When the Detroit Lions open Organized Team Activities next week, the biggest position battle will be at right tackle.

Gosder Cherilus is gone after five seasons, off to Indianapolis as a free agent, and Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard are in a two-man competition to replace him. Hilliard said the starting job is “a toss-up” for now and something neither player is consumed with.

“It’s going to be a tough competition, and me and Fox are good friends,” he told the Free Press last week. “We don’t ever talk about it. We’ve built such a good friendship over the years, but we both kind of know what it is. One of us is going to start.”

The Lions are still auditioning for help at offensive tackle. They worked out Winston Justice among other linemen last week, and general manager Martin Mayhew said after the draft that he hoped to add a veteran to the mix.

But Hilliard and Fox both have played well in small doses in recent years, and Lions coaches have publicly expressed confidence in that pairing every chance they’ve had this off-season.

New offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn even had Fox, not veterans Dominic Raiola nor Rob Sims, reach out to rookie third-round pick Larry Warford after the draft. Warford is expected to start at right guard this fall.

“It’s still a long way from the season, and (Corey’s) a great guy,” Fox said. “He’s a great player, and it’s going to be fun competing with him, and who knows, we both could be on the field at the same time. At this point right now, we’re competing, but you’re also focusing on yourself and getting better as a football player.”
Both Fox and Hilliard have had limited playing time in their careers.

A fourth-round pick out of Miami (Fla.) in 2010, Fox was slowed his rookie season by college knee surgery and missed time the following year with foot and knee injuries. He played one half of one game on offense in 2010, and has appeared in just one game since, on special teams.

Still, Hilliard said Fox was retired left tackle Jeff Backus’ “right-hand man” last year.

“Very smart,” Hilliard said. “He’s so intellectual. People don’t get that, either. He knows his X’s and O’s just about as good as anybody. ... When Jeff would come off to the sideline, he’d go right to Fox and be like, ‘What’d you see?’ There’s a reason they drafted him all those years back.”

There’s a reason the Lions re-signed Hilliard before the start of free agency, too.

Hilliard didn’t dress for a game last year but he has shown steady improvement since the Lions signed him off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad in 2009. He started four games at right tackle in 2010, after Cherilus underwent microfracture knee surgery, and one more a year later, when Cherilus was benched for disciplinary reasons.

“We all got big shoes to fill,” Hilliard said. “Left tackle, right guard, a lot of opportunities for a lot of people. A lot of people have to step up, show what they’re really made of.”


(freep.com)

As a fourth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Miami University, offensive tackle Jason Fox came to Detroit with the same goals that any young player entering the league would have: to be a strong competitor for a starting job.

But things didn't work out that way.

During training camp his rookie season, a knee injury that resulted in surgery sidelined him for the duration of the year.
In 2011, it was a broken foot.

In short, injuries plagued his first two seasons, and he saw action in just five games over that span.

The situation wasn't something he'd planned for, obviously, but he has benefited to some degree -- at least from a mental standpoint -- in his time off the field.
"I've grown up a lot and I've learned a lot, especially from guys like Jeff (Backus) and Gos (Cherilus) and even guys that don't play tackle, like Dom (Raiola)," Fox said.

"Just being around the NFL, being around vets that have been in this league for a long time, that taught me so much on how to be a pro, how to study, how to prepare for games.

"You don't come in hoping to get injured, but you have to make the most of it; you have to put the time in. I'm really thankful to have had those older guys to learn from and now I have a great opportunity in front of me."

Entering his fourth season, it's not the same meeting room Fox has been accustomed to over the last three years.

Backus, who was the Lions' starting left tackle for 12 seasons, retired. Cherilus, who was the team's starting right tackle, was picked up by Indianapolis in free agency. Right guard Stephen Peterman was released.

The only two starters from last season that remain are center Dominic Raiola and left guard Rob Sims.

For a unit that depends so much on the the consistency and familiarity of knowing who's lined up next to you, those are some big changes to deal with.

"The guys that left, they'll be greatly missed, they were all good guys," said Fox. "But we still have a bunch of good guys in that room. A lot of them are young, and, yes, we are inexperienced, but we still have a lot of talented players and I think we're going to be a good, athletic offensive line."

Transitioning to one of the youngest offensive fronts will certainly bring it's challenges, but it also means more opportunities for the younger players, like Fox, to contribute.

That makes this as good a time as any to be back in the mix for a starting spot.  

"This is the first offseason in a long time that I'm worried about being a better football player instead of worrying about getting healthy ... it's an exciting feeling," Fox said.

"I've dealt with some stuff, but the bottom line is that I have a great opportunity, and we have a great opportunity as an organization this year, so all we can do is look to the future and make the most of it."


(detroitlions.com)

With a chance to win a starting tackle job, Jason Fox wasn't about to miss the Detroit Lions' offseason workouts.

Fox, a restricted free agent, will sign his one-year tender Monday and take part in the voluntary workouts, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The fourth-round pick in 2010 spent last season as the Lions' No. 4 tackle, but with the departure of Gosder Cherilus via free agency and Jeff Backus to retirement, the injury-plagued Fox has a chance to win one of the starting tackle jobs.

The Lions' 2012 first-round pick, Riley Reiff, also will battle for a starting job at either tackle spot or at right guard.

If Fox can stay healthy and prove to be a solid right tackle, it would allow the Lions some versatility along their offensive line. The thought process in Detroit appears to be: draft a left tackle with the No. 5 pick in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft, have Fox win the right tackle spot and move Reiff inside.

That plan would make the Lions a much better run-blocking team -- an area in which they struggled mightily last season. However, with Fox's injury concerns and relying on a rookie left tackle (who might be off the board at the fifth spot), Detroit could be gambling with Matthew Stafford's protection.


(nfl.com)

The Detroit Lions want Jason Fox to compete for a starting spot on their offensive line this fall, and they took a step today to make sure he's around to do it.

The Lions tendered Fox a $1.323 million restricted free-agent offer, giving them the right to match any contract Fox receives when free agency opened at 4 p.m. Tuesday or get a fourth-round draft pick as compensation.

A fourth-round pick out of Miami (Fla.) in 2010, Fox has appeared in just five NFL games in his first three seasons and missed large chunks of 2010-11 with knee injuries.

Still, the Lions think Fox has the ability to start at right tackle. Corey Hilliard, who signed a new two-year deal earlier this month, also will compete for the job, and Riley Reiff, a first-round pick last year, could start at either tackle spot or right guard.

"We think he has starter type talent level," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said at the NFL combine last month. "He has the size, he's a strong enough guy, he's a good technician, he's a hard worker. We think he has the ability to start for us."

The Lions are expected to retain all three of their restricted free agents -- defensive end Willie Young and safety Amari Spievey are the others -- and their four exclusive rights free agents (running back Joique Bell, fullback Shaun Chapas, receiver Kris Durham and safety Ricardo Silva).

Chapas, Durham and Silva also received their tender offers today.

The Lions are about $4 million under the salary cap heading into free agency and have to restructure more contracts to create more spending room.


(freep.com)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Watching offensive linemen work out Saturday brought to mind the Detroit Lions' efforts in that regard.

The Lions have spent a few drafts building to a moment when they would turn over their own line, and that time has arrived. All that's left to know is whether it will take place in one season or be a two-year transition.

Already, the Lions have released right guard Stephen Peterman. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus is a pending free agent and left tackle Jeff Backus could retire. Center Dominic Raiola appears to have bought himself another season by restructuring a contract that will expire at this time next year.

