We're Black and Blue All Over:
Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas didn't take a snap during offseason practices to help spur healing in his troublesome knees, and the Lions' decision to sign veteran safety Chris Hope spurred new discussion of Delmas' availability for training camp and beyond.
Wednesday evening, Delmas told ESPN 96.1 in Grand Rapids, Mich., (via Mlive.com) that he is "88 to 90 percent" and added: "I still got a long road ahead of me. I plan on going through camp, trying to build my knee up as much as possible so I can go into the season 100 percent."
It's difficult to know whether that's good news or bad news. Is it good that Delmas believes he is relatively close to where he needs to be? Or is it discouraging to hear him admit that he isn't completely healthy almost six full months after completing the season?
I think it's pretty clear that Delmas is going to give it a go this summer. Where it will take him his uncertain.
Continuing around the NFC North:
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has taken over the leadership of this team, writes Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
The Green Bay Packers cut their season-ticket waiting list by about 5,000 in selling the new seats they've constructed in the south end zone of Lambeau Field. More from Richard Ryman of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press on new Minnesota Vikings linebacker Desmond Bishop: "Bishop belongs in the middle. He was an exceptional inside linebacker for the Packers before suffering a severe hamstring injury that cost him the 2012 season. If he's healthy, Bishop will be the Vikings' best middle linebacker since Erin Henderson's older brother, E.J., was healthy and in his prime."
Here's a video from ChicagoBears.com of Bears coach Marc Trestman addressing rookies at the team's rookie minicamp earlier this offseason.
