Kitna did not practice Wed, going for MRI on back (1 Viewer)

[Anthony Borbely]

Jon Kitna did not practice Wednesday and is being sent for an MRI on his back. His status is questionable. Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton split snaps with the first string offense.

Assuming Kitna improves, he will start, but that is in question right now. If he can't, my gut says Orlovsky will start depending on how healthy he is. Stanton simply has not practiced much this year and really isn't ready right now. They may not have a choice depending on the health of the other 2 QBs.

I doubt much will be known before Friday.

Link

Kitna questionable; Orlovsky, Stanton split reps

by Tom Kowalski

Wednesday October 08, 2008, 2:19 PM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna missed Wednesday's practice and his status for Sunday's game against the Vikings is questionable. (The Lions don't have to make an official declaration of his status until Friday afternoon.)

Kitna left last week's game with back spasms, something he's had before. The problem must not have improved since Monday because the team sent Kitna for an MRI today.

Meanwhile, backup Dan Orlovsky and No. 3 QB Drew Stanton split the reps at practice today. Orlovsky is still hobbled with knee and ankle injuries but he said he'll be ready to play Sunday if needed.

 

[valhallan]

Didn't they talk about trimming back the playbook? I would think letting Stanton run around and make plays to those wide-outs has just as good a chance of being successful as anything else they've tried.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Didn't they talk about trimming back the playbook? I would think letting Stanton run around and make plays to those wide-outs has just as good a chance of being successful as anything else they've tried.

That is a great thought, but he hasn't practiced much all year and I think they want him to be better prepared. That's just a thought though; I have no idea what they will do. If this was 2 weeks later, I believe Stanton would start. But now, my gut says no.

 

[djb916420]

Impact on Roy and Calvin?

 

[Kuz]

Didn't they talk about trimming back the playbook? I would think letting Stanton run around and make plays to those wide-outs has just as good a chance of being successful as anything else they've tried.

That is a great thought, but he hasn't practiced much all year and I think they want him to be better prepared. That's just a thought though; I have no idea what they will do. If this was 2 weeks later, I believe Stanton would start. But now, my gut says no.

Anthony.. If Kitna is in fact ruled out. Is there any way we can start Calvin this week. The Vikes pass rush at home vs a new QB doesn't sound very enticing.. It stinks to think about not playing your supposedly stud players but I may have to this week. .What do you think CJ will be able to do with either of those QB's against the Vikings??

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

I just traded Brandon Marshall and Jason Witten for the Vikings D. I may not win many games after this, but I feel good about this week.

 

[Silverstreak]

Didn't they talk about trimming back the playbook? I would think letting Stanton run around and make plays to those wide-outs has just as good a chance of being successful as anything else they've tried.

That is a great thought, but he hasn't practiced much all year and I think they want him to be better prepared. That's just a thought though; I have no idea what they will do. If this was 2 weeks later, I believe Stanton would start. But now, my gut says no.

...I would concur, but the way this seasons gone for the Lions, one would have to think the Stanton Era will be starting very soon. They need to know what they have with him. I don't believe Orlovsky and his lack of mobility is condusive to anything more than a QB#2 at the present time.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If I'm Matt Stafford, I stay for my senior year.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

If I'm Matt Stafford, I stay for my senior year.

The Lions have nowhere to go but up now that they got rid of Millen.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If I'm Matt Stafford, I stay for my senior year.

The Lions have nowhere to go but up now that they got rid of Millen.

But would you want to play for them if you were the #1 rated QB?

 

[Mr. Peterson]

If I'm Matt Stafford, I stay for my senior year.

The Lions have nowhere to go but up now that they got rid of Millen.

But would you want to play for them if you were the #1 rated QB?

 

[One]

Impact on Roy and Calvin?

Orlovsky seemed to repeatedly target Williams, but pretty much forgot who Johnson was.It was UGLY.

 

[W1cked]

As for the Vikings pass rush question. Yes, Orlovsky did lock on to Roy Williams when Roy was on the field and threw to others when Roy was off the field.... however, Orlovsky did also throw under the coverage with dump off passes.... unlike Kitna who just held onto the ball. So if Kitna starts I think you will see more sacks from the Vikings defense, especially if he has a back injury. He will be even less mobile. Both will throw INTs.

As for what Calvin will do if Orlovsky is QB... who knows. He didn't look his way a whole lot last week.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Impact on Roy and Calvin?

Orlovsky seemed to repeatedly target Williams, but pretty much forgot who Johnson was.It was UGLY.