So who will take over? We know that 2012 first-round draft pick Riley Reiff will start somewhere, be it at guard or tackle. Here at the NFL scouting combine, I was a little surprised to hear general manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz repeatedly mention Jason Fox -- a little-used fourth-round draft pick in 2010 -- as a leading candidate to start as well.

Fox was limited by injuries in college as well as in his first two seasons with the Lions. He has played in five NFL games, only one over the past two seasons, and that was a six-snap outing on special teams in Week 12 last season. But he is 6-foot-6, 314 pounds and won't turn 25 until May.

"Jason Fox obviously had the injuries in his first couple seasons," Mayhew said. "He was able to stay healthy all last year, but we also stayed healthy at the tackle position. He didn’t play very much for us. We think he has starter-type talent level. He has the size. He's a strong enough guy. He's a good technician. He's a hard worker. We think he has the ability to start for us."

It would be rare, but not unheard of, for an injury-plagued player to emerge from three years of inactivity to become a starter. But if the Lions need or want to replace most of their starters in one offseason, that's the kind of elevation they'll need to make.

There are some other little-used players remaining from the Lions' 2012 roster who could compete for starting jobs as well, including: guard-center Billy Nagy to guard Rodney Austin to tackle Corey Hilliard, a pending free agent himself.

In either case, by 2014, four of the five positions will assuredly have new starters. Left guard Rob Sims is the only player who figures to still be in his current role. The Lions are about to get young in a hurry on their offensive line.


(espn.com)

The Detroit Lions offensive line has experienced unbelievable continuity over the past three seasons, running out the same starting five for 42 of the possible 48 regular season games.

That's expected to change in 2013 with Gosder Cherilus hitting free agency, Jeff Backus potentially retiring, and the salaries of Stephen Peterman and Dominic Raiola making both potential cap casualties.

The Lions have been adding depth to the unit over the past few years and coach Jim Schwartz is confident the younger players in the group are ready to step in if needed.

"We're prepared for a lot of different ways," Schwartz said. "It didn't show this year because Riley (Reiff) had to play one game at left tackle, Jason Fox was an inactive for all but one game, Corey Hilliard was an inactive just about every game, but we have developed some pretty good players there. We have some pretty good players in the pipeline. If we think the best course of action is to go there, then we're prepared for that."

The Lions selected Reiff in the first round of the draft last season and he's expected to start in 2013, although where remains to be determined. General manager Martin Mayhew and the coaching staff have consistently said the long-term projection is to have Reiff replace Backus at left tackle, but the second-year player out of Iowa is capable of playing all four tackle and guard positions.

As for when the team expects to hear from Backus about his 2013 status, Schwartz says the veteran has earned the right to take the time with the decision. The league year doesn't start until March 12. 

Fox, a fourth-round pick out of Miami in 2010, battled various injuries his first two years before making it through last season unscathed. He's a restricted free agent, but is expected to be tendered by the club.

The team also added Bill Nagy off waivers during training camp last year. He was let go by the Dallas Cowboys after suffering a severe ankle injury and spent the entire season on injured reserve. A seventh-round selection out of Wisconsin in 2011, Nagy can play both guard and center.

The Lions could also look to further revamp the offensive line in the upcoming draft.


(mlive.com)

The Lions snapped the football 1,160 times on offense this season. Reserve tackle Jason Fox wasn't on the field for any of them.

In fact, Fox was only active for one game this season, when Jeff Backus' iron-man streak ended on Thanksgiving Day vs. Houston because of a hamstring injury. In that game, Fox played the reserve tackle role and was on the field for six plays on special teams.

It's hard to imagine a player who played a grand total of six plays on special teams this season taking a giant leap forward in his development, but strangely, Fox did.

A former fourth-round pick of the Lions in the 2010 NFL Draft, Fox's professional career has been plagued by injuries from the start.

Whether it was a lingering knee issue as a rookie left over from his college days at Miami, or a broken foot that ended last season, he had to prove to both coaches and management that he could stay healthy.

"That's been his No. 1 thing his whole career is being able to have extended periods of being healthy," Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said of Fox.

"I think he's made a lot of strides that way obviously because he's still been on the field for us and seems to have put those things in the past. He's always been a smart player. He's a little bit more physically developed. (I) think he's a good, young player. He's got a bright future ahead of him."

The key part there was having the injuries "in his past."

There's never been a doubt that Fox has talent. When Backus missed time with a thumb injury during training camp, Fox filled and played well. He's a big tackle (6-6, 315) and a good athlete. He moves well and has good feet.

With the injuries now behind him, Fox thinks he's ready to compete for a starting job.

He might get that chance, too, with starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus being an unrestricted free agent and Backus, who's entering the final year of his two-year extension, turning 36 in September.

Fox is a restricted free agent this offseason, but now that he's proven he can stay healthy, it's likely the Detroit Lions extend a tender offer to him.

"Absolutely that's the goal," Fox said of competing for a starting spot next season.

"That's something that every athlete works for and I'm no different. I'm a very competitive guy, no matter what it is.

"I've had some injury struggles in the past to stay healthy but that's behind me know and this offseason I'm looking forward to becoming bigger, faster and stronger and a better football player."

For the first offseason as a Lion, Jason Fox won't be rehabbing or resting an injuring over the next few months. He said Monday that injuries limited him the past two offseasons from taking the next step as a player.

"If you have a knee issue you're worried about getting healthy instead of getting your leg as strong as possible," Fox said.

"But like I said, that stuff is in the past and we're moving forward. This offseason is just (about) becoming the best player that I can be."


(detroitlions.com)

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions offensive lineman Jason Fox is nearly three years into his NFL career and he still hasn't started a game. 

Fox has appeared in five games over that stretch. He's been active for just one this season, playing six snaps on special teams against the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving.

Still, the Lions' coaching staff has been pleased with what they've seen from Fox this year, particularly his ability to stay healthy.

"That's probably the biggest thing," coach Jim Schwartz said. "His first couple years he had trouble staying healthy. He's very good within our scheme, he had a very good training camp, he was active this year when Jeff Backus was down during Thanksgiving. He can play on the right side, he can play on the left side, he's played some guard for us, and he's a good developing player."

Fox played tackle in college, and that's been his primary position for the Lions as well, but the team is high on his versatility.

"I think he's a tackle but I think he can play guard as well," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "I wouldn't put center past him. Hopefully he'll be able to find an opportunity and take advantage of it."

Fox hasn't had an opportunity this year because the Lions offensive line has stayed healthy. Backus' one-game absence due to a hamstring injury is the only time a player from the starting unit has been sidelined. Fox also slid down the depth chart  this offseason with the addition of first-round draft pick Riley Reiff.
But depending on what the Lions do in the draft and free agency this offseason, 2013 could be Fox's chance to emerge as a key contributor. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus is a free agent and guard Stephen Peterman, with a $3.3 million cap number, could be released to clear cap space.

Fox will be a restricted free agent this offseason, but is expected to be retained.

"Jason's basically going to be hitting his stride going into next year," Linehan said. "He's got some position versatility. I see him playing a lot of football for us next year."


(mlive.com)

DETROIT -- Detroit Lions offensive lineman Jason Fox is ready for the most wicked time of year.

Halloween is on Wednesday, and it was one of Fox's favorite holidays as a child. It is debatable whether Fox still loves Halloween, but he spoke about everything trick-or-treat related during this week's question-and-answer session.

