and center—if needed. He will never see reps as a starter, but he could prove to have value as a backup. The Lions have a lot of talent on the offensive line already and McClendon will have to beat out offensive tackles Jason Fox and Johnny Culbreath and a few others to snag a backup roster spot. Expect to see him play really hard during the preseason.

What the experts have to say:

NFLDraftScout.com:

Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 9/1/09: #21 OG, #404/750 Overall, Projected Rd:
2007: Games/Starts: 13/6 … Appeared in every game except opener at California … Moved into starting lineup after left tackle Eric Young suffered season-ending injury … Maned right guard positiion …2006: Games/Starts: 12/1 … As a true freshman, appeared in every game except for Florida.

Post-Draft Outlook: A closer look at the Colts’ picks: Round 4/129 — Jacques McClendon, OG, 6-2, 308, Tennessee, Strong run-blocking offensive lineman. Set the University of Tennessee school record by bench-pressing 645 pounds as a junior in 2008. Could end up playing either offensive guard spot. – by The Sports Xchange

Video:

McClendon was claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts earlier this season. Fuller spent the previous six seasons with the Tennessee Titans mostly in a reserved role. The move brings much needed depth to the back end of the Lions secondary with Amari Spievey and Erik Coleman banged up.

The Lions are left thin on the interior of the offensive line but Corey Hilliard has practiced at guard as well as both tackle positions.

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