They play their next four games in climate-controlled environments and held a walk-through Wednesday to go easy on their bodies, so of course the Detroit Lions practiced outside Thursday in balmy 33-degree weather and a light snowfall.
The Lions play two outdoor games in cold-weather climates in December, against the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers, but they have four indoor games next beginning with Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers do not have an indoor practice facility and cancelled practice Thursday because of heavy rain in the Charlotte area.
The Lions have an indoor facility, but chose not to use it Thursday for reasons Lions coach Matt Patricia will wait until Friday to explain.