Anwar: What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid? Jason: I'm drawing a blank I can't remember stuff that happened last week, let alone as a kid. I was Batman as a kid.

Anwar: Weren't you kind of big for Batman? Jason: No. I looked good.

Anwar: You didn't wear any other costumes? Jason: One year I was lazy because I had baseball practice. We had a game, so I just wore my uniform out. I just went as a baseball player.

Anwar: Was this in high school? Jason: No, this was little league.

Anwar: Basically, you went dressed as yourself? Jason: No. Well ...

Anwar: Technically, you went dressed as yourself. Jason: Yeah, you're right.

Anwar: Would you have given yourself candy for that effort? Jason: Probably not as I look back. I didn't bring it that year.

Anwar: Which guy is scarier - Michael Myers or Jason? Jason: Michael Myers. He was a little worse.

Anwar: Which guy on the team doesn't need a mask to scare someone? Jason: There's a lot of people. I will probably say Louis Delmas.

Anwar: Do you think he would scare old ladies or children? Jason: All of the above.

Anwar: What does a trick-or-treater have to do to get candy from you? Jason: They got to have a good costume. They can't go halfway. They got to go all out.

Anwar: What are your most memorable experiences trick-or-treating as a kid? Jason: I always liked the houses that went all out. They would invite you in and have the inside of their house decorated with the dry ice. They really wanted to scare you. Not just the guy who threw candy at you.

Anwar: So you're saying as a kid you went into a stranger's house because they offered you candy? Jason: (Laughing) I mean, nowadays, I don't know if that's cool. I'm just saying ... I really enjoyed Halloween as a kid. I liked the houses that went all out.

Anwar: Candy corn - yes or no? Jason: Yes, I like candy corn.

Anwar: Pumpkin pie? Jason: Yes. You're probably not going to find any of those I will say no to.

Anwar: When is the last time you got dressed up for Halloween? Jason: My rookie year. I went as Kenny Powers. We had a team Halloween party, so I was Kenny Powers.

Anwar: Who had the best outfit? Jason: There were some good ones. Tony Scheffler was a cowboy, and he had a little horse that came out on both sides of him, and he was standing up in between.


(mlive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- Injuries have plagued offensive lineman Jason Fox from the moment he arrived in the NFL. As a senior at the University of Miami, he skipped the team's bowl game to have surgery on his injured knee, hoping to be healthy for his first NFL training camp. Unfortunately, the injury lingered his entire rookie campaign.

Coming into last season, Fox expected to compete for a starting job, but a broken foot in training camp quickly derailed those plans. A couple months later, another knee surgery landed him on injured reserve, washing away his second professional season.

When Fox missed the team's mandatory minicamp with a knee injury this June, coach Jim Schwartz seemed to imply the window for the young tackle to make an impression might be closing.

"He needs to put some time together where he's injury free from an evaluation standpoint, proving that he can stay healthy over a long term," Schwartz said.
Fox has cleared the first hurdle in the process, escaping training camp without a significant injury. Not only has he remained healthy, he's displaying the talent that encouraged the Lions to spend a fourth-round draft pick on him in 2010.

"He's still a very young player, so he has to progress, learn, go through it, and get better every day," offensive line coach George Yarno said. "He's done that. He's quietly put together a really good camp because he's getting better every day."

In practice, Fox has seen as many reps as any player on the team, getting work with all three units, including snaps at starting left tackle when Jeff Backus sat out with various injuries. 

In the team's two preseason games, Fox has effectively demonstrated the ability to get push as a run blocker and swing out wide and stay in front of his man in one-on-one pass rush situations.

"I think I've done a good job. I feel like I have a good grasp of this offense," Fox said. "I've been around for a few years now, but there's always room for improvement."

Despite being on shaky ground when camp opened, Fox has all but locked down a roster spot with his performance the past three weeks. He'll likely be one of five tackles left standing, along with Backus, Gosder Cherilus, first-round draft pick Riley Reiff and Corey Hilliard.

That would mean the Lions won't carry a third guard on the 53-man roster, but Fox, along with the two other backup tackles, are all cross-trained to play inside if starters Stephen Peterman or Rob Sims were to suffer an injury.

"They've told all of us at tackle that we need to be able to play both sides and inside if need be," Fox said. "That's what I'm here for. I want to be able to play wherever they need me."

While there is plenty of depth at tackle this season, Fox could still develop into a starter for the Lions. Cherilus and Hilliard will both be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, and Backus, who turns 35 in September, is nearing the end of his career.  

Fox will be a restricted free agent in 2013. As a former fourth-round selection, the Lions would be able to retain his services next season for approximately $1.3 million.


(mlive.com)

Offensive tackle Jeff Backus was given the day off on Tuesday with tightness in his back so Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox split the first-team snaps at left tackle. Simply put, Fox looked outstanding matching up head-to-head with Willie Young, Lawrence Jackson and Everette Brown. Fox is moving very well, and while he admitted to general camp soreness, he appears be as healthy as he's been since joining the Lions.


(mlive.com)

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is right when he says it’s not always about ability, but rather availability.

Offensive tackle Jason Fox has been the poster boy for that cliché his first two seasons in the league. It’s no secret that Fox has been injured for most of his career with the Lions. It's been hard to truly evaluate Fox over the last two years because of all the injuries. When he’s been healthy – like right now -- he's played well.

Fox had a mild scare in June when soreness developed in his knee and he missed the team’s minicamp, but he hasn’t missed any training camp practices so far and the Lions are hopeful he’ll begin to fulfill some of the promise they had in him when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Fox missed Miami's Bowl game in 2010 so he could have surgery on a left knee that had been bothering him his senior year. The knee was never 100-percent in training camp that rookie season. He then broke a foot early in training camp last year and developed problems in his other knee.

Besides a few bumps and bruises that all players feel around this time, this is the first training camp Fox has been healthy. He’s been getting reps on both the left and right sides and split first-team reps with Jeff Backus at left tackle during a team period in Monday’s practice.

“He’s looked like we thought he would look,” Schwartz said of Fox after Monday's practice. “He’s been very consistent through camp; he’s playing right tackle, he’s playing left tackle. You know, he can get some snaps in at guard but he’s answered the bell every practice and that’s been a big thing for him.”

Fox’s emergence early in training camp has allowed the Lions a lot of versatility with the way they use their tackles. Fox, rookie Riley Reiff and veteran Corey Hilliard have been alternating between both right and left tackle during training camp. The ability to be able to plug players into multiple positions along the line will only help the Lions in the long run.

“Obviously if you’re taking first-team reps there’s pressure to perform, but you don’t really look at it as pressure,” Fox said. “You just want to go out there and play football and improve every day and master your craft and become as technically sound as possible.”


(detroitlions.com)

Lions offensive tackle Jason Fox is hoping there will come a time when he conducts an interview that doesn’t inevitably shift to the subject of injuries and his ability to stay healthy.

That day wasn't today, though.

Fox has battled knee and foot problems that have kept him off the field for the better part of his first two seasons in the NFL. Now entering his third season, the biggest question most people have is whether he can stay healthy or not.

“When I’m out there I’m just playing football and not worrying about it,” Fox said after practice Monday. “It’s been on my mind a lot in the offseason. It’s just something that has to be in the past now. It’s no secret I’ve been hurt and now it’s just time to get out there and stay healthy and perform. That’s the bottom line.”

When healthy, Fox has shown that he can play. He continues to share first-team reps with Corey Hilliard in the absence of Jeff Backus at left tackle in training camp. Backus injured his thumb in one-on-one drills Saturday and was spotted with a hard cast on his hand in the locker room Monday. It's unknown when Backus will return to practice.

