Shaun

Rogers

Only a year ago, the Lions were looking to trade Rogers. After an impressive finish to last season, he looks like one of the better young tackles in the league.

It didn’t look overly serious. But the Pro Bowler looks unlikely to return to the game.

A source tells beat writer Tom Kowalski that two AFC clubs, both in the same division, have emerged as the “frontrunners” to acquire Rogers. We suspect the teams are the Raiders and the Broncos.

The injury has been diagnosed as a shoulder sprain and Rogers is listed as week-to-week. Detroit’s other starting DT, Shaun Cody (knee), also isnt 100%.

He’ll miss a preseason game or two, but should be ready in plenty of time for the regular season.

Making $4 million, Rogers was bust in his first season in New Orleans, tallying just 22 tackles and zero sacks. Franklin was even less productive, making 17 tackles in a part-time role. If Rogers is back, it will be at a cheaper price.

Beat writer Mike Garafolo had heard the Giants were “nosing around” Albert Haynesworth as well. Expectations for the 33-year-old Rogers should be low after he flamed out in New Orleans last season, playing less than a third of the defensive snaps. He’ll provide depth up front in New York, so the Giants can concentrate on other positions in the draft.

Rogers, 33, has missed all of minicamp due to a mysterious elbow condition. He’s not talking about the injury and not guaranteeing he’ll be ready for training camp. Rogers is behind Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, Marvin Austin and perhaps even Rocky Bernard at defensive tackle.

It’s a sign that Rogers is committed to making the 53-man roster. The problem is that the rapid weight loss has left him a little weak and the Giants are incredibly deep along the defensive line. At age 33, Rogers is a shell of his former self.

A change in medication has helped Rogers deal with the blood clot better than originally expected. “We’re just going to hang on as well as we can,” said Coughlin. “There is a chance he can come back and play.”