Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli thought the only problems he might have going into Thursday morning's first practice of training camp was the absence of his top two unsigned draft picks -- Gosder Cherilus and Jordon Dizon.

As it turns out, the Lions definitely will be without another rookie -- seventh-round draft pick Caleb Campbell.

The Lions were informed Wednesday that the Army's policy of allowing cadets to play professional sports was recently superseded by a subsequent Department of Defense policy. As a result, Campbell must report back to West Point for further orders.

Marinelli talked to Campbell on Wednesday and said, "Obviously, he's disappointed.''"Caleb is no longer eligible to play for the Detroit Lions. Nobody likes surprises, but you've just got to salute and move on,'' Marinelli said at his news conference today. "We checked (with West Point) as recently as last week and we were assured everything was fine. But that's the deal and we'll move on. I feel bad for the player. He's a heckuva guy and he's going to follow orders and do what he's supposed to do.''

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While the Lions had agreed to contract terms with Campbell on a three-year deal, the Lions opted not to have him sign the contract. Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand said the decision was made to give the team "maximum flexibility.'' (Campbell would not have been paid any portion of the contract until he made the final 53-man roster.)

The Lions retain Campbell's rights until the draft next year and can sign him at any point up until then. If he's not selected by a team in the 2009 draft, Campbell becomes a free agent. Under the current rules, Campbell would be eligible to play pro sports after fulfilling two years of active duty.

While the situation has yet to be addressed by the league, both Marinelli and Lewand said they didn't believe they would be granted a compensatory pick next season because of the Army's reversal in policy.

Marinelli said he had no idea the Army (or Department of Defense) might eventually change the policy.

"When you go to the (scouting) combine, who goes there? Draft-eligible players. When you go there, you evaluate the players who are there. They were draft-eligible players,'' Marinelli said. "Obviously, he's disappointed, but I know what he's about. He got his orders and he's ready to report and go.''

In town, waiting

While Cherilus and Dizon are believed to be in town, ready to report as soon as their contracts get worked out, it appears they're going to miss the first team meeting of the season (6:20 p.m.). The Lions have their first practice at 8:35 Thursday morning. It's still possible that the players could be signed at some point tonight, take their physical early in the morning and be on the field for the first practice.

Lewand said talks are going well, but did not indicate that either signing was imminent.