Tag: Marcus Martin

66 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 66 for New England

Here’s a list of every Patriots player to wear the No. 66 jersey number.

Another day in the books, and now, the New England Patriots are 66 days away from their regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 10.

We’re continuing our countdown series, which has us listing every Patriots player that has ever worn a No. 66 jersey.

One of the names on the list is an unsung hero from the early championship teams. Long snapper Lonie Paxton, who is a member of the Patriots’ All-Dynasty Team, joined the same year Bill Belichick was hired as the head coach, and he served as a reliable specialist for New England for nine straight seasons.

NFL historians and perhaps even professional wrestling fans will remember Steve “Mongo” McMichael as another former player that wore the No. 66 jersey for a time being in New England.

There were clearly many others, and we’re looking at all of them today. Here’s every Patriots player that has ever worn No. 66 (via Pro Football Reference):

68 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 68 for New England

Here’s a list of every Patriots player to wear the No. 68 jersey number.

The Fourth of July fireworks mean we are only 68 days from the New England Patriots’ regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 10.

So we’re continuing our countdown series by listing every Patriots player that has ever worn the No. 68 jersey number.

Former Navy standout offensive lineman Max Lane, who made the Patriots’ All-1990s Team, is one of the names on the list. Despite constantly being snubbed for NFL accolades, Lane was a reliable pass protector for the Patriots for seven seasons.

There have been many others that have followed in his footsteps and worn the No. 69 in New England. Today, we’re paying homage to every Patriots player that has ever worn the number.

Detroit Lions make 3 practice squad moves, protect 4 in Week 16

Detroit Lions made a series of practice moves on Tuesday, adding C Jon Toth, releasing C Marcus Martin, placing LB Anthony Pittman on the COVID-19 list, and protecting four players in Week 16.

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Detroit Lions made a series of practice moves on Tuesday, adding center Jon Toth, releasing center Marcus Martin, placing linebacker Anthony Pittman on the COVID-19 list, and protecting four players in Week 16.

The Lions protected players include, center Evan Brown, defensive tackle Albert Huggins, corner Tramaine Brock, and safety Bobby Price.

With Frank Ragnow still dealing with a throat injury, the Lions turned to Joe Dahl to start at center last week, and elevated natural center Martin to act as a reserve. Unfortunately, Martin has exhausted his elevation eligibility in 2020, and the Lions released him to make room for Toth.

Toth (6-5, 310-pounds) played center at Kentucky, was undrafted in 2017, and joined the Eagles. After just over a year on Philadelphia’s practice squad, he joined the Jets practice squad in 2018. He also spent time in the XFL with the D.C. Defenders, before joining the Browns earlier this year.

Toth will compete with Brown (who is protected this week) for a potential elevation spot in week 16. Neither has been elevated this year.

Brock has also not used an elevation this year, but with corners Darryl Roberts and Mike Ford banged up (both were estimated to be limited on Tuesday) they may need him as an elevation option this week. Brock will be competing with fellow practice squader Alex Meyers — who was posterized by Derrick Henry last week.

Huggins was elevated once by the Lions in Week 12, while Price was a standard elevation in Week 13, and a COVID-19 replacement elevation in Week 14, meaning each has one standard elevation remaining as COVID-19 elevations don’t count against the standard numbers.

Pittman was placed on the COVID-19 list and per an NFL/NFLPA agreement, teams do not differentiate between if a player tested positive for COVID-19 or if he had a close contact exposure, so it’s unclear how long he will be out at this time.

However, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “One Lions player and one non-player tested positive for COVID-19, per league source. The team facility is closed and players and coaches are meeting virtually, with contact tracing ongoing.”

So, if Pittman did indeed test positive, his season could potentially be over. But, if the report is wrong, and it is a close contact exposure — like Matthew Stafford, Jarrad Davis, and Jalen Elliott earlier this year — it’s possible he could return before the season’s conclusion.

Lions elevated C Marcus Martin, EDGE Kareem Martin, and CB Alex Myers for Week 15

The Detroit Lions announced that they have elevated center Marcus Martin, EDGE Kareem Martin, and corner Alex Myers for their Week 15 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

The Detroit Lions announced that they have elevated center Marcus Martin, EDGE Kareem Martin, and corner Alex Myers for their Week 15 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

With Frank Ragnow being downgraded to out this week the Lions lacked a true center on their roster but the elevation of Marcus Martin gives them one.

Starting left guard Jonah Jackson has experience playing center in college, and former starting guard Joe Dahl has been cross-trained at center since he arrived in Detroit in 2016. Expect both of them to start at left guard and center — though it’s not entirely clear who plays where — with Marcus Martin acting as the primary backup under center.

With Everson Griffen still on the COVID-19 list, Kareem Martin will give the Lions depth on the edge. Last week the Lions started EDGE Romeo Okwara and a combination of EDGE Austin Bryant and JACK linebacker Christian Jones, with Kareem Martin filling in as a fourth option. Expect that to repeat itself again in Week 15.

