On Tuesday morning, the Detroit Lions opened the first day of mandatory minicamp with five players sidelined due to injury. Defensive starters Stephen Tulloch and Louis Delmas both missed practice due to lower-body issues, as Tulloch has been dealing with knee tendinitis and Delmas has been working his way back from a sprained ankle. Both players are expected to be ready for the start of training camp next month.
In addition, offensive tackle Jason Fox, defensive lineman Sammie Hill and rookie cornerback Chris Greenwood all missed the first day. Fox is attempting to return from a knee surgery he underwent this past fall and is not expected to participate in minicamp.
Comment on the situation from Lions head coach Jim Schwartz via the Detroit Free Press:
"Jason's had a good off-season, but he was getting a little bit sore, so we decided to shut him down," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "You won't see him for the minicamp. Other guys, you'll see back."
Defensive end Cliff Avril also did not partake in practice on Tuesday but is not injured. However, he will not be subject to fines because he has yet to sign his franchise tender. He and the team have until July 16 to work out a long-term deal or he will play out the season on a one-year, $10.6 million tender.
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