The Lions on Monday waived wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim. A veteran of eight-plus seasons, Hakim had just 17 receptions for 147 yards in six games with the Lions this year. "It was a football move," Detroit first-year coach Rod Marinelli said. "I'm not going to elaborate on that."

The Lions signed running back Arlen Harris to replace Shawn Bryson, who will miss the remainder of the season. Bryson had eight catches for 98 yards and two carries for one yard in five games this season. "He's got some nice versatility where he can catch," Marinelli said of Harris after the first exhibition. "He knows he can block; he's got some ability to do some nice things in terms of running the ball."

Shaun Rogers will receive four-game suspension without pay by the NFL for using a banned substance. An announcement by the league office is expected on Wednesday. The Lions would not confirm or deny the suspension. There was no answer at the office of Rogers' agent, Kennard McGuire. "We are not commenting," Lions vice president Bill Keenist said Tuesday.

Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers will be suspended for four games by the NFL for taking a banned, over-the-counter substance, an official within the league told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the NFL is expected to announce the suspension Wednesday.

Roy Williams, the Lions leading receiver, was shaken up on his team's first possession and left Sunday's game against the Vikings. Williams caught a first-down pass from Jon Kitna on a slant pattern near midfield, and Minnesota safety Darren Sharper finished the play with a hard hit to the neck and shoulder of Williams. Williams writhed in pain briefly before walking off the field. He had his shoulder pads off on the sideline while a trainer worked on him. Two snaps later, right guard Damien Woody sustained a significant injury to his left leg while pulling to his right on an outside running play by Kevin Jones.

Charles Rogers has been out of work and out of sight since the Lions released him as one of their final cuts Sept. 2. Rogers still is without a new team, but he spoke publicly for the first time in a taped interview scheduled to appear tonight on the NFL Network's "Total Access" show. Rogers admitted in the interview that his four-game suspension by the NFL last season was for using marijuana and said he needs a fresh start. Excerpts of the interview were made available by e-mail by the NFL Network. "I tested positive for marijuana," Rogers said, according to the transcript. "That's something I could deal with. I feel more ashamed for me, my family, for the organization. You know, it was a situation where, hey, I (messed) up. And, I can admit that."

Roy Williams is going to bat for Mike Williams, feeling that the Lions need his height. "I'm not saying what they're doing is wrong," Roy Williams said Monday. "I'm saying, 'Let's go now. We're 0-4. Let's go.' He's 6-5, man. That's the big deal for me. He's 6-5 out there. Get him the ball in the middle of the field." Roy Williams has been campaigning for his friend, fellow wide receiver and fellow top-10 draft pick for weeks.

Detroit Lions guard Frank Davis was taken off the field on a truck after he injured his neck on the opening kickoff of the second half in Sunday's game against the Rams. Davis was taken to a hospital, but had movement in his arms and legs, Rams spokesman Rick Smith said.