After the Lions signed 11-year veteran corner Tramaine Brock earlier in the week, most expected him to be elevated to the depleted cornerbacks’ group, but the Lions opted for Myers, who they signed two and a half weeks ago, as their fourth option.

Undrafted out of Houston in 2019, Myers (5-11, 187) spent his rookie season on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad before being released earlier this year. A physical tackler, Myers has a chance to make an impact on special teams in this game.

Detroit Lions Frank Ragnow has been downgraded to OUT vs Titans

The Detroit Lions have downgraded starting center Frank Ragnow to OUT for the team’s Week 15 match-up with the Tennessee Titans.

The Detroit Lions have downgraded starting center Frank Ragnow to OUT for the team’s Week 15 match-up with the Tennessee Titans.

Ragnow suffered a fractured throat in last Sunday’s game versus the Green Bay Packers and despite playing every snap that game, by the then end of it, he had lost the ability to talk.

After examination during the week, it was discovered that Ragnow’s injury existed in the vocal cord cartilage, not the bone, and fortunately, he was still able to breathe and swallow normally. Unfortunately, the stress on his vocal cords still prevented him from speaking.

Ragnow visited a specialist on Friday, and while the team listed him as questionable earlier in the day, it appears they were given further information on his status and downgraded him to out.

The Lions don’t carry a reserve center on the active roster, but starting left guard Jonah Jackson has experience playing center in college, and former starting guard Joe Dahl has been cross-trained at center since he arrived in Detroit in 2016. Dahl said on Thursday that he feels very comfortable at the position if called upon.

While there isn’t a true center on the 53-man roster, they do carry two on the practice squad: Marcus Martin and Evan Brown.

Martin has been with the Lions most of the season, was a protected practice squad player this week, and was previously elevated by the Lions in Week 9. He has 24 NFL starts under his belt and seems likely to be elevated once again this week — which typically happens on Saturday — if only to back up Jackson or Dahl.

Lions protect practice squad newcomer Mohamed Sanu, 3 others for Week 10

Sanu signed with the Lions late last week

Mohamed Sanu was on the street for anyone to sign for several weeks before the Detroit Lions signed the veteran wide receiver to the practice squad. Apparently the Lions like what they’ve seen from Sanu.

They made the wideout one of the four players protected on the practice squad for Week 10. Joining Sanu on the protected list are three familiar members: DT Frank Herron, CB Dee Virgin and OL Marcus Martin.

Martin was elevated for the Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and reverted to the practice squad on Monday. Virgin has been a fixture on the Lions’ protected practice squad all season.

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Detroit Lions Week 9: Comprehensive depth chart

A comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions depth chart as they take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 of the 2020 season.

In this comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions roster, we will be examining not only the positional depth chart but also looking at who coaches will turn to in specific situations, including who will step up in case of injury.

Here’s a look at the Lions depth chart as they take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 of the 2020 season.

Note: Starters will be listed in BOLD and you will see some players listed more than once as they have multiple roles.

Quarterback

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Running back

Third Down back

  • Kerryon Johnson (33)
  • D’Andre Swift (32)

Fullback

  • Jason Cabinda (45)

Wide receiver

  • Kenny Golladay (19) — Ruled OUT
  • Marvin Jones Jr. (11)
  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Jamal Agnew (39) — Ruled OUT
  • Marvin Hall (17)
  • Quintez Cephus (87)

Slot receiver

  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Quintez Cephus (87)

Tight end

Expected starting offensive line

  • LT — Taylor Decker (68) — No injury designation
  • LG — Jonah Jackson (73)
  • C — Frank Ragnow (77)
  • RG — Hal Vaitai (72) — Questionable
  • RT — Tyrell Crosby (65)

Reserve offensive line

  • LT – Tyrell Crosby (65), Matt Nelson (67)
  • LG – Oday Aboushi (76), Logan Stenberg (61), Matt Nelson (67)
  • C – Jonah Jackson (73), Marcus Martin (60) — elevated for Week 9
  • RG – Oday Aboushi (76), Logan Stenberg (61), Matt Nelson (67)
  • RT – Hal Vaitai (72), Matt Nelson (67)
  • NOTE: Joe Dahl (66) — Downgraded to OUT

Interior defensive line

  • Danny Shelton (71), NT — No injury designation
  • Nick Williams (97), DT
  • Da’Shawn Hand (93), Big DE, DT
  • John Penisini (91), NT

EDGE Rushers

Off-the-ball linebacker

  • Jamie Collins (58), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Jahlani Tavai (51), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Christian Jones (52), JACK, WILL — Questionable
  • Reggie Ragland (59), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44), MIKE, WILL
  • Miles Killebrew (35), Hang

Cornerback

  • Desmond Trufant (23) — No injury designation
  • Amani Oruwariye (24)
  • Jeff Okudah (30)
  • Justin Coleman (27)
  • Mike Ford (38)
  • Tony McRae (34)
  • NOTE: Darryl Roberts (29) — has been placed on IR