A fourth-round pick in 2010 (128th overall), Fox was limited to four games during his rookie season because of a knee injury he suffered in college that lingered into his rookie season. He was placed on injured reserve last season with a broken foot.

As long as he can stay healthy, the Lions will give Fox every opportunity to compete for playing time.

“Well, he’s been able to practice and that’s really been his issue for the previous couple years,” Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said of Fox. “His availability has been limited. Last year we saw Jeff Backus go down early in camp because he was coming back from that pectoral injury, so it gave a guy like Fox a great opportunity to get reps and was doing well and he got hurt. He ended up missing the season for us.”

Fox knows that can’t happen again or there isn't likely to be a roster spot for him when the team gets to it's final 53.

“Obviously if you’re taking first-team reps there’s pressure to perform,” Fox said.

Schwartz said there’s never been a question about Fox’s talent, just his availability, and this is a big training camp for him.

“How well he’s doing is really a reflection of how available he is because when he’s been available he’s always done a good job in there going back to his rookie year," Schwartz said. He got thrown in at the end of (his rookie year) against Minnesota. He had a rough first series against some really good defensive ends. He came back the rest of the game, played really well. It’s just a matter of him being healthy and if he can do that then he can help us.”


(detroitlions.com)

Get to know your Detroit Lions off the field!

Detroitlions.com asks players questions to learn more about their football memories, plans after football, favorites and more!

T Jason Fox

Q: What is your favorite college football memory?
Fox: “When I scored a touchdown against Florida State.”

Q: What was your favorite show growing up?
Fox: “Saved by the Bell.”

Q:What's your favorite movie?
Fox: “Dumb and Dumber.”

Q: Who's your favorite musical performer:
Fox: “George Straitt.”

Q: What are your plans after your football career?
Fox: "I definitely would want to coach."

Q: Who's your favorite music to work out to?
Fox: "Anything rock."

Q: Where would you most like to travel to?
Fox: “Europe.”


(detroitlions.com)

Jason Fox, an offensive lineman drafted in the fourth round in 2010, is in danger of not making the Detroit Lions out of training camp because of lingering injuries.

Fox missed the Lions' recent minicamp due to a knee injury, the latest in a line of setbacks that have hampered his career, according to MLive.com. He missed all of the 2011 season with a broken left foot, suffered during last year's training camp.

The Lions drafted Fox out of University of Miami with visions of him eventually earning a starting job at tackle, but the injuries have relegated him to competing for a backup role this season.

"He needs to put some time together where he's injury-free from an evaluation standpoint and proving that he can stay healthy over a long term," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said.

Fox has appeared in just four NFL games during his career.


(nfl.com)

Lions coach Jim Schwartz hints OT Jason Fox's roster spot could be in danger.

Foot and knee injuries have limited Fox to four games in two seasons, and he sat out last week's minicamp with knee soreness. "It's not just ability, it's availability," Schwartz said. "He needs to put some time together where he's injury-free, from an evaluation standpoint, and prove that he can stay healthy over the long term." Fox will be the Lions' fifth tackle if he keeps his roster spot.


(rotoworld.com)

There's an old saying in professional sports, and it certainly applies to offensive tackle Jason Fox.

"It's not just ability, it's availability," coach Jim Schwartz said. "It's an old cliché, but it's true in situations like that."

Fox, a fourth-round pick out of Miami (Fla.) in 2010, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and doesn't have much to show for his first two years with the Lions.

Fox's time in Detroit has amounted to four games. He missed most of his rookie season while recovering from knee surgery in college. He suffered a foot injury early in training camp last year and then had season-ending knee surgery in November. Recovering from that surgery forced Fox to miss the Lions' three-day minicamp last week.

"It's all about reps for him because when he's been healthy he's played well, he's done well in practice," Schwartz said. "But he hasn't had consistent streaks of being healthy.

"This off-season was good for him. Up until last week, when he started getting sore, he was doing very well. ... Maybe if we shut him down (in minicamp) we don't have this issue come up in training camp. He needs to put some time together where he's injury-free, from an evaluation standpoint, and proven that he can stay healthy over the long term."


(freep.com)

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions tackle Jason Fox's biggest obstacle has been staying healthy since he was drafted in 2010.

He is battling injuries once again.

Fox missed the Lions' first day of mandatory minicamp practice due to a knee injury. Lions coach Jim Schwartz does not expect Fox to practice at all this week.

"Anybody that didn't practice today was injury related," Schwartz said. "Everybody's in town and here. We got a lot of things we're trying to sort of make sure they don't sort of roll up on us. Jason's had a good offseason, but his knee was getting a little bit sore, and we decided to shut him down. You won't see him for the minicamp. Other guys you'll see back.

"Today was a light day. The next two days are going to be almost training camp length to practice, number of reps, things like that, and we didn't want to go three days in a row that way, but we wanted to build toward it."

Fox, a former fourth-round pick, was sidelined all of last season due to a broken foot suffered in training camp, and then a knee injury that required surgery. He currently is battling Lions rookie Riley Reiff for playing time, but general manager Martin Mayhew previously said it was a critical year for Fox because of his consistent health problems.


(mlive.com)

Allen Park— They don't call it a setback; they call it a precaution. Regardless, it's not good news for Lions third-year left tackle Jason Fox.

Fox, who has battled an assortment of injuries his first two seasons, has been scratched from the three-day mini-camp which began Tuesday.

"We have a lot of things we're trying to make sure don't roll up on us," coach Jim Schwartz said, referring to several players who were held out Tuesday. "Jason has had a good offseason. His knee was getting sore so we decided to shut him down. You won't see him out there this week."

Fox is facing a make-or-break training camp in August. Drafted in the fourth round in 2010, Fox was expected to eventually take over the left tackle spot once Jeff Backus retired. But injuries have kept him off the field, and in the meantime, the Lions used their first-round pick this year on left tackle Riley Reiff.

Fox had been working with the second-team offense during the 10 OTAs while Reiff worked with the third team. Reiff was taking second- and third-team reps on Tuesday.

"It's too early to say who's going to play where, but Riley is on track to play a lot of football for us early," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said last week. "He has exceptional talent. Where he ends up this year hasn't been determined yet but we are happy with what we've seen so far."


(detroitnews.com)

When Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was asked about offensive tackle Jason Fox after last season, he said 2012 was going to be a big year for Fox to prove to the Lions he can stay healthy.

A fourth-round pick in 2010 (128th overall), Fox has played in a grand total of four games during his first two seasons with the Lions because of injuries. Entering year three, Fox knows it's time to prove himself.

“It’s been a run of bad luck,” Fox said of his first two seasons with the Lions. “It’s just so exciting now that I can go out there and just compete and try to learn and improve without worrying about injuries and just go out and get better all day.”

He never fully recovered from a knee injury he suffered in college at Miami and it lingered into his rookie year. Last year, it was a broken foot.
Fox has remained at the Lions training facility in Allen Park training and rehabbing this entire offseason. He says he’s ready make good on some high hopes the Lions had for him in 2010.

“I’m very comfortable with this offense and my assignments and being able to play different positions,” he said. “I think that’s going to help down the road.”

The Lions selected offensive tackle Riley Reiff in the first round of this year’s draft to be the left tackle of the future.

Fox, like Reiff, is versatile in that they both can play left or right tackle and possibly even guard. Fox has been working with the second-team offense at both left and right tackles this offseason.

