Mike Thomas and Ryan Broyles were both introduced as starting receivers opposite Calvin Johnson for the Lions' Thanksgiving game. It's too late to change lineups, of course, but it's something to keep an eye on heading into Week 13. It's a sign we can expect a lot of three-wide sets from the Lions against a team that surrendered 354 yards to Chad Henne less than 96 hours ago.

Mike Thomas is expected to start in place of Titus Young (suspension) Thursday.

The Lions envision newly acquired WR Mike Thomas as an "offensive utility player" and special teamer. It's confirmation that Thomas isn't a threat to Ryan Broyles' slot job. The Lions traded for Thomas primarily because they were high on him coming out of college and still believe he can add quality depth in a variety of roles. He can be the No. 4 receiver and primary backup at all three wideout spots.

The Lions were reportedly "highly interested" in Mike Thomas coming out of Arizona in the 2009 draft. They ended up drafting Derrick Williams instead, only to turn around and dump him last season. Thomas is expected to fill a wide variety of roles in Detroit, including the occasional backfield snap "in a Jahvid Best-type role." We suspect his biggest on-field impact will come on returns, as Stefan Logan has come under fire for a trio of recent fumbles.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Lions have acquired WR/PR Mike Thomas from the Jaguars in exchange for undisclosed considerations. It's an understandable trade from Jacksonville's point of view. Thomas failed to endear himself to Mike Mularkey's coaching staff, wasn't worthy of his $4.95 million in salary and bonuses and had fallen far emerging go-to receiver Cecil Shorts. Although Thomas will provide depth in Detroit at wide receiver and punt returner, he doesn't figure to be a threat to Ryan Broyles' slot receiver role. Broyles has impressed since Nate Burleson went down two weeks ago. With an average of 11 targets, six receptions and 97.5 yards the past two weeks, Shorts should be added in 12-team leagues.

Mike Thomas played 40 snaps in the Jaguars' Week 1 loss to the Vikings. It's a lot of snaps for a guy that struggled badly at training camp, but Thomas had no catches on one target. Blaine Gabbert appears to have better chemistry with Cecil Shorts.

Coach Mike Mularkey confirmed Mike Thomas will operate as both the Jaguars' kickoff and punt returner this season. We do posts like this for return-yardage leaguers. Thomas should also be the Jaguars' slot receiver between Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson on passing downs. Cecil Shorts showed improvement in the preseason, though, and plays the same position as Thomas, so those two may form a rotation at No. 3 receiver.

A "struggling" Mike Thomas has been passed by 2011 fourth-round pick Cecil Shorts on the depth chart. Thomas just signed a three-year, $18 million contract that included $9 million in guarantees last October. But with a new coaching staff in town, he's no longer on scholarship and firmly on the roster bubble. The 5'8/198 slot receiver is now behind Justin Blackmon, Laurent Robinson, Lee Evans and Shorts. The Jags could end up dangling Thomas as trade bait.

Coach Mike Mularkey indicated that Mike Thomas is the Jaguars' most versatile receiver because of his experience and ability. Thomas is working at all of the wide receiver positions, not just the slot. "He's been grasping things more than the other guys," said Mularkey. "He's been around. He has done well. As he gets it, he gets better and better. He has had a good camp." It's yet another sign that Thomas' roster spot is secure this season.

The Jaguars are unlikely to cut ties with Mike Thomas this year because his 2012 base salary and $1 million of his 2013 salary is guaranteed. Thomas was a massive disappointment in 2011 and apparently hasn't looked good in OTAs, but his roster spot is safe. On top of the salary guarantees, Thomas received $1.5 million of a $3.5 million roster bonus in March. The other $2M will be paid next spring. Thomas will still have to fight off Cecil Shorts to be the Jags' slot receiver between Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson.