ALLEN PARK, MI (WTVB) – The Detroit Lions returned to a rainy practice field yesterday as they prepare for the exhibition home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field Thursday. Backup tackle Michael Ola left drills with an apparent leg injury, and tight end Eric Ebron, guard Geoff Schwartz and linebacker Josh Bynes did not participate in practice.
Head coach Jim Caldwell also confirmed that linebacker Jon Bostic underwent successful surgery on his broken foot yesterday, but did not give a timetable for his return to the team.
The Lions have signed free agents tight end Andrew Quarless and linebacker Dominique Tovell. Quarless was a fifth-round selection by Green Bay in the 2010 Draft and had 89 receptions for 940 yards and six touchdowns over six seasons with the Packers. He will be suspended for the first two games of the regular season after he pleaded no contest to discharging a firearm in public in July 2015. Quarless will take part in training camp and is eligible to play in preseason games.
Tovell rejoins Detroit after signing with the Lions earlier in training camp. Detroit has also waived tight end Ben McCord and placed receiver Andre Caldwell on the Reserve Injured list.
Things got physical during a joint practice between the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots yesterday. The teams were involved in a couple of minor scuffles and shoving matches during the workout. The teams will practice together again today and tomorrow before meeting in a preseason game Thursday.