Ideally, the Lions would like to have two interchangeable parts for the future of their offensive line in Fox and Reiff.


(detroitlions.com)

Jason Fox got incredibly lucky Wednesday.

It was the type of luck that’s almost unheard of, honestly. The Detroit Lions offensive tackle may be a great football player, but he narrowly — and I mean narrowly — escaped defeat in a game of H-O-R-S-E prior to a Lions charity basketball game at Flint Southwestern Academy in Flint.

Prior to the event, Fox, a third-year player of out Miami (Fla.), challenged yours truly to the classic playground game. I agreed, thinking, ‘Hey, it’s pretty cool he wants me to play.’ Although I’m more of a baseball player, and much, much less a basketball player, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

And actually, let me take back that “narrowly” part. Because Fox, a towering 6-foot-7 compared to my modest 5-8, came pretty close to mopping the floor with me. If it weren’t for a lucky behind-the-back layup that he said I “obviously traveled on,” or a couple lucky, comfortable shots from the elbow, I would have been in a world of trouble.

I forgot the shot he won on, some long distance bull, but I ended up with H-O-R-S-E, while he was stuck on H-O-R — despite me knocking down some nice shots from the perimeter. He’s a good sport, though. I can see him being a player that fans will like — no ego, and a very honest, genuine and accessible type of personality.

Part of the Lions/F.O.P charity game’s fun is the fan participation. Players will pick youngsters from the crowd, give them their jersey along with a high-five, take a seat on the bench and watch the little ones go to work. The Lions even help the children with their shots.

Fox, who loves the kids, assisted the youngsters in making free throws, holding them up closer to the rim so they could get an advantage. He signed autographs for all the fans, and even took photos with anyone who asked. He isn’t a bad guy.

Well, actually, he is, kind of.

A young girl was elated after being picked to run the floor with the Lions (Cory Schlesinger, Rob Rubick, Nate Hughes, Kevin Smith and Herman Moore). Who wouldn’t be at that age? She tried her best to get near the basket, weaving through a forest of world-class athletes. She stopped, picked up her dribble, living in the moment that was to be great, and shot. It was on its way, easily a nothing-but-net make… until Fox came charging toward her, slapping the ball down with a vengeance.

It was funny, because as soon as he did that, I looked at him, making a writing motion with my hand, and let him know it didn’t go unnoticed. It was all fun and games. No one was hurt. The girl got another chance to score.

Fox was one of the Lions’ stars in their duel with the Flint F.O.P All-Stars on Wednesday. I told him I’d pad his stat line and maybe even compare him to Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love. He asked, instead, to be compared to Dallas Mavericks standout Dirk Nowitzki. OK. But let’s be real here, Fox. Nowitzki makes his 3-pointers. I’m kidding, big guy. The game ended in a 69-69 tie, with Fox netting a double-double on the night — maybe. I told him I’d say it was a double-double. It may have been more like 11 points, six rebounds and four assists — but who keeps track of stats at a charity game?

Fox, who played basketball in high school (obviously a post guy), actually had a decent stroke for a football player. I encouraged him to dunk like Cliff Avril did last year during the same game. But he didn’t want to. Smith did, though. It wasn’t bad, but I still give the edge to Avril, who hammered down a one-hander like he was in the NBA. Smith’s dunk was off the backboard, a two-handed flush that was pretty nice.

It was great seeing the Lions in Flint. Being from the area, it’s always a treat when pros come out and entertain local residents. Wednesday was my second year attending the event. Last year, because I was at The Flint Journal, I didn’t really get involved or talk much to the players about anything other than football. I was more interested in meeting my deadline.

But Wednesday, since I freelance and have no real deadlines, I saw nothing wrong with mixing a little business with pleasure. It was a charity game, everyone, including myself, was there for a good time.

Fox and I talked about important Lions-related topics, which I’ll write an article about, of course. Here’s a little sneak peak: Fox thinks the Lions will be good. And when I get my rematch, I’ll write about that, too


(detroit360.com)

SAGINAW — Jason Fox may have been shelved the entire 2011 season with multiple injuries, but he looked plenty healthy running the court and throwing up jumpers in the Detroit Lions Crime Stoppers charity basketball game Wednesday.

Fox, who has played just four games in his two seasons with the Lions, said he is focusing on the future after two seasons nearly completely lost.

"I feel great, I'm ready," Fox said. "The past is the past. Obviously I wanted to play more and be physically able to. But that's in the past, and I'm ready to help out any way I can.

Fox, an offensive tackle drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft, was sidelined all of last season, first with a broken foot suffered in training camp and then with a knee injury that required surgery.

The Lions have shown patience in the 24-year-old, but Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew said earlier this year that this is "a critical year for him" to prove his durability.

"It's very important," Fox said of this year. "I've had some unfortunate luck in the past, but that's behind me now and I'm ready to put that in the rear-view mirror."

Fox is currently as one of five tackles on the Lions roster, all which have a good shot of making the 53-man roster. The group includes recent first-round pick Riley Reiff.

"We have some great guys, some great coaches and great guys," Fox said. "We've got older guys, there's so much you can learn from them, and just a talented group altogether. It should be a good year."


(mlive.com)

PEORIA, Ariz. — They all wear midnight blue and white, but some bleed green and orange.

The San Diego Padres have five players in camp -- including two non-roster invitees -- that attended the University of Miami: first baseman Yonder Alonso, center fielder Blake Tekotte and catchers Yasmani Grandal, Jason Hagerty and Eddy Rodriguez.

“Every time we play with a fellow teammate or someone that played at Miami, it’s really like a family,” Grandal said. “Even if you didn’t play with them, we all know each other.”

Grandal and Alonso came from the Cincinnati Reds in a five-player deal for pitcher Mat Latos. Both players speak passionately about “the U,” as Miami is commonly referred to. Although the school is mostly known for football, its baseball program is just as rich in history.

They’re just two of 38 former Hurricanes on professional baseball rosters from a program that in baseball circles is widely known as one of the best in the country.

“The only reason they talk about the football team is because the publicity they get, but we’ve had almost the same history as they have,” Grandal said. “We’re a good program as well. I think both programs are known nationwide. It’s just a good system they got there whether it’s for football or baseball. We’ve both been successful.”

Grandal spent three seasons as a Hurricane. He played with Alonso during his freshman year. He said Alonso taught him a lot, including how to lead the team.

“That’s the thing about Miami, once you learn the system -- once you learn how to play Hurricane baseball – you try to pass that on,” Grandal said.
Grandal always saw former Hurricanes like Aubrey Huff, Pat Burrell and John Jay in the batting cages in the offseason. They always gave him tips to help him improve. The 53rd-ranked prospect by Baseball America said he always wanted to be listed with those players in the school’s media guide.

“More and more you see guys getting up and doing big things,” Grandal said. “Those big things go all the way back to the University of Miami.”
Grandal has a tattoo of the school’s logo inked inside of a baseball with a cross surrounding it. Alonso has a tattoo of the logo as well -- a big orange and green “U” on his shoulder.

“That says enough right there,” Alonso said when asked what the university means to him.

Alonso spent three seasons in Coral Gables, Fla. He still spends his offseason working out at the school’s facilities. Alonso grew up idolizing the program because he appreciated the way Miami played the game.

“A lot of swag,” Alonso said. “They knew they belonged, which is something big. You grow up watching them, imitating them and playing like them.”
At Miami, Alonso became good friends with Alex Rodriguez, who originally had committed to the Hurricanes in high school before he signed his first professional contract with the Seattle Mariners.

