Lions coach Rod Marinelli still would like to sign free agent linebacker Takeo Spikes, who visited Detroit before training camp. But it appears Spikes is waiting to see how training camps play out around the league before signing anywhere.

PLAYER
-- QB Drew Stanton has struggled after spending his rookie season on injured reserve, but he looked better in the Lions' controlled scrimmage, throwing two touchdown passes.

-- WR Devale Ellis appears to have the edge in the battle for the fifth wide receiver slot. He had caught the ball well and shown return ability.

-- LB Jordon Dizon has shown the speed, aggressiveness and instincts expected of him, but still is behind Paris Lenon and Buster Davis at middle linebacker.

-- CB Brian Kelly is nursing a minor knee injury, but the main reason he has been excused from practice often is that he is an 11-year veteran of the Tampa Two system and the Lions are taking it easy on him.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Kevin Smith vs. Tatum Bell for starting RB - When Bell missed a practice for personal reasons, Smith stepped in with the first team and didn't look out of place at all. The rookie had been getting time with the first team, anyway. Breaking tackles was one of the things he did well in college, so it will be interesting to see him in exhibitions.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Shaun Cody has looked lean and quick in camp. He needs to have a big year. He is behind Chuck Darby at nose tackle, but Darby probably can give only 20 snaps or so a game. Leigh Bodden remains behind Travis Fisher at cornerback for now, but it shouldn't last long.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB Kevin Smith - The rookie has shown the vision and cutting ability expected of him, but he has also shown he can pick up blitzes and catch the ball out of the backfield. His engaging personality is already winning over the media.

ROOKIE REPORT: Right tackle Gosder Cherilus has rotated in with the first team but still hasn't won a starting job. ... Linebacker Jordon Dizon has shown promise, but remains behind Paris Lenon and Buster Davis. ... Running back Kevin Smith has stood out. ... Defensive end Cliff Avril has drawn raves from coach Rod Marinelli for his speed and instincts. ... Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen started to make an impact in the controlled scrimmage. ... Fullback Jerome Felton has started making an impact; he has had a good battle with linebacker Buster Davis. ... Wide receiver Kenneth Moore needs to improve to make the team, both on offense and as a returner.

INJURY REPORT: Guard Edwin Mulitalo (elbow), tight end Dan Campbell (elbow), wide receiver Shaun McDonald (knee) and safety Daniel Bullocks (knee) remain on the physically unable to perform list. Linebacker Ernie Sims (knee), defensive tackle Cory Redding (groin), linebacker Teddy Lehman (hamstring), running back Artose Pinner (neck), defensive tackle Langston Moore (shoulder), cornerback Brian Kelly (knee) and offensive lineman Manny Ramirez (knee) are nursing minor injuries.

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