Shaun Rogers No-Shows, No Surprise

Only one player was missing from the Lions' facility for offseason workouts -- defensive lineman Shaun Rogers. Mike O'Hara of The Detroit News isn't surprised.

When he is at his best, Rogers is one of the league's most dominant defensive linemen. The word around the league is that he lacks endurance and takes plays off. And conditioning -- or lack of it -- always has been an issue.

On pure ability, he is one of the Lions' best players. He made the Pro Bowl twice. But if the Lions are looking for leadership, it isn't there.

Rod Marinelli didn't sound painfully hurt by Rogers' absence.

From his reaction and the tone, it didn't sound like Marinelli was about to beg and cajole Rogers into joining the workouts.

"He knows when it started," Marinelli said.

This should pose a test for Marinelli. If he's serious about dumping all of the problem players, he'll find someplace else for Rogers to play. Marinelli's made a point of trying to reform the team's character, but even one problem player could ruin everything. And what kind of example does it set for the rest of the team if a talented and potentially great player could get away with causing trouble?

I mean, his double axel toe loops are on point when he's willing to go for the gusto, but he's such a diva. Wait, are we not talking about the figure skater Shaun Rogers? Oh. Disregard the picture, then.