Their relationship started when Alonso asked Rodriguez if he could hit with him. Rodriguez thought it was funny Alonso wanted to compare himself to a professional baseball player, but agreed to Alonso’s request.

They went on to hit together for two months straight.

“Even to this day, I just talked to him a couple days ago and we were talking about how it was going with camp and (Padres manager) Bud Black,” Alonso said. “It’s just nice to have someone that knows the game that has been around the game for several years.”

Grandal and Alonso make sure to help current players on the team. It can become a difficult task now that they don’t reside on the East Coast for the majority of the year, but they understand how much the interaction with professional players benefited their play on the field.

“It’s a tradition, it’s an honor,” Alonso said. “With all of that said, you got to make sure you fit that role very well. If you don’t, it doesn’t sit very well with the people around there. You got to make sure that you not only carry it on the field but carry it outside the field, too.”


(utsandiego.com)

Detroit tackle Jason Fox said he injured his right knee during Thursday's practice, which is why he was placed on injured reserve.

Fox injured his left knee in college, but sustained an injury to the right knee this week. He expects to have surgery, but said it has not been scheduled yet.

"It happened over time, but it was something that happened yesterday that was kind of the last straw," Fox said. "As a team, we felt it was best to get it taken care of right now."

Fox, a fourth-round draft pick out of Miami (Fla.) in 2010, sustained a foot injury prior to this season and had not played this year.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Fox does not need reconstructive knee surgery, but would not reveal details of the injury.

"Probably something that will be better taken care of sooner rather than later," Schwartz said. "It's really yet to be seen what is going to be done, but he was able to finish practice (on Thursday). By being able to get it (surgery) done, it gives him a good chance to get started on the offseason.

"He's been inactive since he came back from the other injury. Unfortunately, he's been injured a good portion of his first two years. Hopefully we can get this behind him."

Click here to order Jason Fox’s proCane Rookie Card.


(mlive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- There was a Fox sighting at Detroit Lions practice on Friday morning.

Second-year offensive tackle Jason Fox participated in warmup stretches and only lightly during individual drills. The 6-foot-6, 314-pounder hadn't practiced since injuring his foot on August 6.


(mlive.com)

Jason Fox is out of his walking boot, but after almost a month on the sidelines, the second-year offensive tackle is realistic about what his role with the Lions will be when he returns.

"I'm here just to do whatever they want me to do," Fox said Tuesday. "Obviously, I'm a competitive guy. I want to play as much as possible. I want to help this team win, but with me missing the better part of camp, it's going to be tough coming back to earn a job right away."

With starter Jeff Backus out with a chest injury, Fox filled in as the Lions' first-team left tackle for the first week of training camp. A fourth-round pick out of Miami last year, Fox showed signs of progress after barely playing as a rookie, but he lost his grip on the top backup job when he limped off the practice field with a foot injury Aug. 6.

Corey Hilliard, who filled in at right tackle early in camp, started the Lions' first two exhibition games at left tackle and has been working at right guard since Backus' return before the third exhibition game.

Fox said he doesn't consider his injury a setback -- "It's a part of the game, and I just got to make the most of it when I come back," he said -- and neither he nor Lions coach Jim Schwartz has put a definitive timetable on his return.

"I don't know if it's a big step (that he's out of the boot)," Schwartz said. "It's part of his progression."


(freep.com)

ALLEN PARK — Detroit drafted Jason Fox in the fourth round of last year's NFL draft despite the knee surgery the big offensive tackle had in December, following his senior season, and the injured hamstring he sustained the following March, while working out for scouts at the University of Miami Pro Day.

The 6-foot-6, 314-pounder had the physical presence to play either right or left tackle in the pros. The Lions weren't looking for immediate help on the line, so he'd be able to develop slowly.

Unfortunately, it's been even slower than Fox and the Lions anticipated, as he spent most of his rookie season on the inactive list and suffered a foot injury early-on this training camp. Now that he's out of his walking boot, Fox hopes to make the most of any opportunity he gets once he's fully recovered, yet he remains realistic.

"I'm here to do whatever they want me to do," he said. "Obviously, I'm a competitive guy. I want to play as much as possible. I want to help this team win. But with me missing the better part of camp, it's going to be tough coming back to earn a job right away. Whatever they expect me to do, I'm ready to do, and help this team."

Though his return date is unknown - the Lions will play it safe in bringing the youngster back, rather than risk re-injuring the foot - Fox is taking it day by day. Setbacks happen, but it's up to the player to prepare himself as best he can while sidelined.

"I'm not trying to look at it (as a setback)," he said. "It's a part of the game. I've just got to make the most of it when I come back, and try to prove to my coaches and teammates that I'm ready to help and contribute.

"I'm feeling good right now, and I'm just working as hard as I can to get back as soon as possible."


(mlive.com)

Offensive tackle Jason Fox also had a cast replaced by a walking boot on his left foot and was on the practice field Tuesday.

“They’re almost the exact same situation,” coach Jim Schwartz said, comparing Fox to Fairley.

The injury to Fox did not require surgery.

“It’s just the first part of the rehab I’m doing,” Fox said. “Now I can start rehabbing and get back as soon as possible.”



(foxsportsdetroit.com)

Detroit Lions OT Jason Fox (foot) is lost with a foot injury and there's still not definitive word on when he might return.





(kffl.com)

ALLEN PARK - The once-dire situation at offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions is starting to improve. Jason Fox, who suffered a foot injury last Saturday, received good medical news and, according to Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, is just week to week. Fox did not suffer a fracture or require surgery on the left foot he injured on Saturday.


(mlive.com)

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Jason Fox is in North Carolina visiting Dr. Robert Anderson, the man who performed surgery on Nick Fairley's foot last week. Fox hurt his foot during a drill on Saturday morning and was seen wearing a walking boot and using crutches after practice.

Considering they both injured their foot and visited the same specialist, the obvious conclusion to jump to is that Fox also broke his foot. However, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz says Fox's injury is something different, although he declined to expand on that statement.


(prideofdetroit.com)

ALLEN PARK — The hits just keep on coming for the Detroit Lions. Saturday's victim was second-year offensive tackle Jason Fox, who left the practice field early, and showed up in the locker room with crutches and wearing a boot on his left foot.

The Lions are now dangerously thin at the position with only four healthy tackles on the roster.

"Yeah, tackles, we've had a lot of guys drop," Lions coach Jim Schwartz admitted after practice. "With (Jeff) Backus before we started, (Gosder) Cherilus hasn't been ready for (daily) duty, and obviously, Jason.

"Jason was getting a lot of reps out there and was doing really well. Hopefully we'll get some good news on him, and he won't be too long."


(mlive.com)

The Detroit Lions have been in training camp for almost a week now, and I’m just itching to hear some news about some of the new guys who might be playing a big role during the 2011 football season. There has never been a more anticipated year for the Lions than the one they are embarking upon right now, and now that they have the pads on, I want to know what’s what with some players.

The Lions are the new hotness, and everybody knows the basic story lines for the honolulu blue and silver for the upcoming season. Can Matthew Stafford stay healthy and can the Lions turn last season’s great ending into a great start this year?

They have already suffered a set-back with prized first round pick Nick Fairley sidelined for up to 3 or 4 weeks, but the rest of camp has been going pretty smoothly. Strange to say for a team that only a couple of years ago couldn’t win a game to save it’s life, but this team is set at almost every position. The only question really is going to be who will start on the other side of the field opposite Chris Houston at cornerback. It remains to be seen who will win that position, but with the way the other teams are cutting players to get under the salary cap, the person who starts for the Lions might still be on another team, waiting for the axe.

