Justin Medlock

Another new face on the practice field Wednesday was kicker Justin Medlock, who was claimed off waivers from Washington last week. Medlock, a 2007 fifth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, starred for Toronto Argonauts last season in the CFL. That's where he thought he was headed before the Lions snagged him. (The Argonauts retain his CFL rights as an option-year player.)

And that's probably where he'll be headed soon enough. And just get this out of the way, when I asked Schwartz why the team decided to bring Medlock in, the coach made it clear the Lions don't have any concerns about veteran Jason Hanson -- on field goals or kickoffs.

"No, Hanson's doing fine -- it has nothing to do with Jason," Schwartz said.

Hanson should see a bump in value this year. Kicking in a dome at least nine times (counting Minny) never hurts, but the Lions should be able to move the ball and keep games closer this year.