Roy had 18 targets and 5 drops. Spread the targets around better and Calvin will be fine. I would not bench him against the Vikings. Their secondary is not the greatest and with their run defense, the Lions will have to throw all game long. I have to think Calvin will be much more involved this week, with the usual warning about this being the Lions. They aren't very bright.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I wish it was Stanton just so I could see this 2nd round pick. Kolb is rotting on my dynasy bench as well.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I wish it was Stanton just so I could see this 2nd round pick. Kolb is rotting on my dynasy bench as well.

Stanton will play this year.

 

[footballgeek]

I wish it was Stanton just so I could see this 2nd round pick. Kolb is rotting on my dynasy bench as well.

Stanton will play this year.

Maybe sooner than you think.http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2008/...y_wit.html#more

 

[Manasseh]

Are you guys just dropping Kitna now? I'd almost rather have Gus Frerotte, which is a sad commentary. I still don't understand how a QB with those WR can be so bad.

 

[Ruffrodys05]

The owner of Kitna in my league still has him on his roster. He picked him up to cover Brady after losing him. He also has Kolb on the bench since the draft. He also had Edwards, but just dropped him last night for Russell. He currently still has Kitna in his starting lineup for this week, but I'm sure that will change once he hears the latest news. I won't speculate on his thoughts about Kitna, but I can glean from his moves (or lack of them) that he is not ready to bail on Kitna just yet. Most likely "wait & see" mode.

 

[Slider]

Are you guys just dropping Kitna now? I'd almost rather have Gus Frerotte, which is a sad commentary. I still don't understand how a QB with those WR can be so bad.

Bad system? Bad OLine?

 

[red stripe]

And thus Jon Kitna fades quietly into the sunset until next year where he becomes the QB for the Niners...

No way is Jon sitting out due to back spasms imo

 

[teamramrod]

Are you guys just dropping Kitna now? I'd almost rather have Gus Frerotte, which is a sad commentary. I still don't understand how a QB with those WR can be so bad.

Bad system? Bad OLine?

Lets make a list of former Lions QB who are starting this week...FerotteGarciaO'Sullivan

 

[BearsFan]

Impact on Roy and Calvin?

Orlovsky seemed to repeatedly target Williams, but pretty much forgot who Johnson was.It was UGLY.

...May have been a by-product of CJ being covered by Tillman and Roy Dub being covered by Corey Graham subbing for Vasher.

 

[CrossEyed]

Any updates on today's practice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[sartre]

Are you guys just dropping Kitna now? I'd almost rather have Gus Frerotte, which is a sad commentary.

I dropped him to clear space on my roster. I even asked a couple of teams starving for a QB if they'd offer some of their waiver cash, but no takers, so I dumped him outright. This is a league where 26 other QBs are rostered.

 

[dwashington]

Impact on Roy and Calvin?

Orlovsky seemed to repeatedly target Williams, but pretty much forgot who Johnson was.It was UGLY.

...May have been a by-product of CJ being covered by Tillman and Roy Dub being covered by Corey Graham subbing for Vasher.

...or the Lions gameplanning to pad Roy's trade value.

 

[hbkhbk]

Even if Dan starts, Drew will be in after Dan's first attempt is an INT-Six.

 

[PatsFanCT]

Dan has a strong arm. If the O-Line can give him some time, he can hit Calvin and Roy for some big gains. Stanton has the mobility factor, but if you need a pocket passer with a cannon, Orlovsky can produce. Assuming he can get some protection... Of course why would we assume that? Kitna really needs to get healthy fast.

 

[Sputnikv8]

I just traded Brandon Marshall and Jason Witten for the Vikings D. I may not win many games after this, but I feel good about this week.

Worst trade eva. Brandon + Witten + waiver wire D >>>>> Vikings + waiver wire WR + waiver wire TESounds like a move made out of desperation, but, good luck!

 

[3C's]

Kitna really needs to get healthy fast.

Not until week 9 please! (backup qb issues)

 

[Grahamburn]

I just traded Brandon Marshall and Jason Witten for the Vikings D. I may not win many games after this, but I feel good about this week.

:X Worst trade eva. Brandon + Witten + waiver wire D >>>>> Vikings + waiver wire WR + waiver wire TESounds like a move made out of desperation, but, good luck!

I think he was making a joke possibly. :whoosh:

 

[LAUNCH]

I just traded Brandon Marshall and Jason Witten for the Vikings D. I may not win many games after this, but I feel good about this week.

Worst trade eva. Brandon + Witten + waiver wire D >>>>> Vikings + waiver wire WR + waiver wire TESounds like a move made out of desperation, but, good luck!