Aside from the Suhs and the Johnsons who have national commercials, I want to know about a couple of players who could play a huge role this year, but we really don’t know yet. The first three draft choices are pretty well known commodities. The following is a list of five players I’ll be eyeballing closely this preseason.

1. Jason Fox. This could be the eventual successor to the much maligned Jeff Backus. Being the draftnik that I am, I was ecstatic to get a solid tackle in the fourth round last year who, if it wasn’t for an injury, might have been a second round selection. The injury kept him from performing until the last game last year, but nobody benefited more from the layoff than this guy. He claims to be 100 percent now and after a year of waiting, the Lions will finally see what he brings to the table.


(sidelionreport.com)

ALLEN PARK - Detroit Lions tackle Jason Fox certainly hopes his teammate Jeff Backus returns healthy from his chest injury but, really, there's no reason for him to hurry back.

While Backus is sidelined, Fox is getting all the reps at left tackle with the No. 1 offense. That isn't expected to change much when the veterans are allowed to begin practicing on Thursday.

Regardless, Fox wants to get the most out of all the snaps he can.

"Absolutely. It's an opportunity to get reps with (the No. 1 offense) and I've got to take advantage of it and do the best I can,'' Fox said.

A fourth-round pick last year, Fox is finally healthy after two seasons of battling a sore knee. He played hurt in his final season at Miami and didn't play in the bowl game so he could have surgery.

"That whole year, I played injured and then I battled it last year,'' Fox said. "I told a couple of people that this is kind of a new feeling, it's been awhile since I've felt like this. I'm not trying to think about last year, this year is a new year and I'm just trying to improve every day and go out and compete.

"I'm feeling good. Now it's time to go out and get better every day and compete with these guys and, ultimately, win a spot.''


(mlive.com)

Allen Park— Left tackles not named Jeff Backus haven't seen much of the field for the Lions the last 10 seasons.

That's because Backus has started 160 consecutive games since entering the NFL in 2001, all at left tackle.

So, seeing a number other than 76 starting there during camp takes some getting used to.

"You don't want to see people get hurt, but it's allowed me to get some first-team reps and it's a good opportunity for me," said Jason Fox, filling in for Backus, who suffered a left pectoral injury during the offseason. "I just have to take advantage of it and get better every day."

Coach Jim Schwartz said at the beginning of camp the team had no immediate plans to acquire veteran help to guard against Backus' injury.
So, that means Fox, in his second season, is being relied on.

It's a stark contrast from where Fox was at this point last season. He wasn't competing for much because a right knee injury that bothered him his entire senior year at Miami lingered into his rookie season, limiting him during camp.

This year, it turns out the lockout was a blessing for Fox, in the sense it allowed him to rest his knee and get 100 percent healthy heading into camp.

"I'm just really fortunate this year that the knee isn't bothering me," he said.

Fox, a fourth-round pick, says it's amazing how better prepared players are heading into their second camp.

"Year 1, you are just trying to figure out how everything goes and the schedules and what practice is going to be like," he said. "This year, you know what to expect and you can totally focus on the task at hand."

And it's a large task at that.

With Backus' injury, Corey Hilliard unable to practice until the new league year begins this week and starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus coming off microfracture knee surgery and not practicing much, Fox is being counted on to be ready earlier this season.

"I'm trying to be the most efficient I can at every position," said Fox, who wasn't on the active 45-man roster until the final four games last season. "If they want me to play tackle on the left or the right or even if they want to stick me inside, I'm trying to learn every position and just become the best I can so I can help this team wherever they put me."

Getting to know … Jason Fox
Position: Offensive tackle
Ht./wt.: 6-foot-7/303
Age: 23
College: Miami
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Experience: Second year


(detnews.com)

This should have been a big off-season for Jason Fox, a chance to prove he has recovered from the knee injury that limited him as a rookie and that he's good enough to be the Lions' No. 3 offensive tackle this fall.

Instead, the NFL lockout has kept Fox from showing coaches how much he has progressed, and if the labor stoppage lingers it could cost him valuable practice reps as the Lions and other teams rush to get ready for the season.

"It's frustrating, but it's what it is," Fox said. "You can't complain, you deal with it and make the most of it, and when you get back that's your time to prove to the coaches that you haven't been slacking off, you still retained the offense, you're still out there and ready to compete. This is a different year for me. No. 1, it's not my rookie year, and No. 2, I'm coming in it fully healthy and not still dealing with a lingering knee issue."

Fox tore the patella tendon in his right knee during his senior season at Miami (Fla.) and played sparingly last year. He was inactive the first 12 games, played a goal-line series against the Packers in December and filled in at right tackle after Corey Hilliard hurt his knee in the third quarter of the Lions' season-ending win over the Vikings.

Time off has allowed his knee to heal fully, but he was happy to get back to work with teammates during player-led workouts this month.


(sacbee.com)

Lions OT Jason Fox says time off during the lockout has allowed his troublesome right knee to completely heal.

Fox had surgery on the knee as a rookie and didn't play until Week 17. "I was so anxious to play last year that I probably didn't give it the rest it needed during OTAs," said Fox. "... I kind of rushed it a little bit." Fox will compete to be the Lions' swing tackle behind Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus.



(rotoworld.com)

BIRMINGHAM - Offensive tackle Jason Fox heard the draft rumors and tried to ignore them. Fox, a fourth-round draft pick last year out of the University of Miami, heard the rumblings that the Detroit Lions might select an offensive tackle in the first round.

"I try not to listen to that stuff, but you hear it,'' Fox said. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't hear that stuff. But they didn't draft a first-round tackle so I guess there's nothing worth talking about.''

One of the reasons there was talk about the Lions possibly taking a tackle is because of the possibly unsettled situation at that position. The Lions could either be set at that spot or have great upheaval - or anything in-between.

Left tackle Jeff Backus is coming off one of his best seasons, but he's on the final year of his contract and if he's allowed to hit free agency, he's going to get some offers. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus is coming off microfracture knee surgery which means there is a degree of uncertainty in his ability to fully recover. It's possible Backus will get re-signed and Cherilus will be just fine. It's also possible the Lions might need Fox to enter the picture.

"We've got a lot of great players on the offensive line and last year was a great learning experience for me. Guys like Jeff taught me a lot of things and now that I'm healthy, I expect to compete for a starting job,'' Fox said.

Fox wasn't competing for anything during his rookie season because a knee injury that had bothered him for his entire senior year continued to limit him. Fox didn't participate in Miami's bowl game because he had surgery on the knee, a move that he had hoped would ensure that he'd be healthy for his first NFL training camp.

"It lingered all last year. It never was 100 percent healthy,'' Fox said. "Now that I've crossed over that hump and I'm healthy again, it's a great feeling.''

Fox is taking part in the Lions' player-organized workouts at Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Lions, who had 32 players participating today, will finish the four-day session Thursday. If the lockout continues into June, the Lions are expected to have another player-organized workout early that month.

Because he was missing development time during last year, Fox really wasn't a factor in possibly replacing the injurd Cherilus late in the season. That job went to Corey Hilliard.

"As an athlete, you always want to play. I'm a team guy and I'm going to root for whoever's out there, but at the same time, I never missed a game in college until the knee injury,'' Fox said. "I'm just a super competitive guy who wants to be out there helping his team. Last year's in the past and this is a brand new year.''

