Camp Notes: Fairley Out, Stafford Still Sharp

Several notes and observations from the Detroit Lions training camp session held Tuesday, August 2 in Allen Park, MI.

It could be said the Detroit Lions brass have pulled a Lady Gaga, having played brilliant poker face since the start of this year's free agency period.

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roarreport.com's Mike Mady was in attendance at the Detroit Lions' Tuesday morning camp session in Allen Park, Michigan. Below are some of his observations ...

• 13th overall pick Nick Fairley was enjoying the view from the sidelines, fitted with a protective boot to protect a foot injury that occurred during Monday's camp session. Although x-rays on the injury came back negative, it isn't known how long Fairley is expected to be out.
   
• Punter Nick Harris was expected to receive competition from Big Ten standout Ryan Donahue. Harris looked consistently strong, while Donahue was more erratic. The rookie rattled off a great punt off a bad snap, landing it on the four-yard line. The next punt was shanked at the 25-yard line. Donahue appears to have good hang-time but was otherwise inconsistent. READ MORE ...


• Cornerback Aaron Berry attempted to jam Calvin Johnson at the line, but was tossed to the ground. Johnson, who put five pounds of muscle onto his upper torso in the offseason, has been dominant at camp to this point.

  Berry redeemed himself against wide receiver Derrick Williams on the following drill. Williams struggled to get past Berry, and frustration led to a small shoving match between the two which was quickly broken up. Berry was also strong in red zone drills. READ MORE ...

• Wide receiver Derrick Williams finished strong after a bad start/shoving match with cornerback Aaron Berry. He made some nice grabs, including a diving catch during 7 on 7s. Williams is locked in a battle for a roster spot, and is certainly a 'bubble' player.
   
• First and second team offense both looked good.  Jason Fox took starting reps at left tackle. Running back Jahvid Best collected a few passes out of the backfield; his homerun speed and cutting ability were on full display.
   
• Matthew Stafford continued to look sharp. He found Calvin Johnson often, including on a bomb. He also split defenders on  two different occasions, before mopping up in red zone drills. READ MORE ...


• I don't know how likely him making the team is, but 6-foot-6 receiver Demario Ballard looked good, especially in the red zone drills. He showed good leaping ability and shielded off defenders well with his big frame.