NFL players have long been assigned jerseys within a range of numbers by position. Offensive linemen wore something in the 50s, 60s or 70s. Quarterbacks, kickers and punters had their choice of jersey Nos. 1-19. Wide receivers wore a number in the 80s or low double-digits, 10-19.
In April, NFL owners approved a proposal by the Kansas City Chiefs to modify jersey restrictions, giving players at most positions a larger pool of numbers to pick from.
Running backs, receivers and tight ends can now wear numbers 1-49 and 80-89. Defensive backs can wear single digits former Lions cornerback Darius Slay, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, has changed to No. 2. And linebackers like Barnes can wears Nos. 1-59 and 90-99.
Way-too-early Detroit Lions game-by-game predictions for 2021 NFL season
Updated 6:58 AM;
Today 6:58 AM
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara waits on the play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Leon Halip)AP
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ALLEN PARK The 2021 NFL schedule is set. The draft and free agency are in the books, which means it’s as good as time as any to take a crack at some game-by-game predictions for the Detroit Lions.
This is the first year the NFL’s regular season will expand to 17 games, with the Lions drawing a road trip to face the Denver Broncos through the added contest. Notable highlights for the first campaign of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell regime include a Monday Night Football matchup with the Packers in Green Bay in Week 2, the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving and the season finale back at Ford Field against the Packers.
Detroit Lions to open 2021 season by hosting San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field
Updated May 12, 2021;
Posted May 12, 2021
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)AP
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ALLEN PARK Jared Goff will make his Detroit Lions debut against his hometown team, with the San Francisco 49ers set to visit Ford Field for the season opener on Sept. 12 according to ESPN.
Goff, acquired in the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for three draft picks, grew up in Kentfield, Calif., which is about 13 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. He went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the draft during his days across the bay at Cal, then spent the first five years of his career in Los Angeles.
3 rookies crack Detroit Lions’ projected depth chart following 2021 NFL draft
Updated 10:33 AM;
Today 9:43 AM
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Oregon Ducks (58) Penei Sewell (OL) stands on a ladder in front of the Ducks band on the field after the Ducks defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 28 to 27 to become the 2010 Rose Bowl Champions in a bowl game played on January 1, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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ALLEN PARK Penei Sewell will start right away at right tackle for the Detroit Lions or something has gone terribly wrong. He’s that good, and he’s that ready after opting out of his final season at Oregon.