For the first time all training camp, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Jeff Backus practiced with his teammates. Backus had been on the active/non-football injury list with a pectoral injury, but he was activated on Sunday and is now back and should give a boost to the Lions' offense.
Also potentially giving a boost to the Lions' offense is wide receiver Titus Young. He also returned to practice on Sunday, although he only participated in the 7-on-7 drill. After that he left practice to work on his conditioning, which Jim Schwartz says is part of the plan to get Young back on track.
Other players that returned to practice after missing some time are running back Maurice Morris, wide receiver Demario Ballard, tight end Tony Scheffler and cornerback Chris Houston. Morris' broken hand is now recovered enough for him to practice, as is Scheffler's hand, which had stitches put into it last week. Ballard is back after dealing with a foot injury, and Houston returned after having problems with his groin. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who sat out Friday's game for precautionary reasons, practiced as well.
Four players who didn't practice on Sunday are fullback Matt Clapp, defensive tackle Corey Hilliard, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock. It's not clear what injuries, if any, these players are dealing with.
Offensive tackle Isaac Sowells also didn't practice on Sunday because he was waived/injured by the Lions. If he clears waivers the Lions can outright release him or put him on injured reserve, which is what they did with safety Randy Phillips, who was waived/injured last week.