NFC North Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

Lions DT A’Shawn Robinson is entering the final year of his contract in 2019, one of the few members of a deep Detroit defensive line who’s not under contract for longer. Robinson says he’s not thinking about the future, though. 

“I ain’t worried about none of that (stuff),” Robinson said via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “That (stuff) don’t matter to me right now. What matters is us trying to be the best team we can be so we can get to the playoffs and have a chance to win the Super Bowl.”

• Lions G Joe Dahl received $2.57 million guaranteed in his extension, including a $750,000 signing bonus and $781,000 base in 2019. (Birkett)

Packers

Packers first-round LB Rashan Gary has had some impressive flashes of athleticism in practice, but so far has been unable to translate that into the preseason games, as he as yet to record so much as a tackle. Gary says his goal is to be a “big performer” and a “game-changer,” but he is in the middle of transitioning to outside linebacker after playing solely on the defensive line in college. 

“I feel like I’m getting better,” Gary said via Ryan Wood and Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I’m picking things to improve on. I’m sitting down with coach, and we’re going over what I’m getting better at and what I need to improve on. So I’m keying on those things and making sure I’m getting them done in the game. I feel like the plays are going to come. I’ve just got to keep playing football and keep getting better, just focus on myself.”

• Packers third-round TE Jace Sternberger entered the final stage of the concussion protocol and returned to practice Tuesday. (Ryan Wood)

Vikings

Vikings RB Mike Boone has performed well rushing the ball for the second straight preseason. He’s locked in a tight battle for the No. 3 running back spot for the Vikings, but it’s not his acumen running the ball that’s impressed HC Mike Zimmer the most. 

“For guys like him, these backup tight ends, the backup wide receivers, backup running backs, backup DBs, backup linebackers, they need to play special teams if they want to make the team,” Zimmer said via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “So, I was impressed with what he did on special teams probably more so than running back.”

• Zimmer said the team doesn’t have a timeline on when it will decide who will start at punter and kicker. Minnesota traded a fifth-round pick for P/K Kaare Vedvik and has K Dan Bailey and P Matt Wile still on the roster: “I think it’s just see where it goes and make sure we’re right.” (Cronin)