I think he was making a joke possibly.

That was like a sputnik over his head...

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Update: Basically, it appears if Kitna can't go, Orlovsky will start. Kitna may be the dreaded game time decision. I think more will be known after Friday's practice.

Link

Lions' Kitna could be game-time decision

by Tom Kowalski

Thursday October 09, 2008, 2:38 PM

Lions quarterback Jon Kitna didn't practice on Thursday and was walking very gingerly in street clothes. Kitna left last Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with back spasms and when his sore back wasn't getting better, the Lions sent Kitna for an MRI exam on Wednesday. The Lions have not revealed the results of that test.

Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said today that Kitna's status for the game against the Minnesota Vikings could be a game-time decision. Backups Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton split practice reps today, the second straight day they've done so. If Kitna can't play, Orlovsky is expected to get his first NFL start.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

I just traded Brandon Marshall and Jason Witten for the Vikings D. I may not win many games after this, but I feel good about this week.

:X Worst trade eva. Brandon + Witten + waiver wire D >>>>> Vikings + waiver wire WR + waiver wire TESounds like a move made out of desperation, but, good luck!

WOW- Are you that nieve?

 

[Johnny Detroit]

Kitna was ? on the 5th and is now downgraded to doubtful.

10/09/08 12:50:48pm Pacific

NFL: Game 211-212

Injury

Status

Detroit

QB

Jon Kitna

back

Doubtful

is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs Minnesota.

10/05/08 04:16:43pm Pacific

NFL: Game 211-212

Injury

Status

Detroit

QB

Jon Kitna

back

"?"

left last game, is "?" Sunday vs Minnesota.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Oh cool time to bench another "shoulda been" great WR.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Someone can help me with the specifics as I cant get to a lot of box scores from work, but in Peter King's MMQB he said the Lions have started their 4 games with deficits of (paraphrasing the specifics) 21-0 (Atl), 21-3(GB), 21-0 (SF), and 31-7 (Chi). Something like that. I know piling on the Lions is like shooting fish in a barrel, but that stat jumped off the page for me.

This may get ugly in Minny.

 

[playin4beer]

Impact on Roy and Calvin?

Orlovsky seemed to repeatedly target Williams, but pretty much forgot who Johnson was.It was UGLY.

Roy had 18 targets and 5 drops. Spread the targets around better and Calvin will be fine. I would not bench him against the Vikings. Their secondary is not the greatest and with their run defense, the Lions will have to throw all game long. I have to think Calvin will be much more involved this week, with the usual warning about this being the Lions. They aren't very bright.

I'm benching Calvin this week in favor of B.Berrian.....i would much rather start a WR AGAINST the Lions than a WR ON the Lions.

 

[Lobary]

I just traded Brandon Marshall and Jason Witten for the Vikings D. I may not win many games after this, but I feel good about this week.

Worst trade eva. Brandon + Witten + waiver wire D >>>>> Vikings + waiver wire WR + waiver wire TESounds like a move made out of desperation, but, good luck!

WOW- Are you that nieve?

Please, call me Fernando.

 

[Grahamburn]

Calvin meet bench...

 

[djmich]

So does anybody think that there is more than a 10% chance that Orlovsky keeps the job and does well?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Update after Sunday's game:

Link

Quarterback Kitna returning? Lions aren't talking

by Tom Kowalski

Sunday October 12, 2008, 8:45 PM

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Lions could be faced with some tough decisions at quarterback for the next several weeks.

Dan Orlovsky got his first NFL start in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and it appears he might be starting again next week against the Houston Texans.

Lions management has refused to answer any questions about the long-term health of quarterback Jon Kitna, who missed all of last week with back problems. Kitna had an MRI and also consulted a spine specialist, but the Lions refuse to discuss details of Kitna's health. Kitna did not make the trip to Minnesota.

Lions coach Rod Marinelli said the organization would huddle Monday morning and discuss Kitna's future.

While Orlovsky has been the backup all season, he's on a one-year contract. Drew Stanton, last year's second-round draft pick, appears to be the future of the team. Stanton finally is healthy after spraining his right thumb in the preseason and took half the snaps in practice last week.

If Kitna is going to miss an extended period of time, the Lions will have to make a decision of when -- or if -- to make the switch from Orlovsky to Stanton.

 

[3C's]

PFT reporting:

With no teams interested in giving the Lions whatever they wanted in exchange for the rights to quarterback Jon Kitna, the Lions reportedly have decided to place the veteran quarterback on injured reserve.

They got it from here:

http://davebirkett.blogspot.com/2008/10/kitna-on-ir.html