Lions coach Jim Schwartz would not get into details about the continued absence of receiver Titus Young, who was not at practice Tuesday as punishment for his insubordination continues.
Schwartz has refused to label Young's departure from the team as a suspension. But he outlined a few parameters for Young's return and said, in essence, that a cooling off period might be good for both Young and the Lions.
"The team and he both needed a little time away," Schwartz said. "But, again, it's not going to be based on what he does away from here. It's what he does when he's here with the team."
To this point in his two-year career, what Young has mostly done while he has been with the team has not been positive. His lack of discipline on and off the field have provided huge distractions that boiled over in the loss to Green Bay on Nov. 18, when Young enraged coaches after he lined up in the wrong position at least twice at crucial times.
The big questions are what exactly Young has to do to earn his place back on the team, and whether his return is a possibility this season.
"Potentially," Schwartz said. "Again, this is a decision for who the best 46 were on Sunday and that will continue to be evaluated. There have been times that he has been very productive in our offense, he's been an asset for our team, and that's what he needs to get back to."
At times, Young has been a key contributor to the Lions' potent passing attack. His sure hands helped him become the team's third-leading receiver.
But Schwartz would not elaborate on how exactly Young could earn his way back onto the team, whether it be through contrition, good behavior or simple silence.
"Well, it's more when he gets back with the team -- if he gets back with the team," Schwartz said. "But it's more when he gets back and the behavior that he does then."
As players returned from their Thanksgiving break, lockers were messy and ruffled with clothes and athletic equipment. Young's locker had a collection of clothes, and the lockbox was open. It was clear Young had been in the locker room not long ago.
Fellow receiver Ryan Broyles said he had spoken recently with Young, although he would not discuss Young's spirit or emotional state.
"I don't feel like commenting on that," Broyles said. "But he's definitely a competitor, so he'll be back soon."
Schwartz wasn't so sure, although he didn't slam the door when he was asked whether Young had possibly played his last game as a Lion.
"I mean, I think it's way too soon to tell and stuff like that," Schwartz said. "But it's definitely going to be in his court when it comes to his actions and where it is."
He looks like he'll have a long career.
aula Pasche @paulapascheTV2's Woody Woodriffe just saw #Lions WR Titus Young going around edge of practice field picking up bits of paper and trash. Strange ...