Fox said he's ready to do whatever is necessary to help the team, whether that's at left tackle, right tackle or even moving inside. The problem for Fox is that because of the current nine-week lockout, the Lions' coaching staff hasn't seen him in awhile.

"I think they're ready to see me 100 percent healthy, too,'' Fox said. "That's another reason I'm excited to get back. I want to prove what I can do and let them see me 100 percent healthy.''



(mlive.com)

Welcome to our 1st annual and long overdue proCane Rankings where we look back at the 2010 NFL season and rank the 43 proCanes that took snaps in 2010 (except for Sinorice Moss who was placed on IR before the start of the season).

Stay tuned as we countdown from number 43 to number 1. Our rankings are based on each player’s performance last year. In August we’ll go ahead and re-rank the player’s based on our 2011 expectations. For now read our review of each player’s 2010 season and where they rank overall. Enjoy!

43. Sinorice Moss WR NY Giants/Philadelphia Eagles: Moss, who was having another good Training Camp before injuring his groin and eventually being placed on Injured Reserve before the beginning of the 2010 season, didn’t play a down last year and was eventually released by the Giants who drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2006 Draft. Moss signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason and is poised to breakout in 2011 with the Eagles who have historically filled their roster with WRs that are not necessarily superstars.

42. Dedrick Epps TE Miami Dolphins: Epps who was signed to the Dolphins practice squad in September was signed to the Active Roster in December and played in three games for the Dolphins. Though he didn’t record a reception in those three games, he did get several snaps and looks to be an active backup for the Dolphins in 2011.

41. Bruce Johnson CB NY Giants: After a very surprising 2009 season where Johnson played a significant role as the nickel corner for the Giants after being signed as an undrafted free agent, there were high expectations for him coming into 2010. Johnson lasted through Week 7 when he was placed on injured reserve following arthroscopic knee surgery. He only totaled 5 tackles and no interceptions after having 46 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 1 TD in 2009. Look for him to bounce back in 2011 and help his fellow proCanes Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips in the Giants’ secondary.

40. Jason Fox OL Detroit Lions: The Lions drafted Fox in the 4th Round of the 2010 draft with the intention to groom his as a tackle for the future. Fox was recuperating from offseason knee surgery for most of the season, but did finally see action in the last game of the season where he didn’t give up a sack and played fairly well. Coach Linehan has been impressed with Fox’s progress since his surgery and is counting on him being an integral part of the Lions 2011 offensive line.

39. Spencer Adkins LB Atlanta Falcons: In his second year as a Falcon, Adkins doubled his tackle total posting six in 2010 while playing primarily on special teams. Adkins was on the active roster for 9 of the 16 games of 2010 and has yet to crack the starting lineup for the Falcons but is a valuable contributor on special teams.

38. Randy Phillips S Detroit Lions: Phillips signed as an undrafted free agent with the Lions and made a strong impression in Rookie Camp and Training Camp, so much so that he earned playing time for the Lions the first 3 weeks of the season. After underperforming, he was released and later placed on the practice squad and then was reinstated to the active roster in Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins where he forced 2 fumbles. Phillips was still recovering from offseason surgeries and looks to compete for a roster spot with the Lions again this season. Having his former secondary coach from “The U,” Tim Walton as the Defensive Backs coach in Detroit has helped Phillips’ progress.

37. Damione Lewis DL Houston Texans: After signing last offseason with the New England Patriots, and expected to make a big contribution to that defense, Lewis was cut before the beginning of the season after not fitting in as a DE in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme and also having a rough offseason as he dealt with his mother’s death. He was signed by the Texans and played for them in Week 8 and became a regular contributor on defense for the rest of the season. Lewis can still be an effective DT in a 4-3 scheme and look for him to be a contributor next year after accumulating 17 tackles and one sack in only 10 games.

36. Clinton Portis RB Washington Redskins: After playing in only eights games during the 2009 Season, Portis under new head coach Mike Shanahan changed his attitude towards off-season workouts and recommitted himself to the Redskins. Most expected him to have a big year, but unfortunately again his season was cut short as he played in only 5 games and had 227 yards rushing and only two touchdowns. The Redskins have since released Portis, and until the lockout is resolved we don’t know who he will be playing for next season. Because of his recent injuries most think he is no longer a starting back in the NFL but could be a serviceable 3rd down back especially because of his solid blocking and receiving skills.

35. Leon Williams LB Dallas Cowboys: Williams played mainly special teams for the Cowboys last season as he suited up for 11 games and totaled eight tackles and one fumble recovery. Williams was key in the Cowboys’ punt and kickoff return games and did play some on defense. The Cowboys elected to not tender Williams and he is currently a free agent. Look for him to find a spot on a team in 2011 as a special teams player.

Check back tomorrow to see which proCanes were ranked 34th through 26th!

For Jason Fox, this past season was the redshirt year he never had.

A fourth-round pick out of Miami (Fla.), Fox started from the moment he stepped on campus as a Hurricane, 47 straight games in all.

As a rookie offensive lineman with the Lions, he played sparingly and spent most of his time in the weight room, still recovering from college knee surgery.

"Early in the year my knees were kind of bothering me still, so that kind of really limited me early and I just had to wait for my shot," said Fox, who suffered a torn patella tendon in his right knee as a senior at Miami. "I got some of it (in the season finale), and just for the situation I was dealt, I think I handled it well. But like I said, I'm not done, that was just the beginning."

Fox played the second half of the Lions' Jan. 2 win over the Vikings at right tackle after Corey Hilliard left with a knee injury. Aside from a goal-line series against the Packers, they were the only offensive snaps Fox, who was inactive for the season's first 12 games, played all year.

"I shook the cobwebs off the first series," Fox said. "But after that I felt like I held my own, and it's something to build on going into 2011."

Fox worked at both tackle spots and practiced some guard during the season. More important, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Fox made noticeable gains in size and strength that should help him compete for a job next year.

"He looks really good," Linehan said. "I think he's getting (his knee troubles) behind him now and looks like somebody that's now had a year out of a knee surgery as opposed to whatever it was, six months. That's a big difference. ... It's really, I think, going to bode well for his off-season being healthy."



(freep.com)

DETROIT — It took until the final game of the season, but Jason Fox finally saw some action on the field.

When backup tackle Corey Hilliard – who was in for injured starter Gosder Cherilus – went down with an injured knee against Minnesota, Detroit's fourth-round pick finally got to play.

On Fox's first snap, Chad Greenway shot the gap between the right guard and tackle. Still, he was able to get just enough of the Vikings linebacker to push him away from running back Jahvid Best, who took the handoff up the left side of the line for three yards.

Overall, the Lions ran toward the right side four times for 5 yards after Hilliard left the game with 12:40 left in the third quarter. It hardly qualifies as a dominant showing, but the rookie didn't give up a sack either.

"I didn't play perfect," Fox said after the game. "I kind of had to knock the cobwebs off (on) the first series or so. After that, I feel like I played decent. Something to build on at the end of the season, going into next year."

The 6-7, 303-pounder out of Miami spent much of the season on the inactive list. Despite being active for the Lions' previous three games, Fox didn't actually play.

After whetting his appetite in the Lions' final game of the season, the 22-year-old wants to make plenty of improvements to his overall game – strength, footwork, technique.

He'll have to in order to achieve his fairly lofty goals for next season.

"(I have) to work hard this offseason to put myself in the best situation possible so I can be a starter next year," Fox said.



(mlive.com)