Slot cornerback

  • Justin Coleman (27)
  • Tony McRae (34)

Safety

  • Duron Harmon (26), Single-high, Slot, JOKER
  • Tracy Walker (21), JOKER, Single-high, Slot — Ruled OUT
  • Jayron Kearse (42), Slot, JOKER
  • Will Harris (25), Slot, JOKER
  • C.J. Moore (49), Single-high, Slot
  • Miles Killebrew (35), JOKER, Slot

Third-safety

  • Will Harris (25)
  • C.J. Moore (49)

Kicking team

  • Matt Prater (5) — placekicker
  • Jack Fox (3) — punter, holder, kickoffs
  • Don Muhlbach (48) — long snapper

Kick returns

  • Jamal Agnew (39) — kick returner and punt returner — Ruled OUT
  • Danny Amendola (80) — reserve punt returner
  • Marvin Hall (17) — reserve kick returner

Kick coverage

  • Tony McRae (34) — gunner
  • Jamal Agnew (39) — gunner — Ruled OUT
  • Miles Killebrew (35) — five-phase specialist
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
  • Jason Cabinda (53) — five-phase specialist
  • Will Harris (25) –five-phase specialist
  • C.J. Moore (49) — Personal Protector (PP)

Teams final injury reports

Injured reserve/PUP list

Lions elevate Marcus Martin to the active roster for Week 9 vs Vikings

The Detroit Lions announced they have elevated interior offensive lineman Marcus Martin to the active roster for their Week 9 vs Minnesota Vikings.

The Detroit Lions announced they have elevated interior offensive lineman Marcus Martin to the active roster for their Week 9 game vs the Minnesota Vikings.

With Joe Dahl already being downgraded to OUT, Hal Vaitai being listed as questionable, and Taylor Decker missing some practice time earlier in the week, the Lions appear to be adding Martin to the active roster for insurance purposes.

Additionally, with Martin elevated to the active roster, the Lions now have nine offensive linemen active on the 53-man roster. While they only need eight to take advantage of a new rule of increasing their game-day roster from 46- to 48-players, it’s worth noting that rookie Logan Stenberg has been a healthy scratch every game this season.

While Martin will be available, he is not guaranteed to be active on Sunday. Earlier this year, the Lions elevated Jonathan Williams but made him inactive on game day as he was unneeded insurance at his position. So, if Stenberg is ready to backup, and if their injured players are ready to play, Martin may find himself a healthy scratch.

It’s also worth noting that even though wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Jamal Agnew have both been ruled out, the Lions did not elevate a receiver. They will roll with just four at the position.

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Joe Dahl downgraded to OUT for Lions Week 9 vs Vikings

The Detroit Lions have downgraded interior offensive lineman Joe Dahl to OUT for their Week 9 game vs the Minnesota Vikings.

The Detroit Lions have downgraded interior offensive lineman Joe Dahl to OUT for their Week 9 game vs the Minnesota Vikings.

Dahl got in a limited practice on Wednesday but was unable to practice on Thursday or Friday and was given a questionable injury designation for Sunday.

With the team traveling to Minnesota on Saturday, the Lions will typically examine their injured players in the morning to see if their health is trending in the right direction. If they are not improving, they will be downgraded, will not travel with the team, and will be left behind in Allen Park in order to speed up their rehabilitation process.

Dahl did not improve enough to make the trip, but Hal Vaitai did, so it’s presumed that the Lions will revert back to the offensive line combination they used the three weeks prior to last week’s game:

Left tackle Left guard Center Right guard Right tackle
Taylor Decker Jonah Jackson Frank Ragnow Hal Vaitai Tyrell Crosby

With Dahl out, the Lions currently have eight active offensive linemen, meaning they can still take advantage of the league’s new rule of expanding their game-day roster from 46- to 48-players. But, with Vaitai still maintaining a questionable label, and Decker missing practice on Wednesday, the team could elevate one of their practice squad offensive linemen — Marcus Martin, Beau Benzschawel, or Dan Skipper —  for insurance.

Lions add 2 new veterans to the practice squad

Marcus Martin and Joe Webb add some experience to the Lions practice squad

The Detroit Lions bolstered the practice squad with two veteran presences on Wednesday. The team announced it has signed center Marcus Martin and wide receiver Joe Webb to the 16-man practice squad.

Martin was a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers back in the 2014 NFL Draft and started 24 games for the 49ers over three seasons before injuries devastated his progress. He has not played since 2016 after bouncing around three different teams in the meantime.

Webb is a more familiar name. He entered the NFL as a quarterback in 2010, even starting two games for the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie. He has transitioned into being an offensive weapon (a hybrid of WR/RB) since, most recently playing for the Houston Texans in 2018. He did still play some quarterback for the Texans in the 2018 preseason too, including in a matchup with Detroit.

The Lions are taking advantage of the new practice squad rule that allows vested veterans to continue playing on the practice squad. Previously, Webb and Martin would have been ineligible for practice squad duty.

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