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They Tried To Tear Apart Isaac TeSlaa – PROOF The Panic Is WRONG!

Will Rock — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 02:18:32 GMT

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Allen Park— Isaac TeSlaa has three targets, zero receptions and 44 offensive snaps through two preseason games. I would agree that his Cincinnati performance deserves criticism—but what those numbers do not prove is that Dan Campbell has lost confidence in his second-year receiver. Contrary to what toxic media narratives push, there is not a five-alarm fire burning in Allen Park.

SideLion Reports’ Max DeMara has questioned TeSlaa’s consistency, preseason usage, career production and whether he is satisfying Detroit’s coaches. PFF fantasy analyst Nathan Jahnke interpreted TeSlaa’s preseason workload as evidence the Lions may not fully trust him. Vito Chirco of Lions OnSI called his development alarming and portrayed his camp as almost devoid of growth.

Those are powerful conclusions about a player and the coaching staffs’ confidence. At the bare minimum, these statements should survive the facts, the film and the words of the coaches making the decisions, right?

They don’t.

5 CLAIMS THAT DON’T HOLD UP | Max DeMara

DeMara wrote: “It’s tough to say much with certainty about Detroit’s wideout group, other than it is deep and one of the best in the league. Even though that is the case, there is a major question about what TeSlaa will provide.”

Those two thoughts work against each other. Are we questioning TeSlaa’s performance ability still, or the crowded nature of a deep positional group? Since he mentioned this room is one of the deepest collections of pass catchers. My question is just how much of a role should a 4th WR in 2025 realistically carve out? Looking forward to his second season with the same deep group—where is TeSlaa supposed to find major volume in 2026?

TARGET SHARE

That is 417 targets to four established weapons—Teslaa received 27—What exactly was he supposed to do differently? Take targets from three All-Pro’s and a future All-Pro Jameson Williams?

WHAT WAS TESLAA IN 2024? EFFICIENT!

There is one definitive about TeSlaa’s rookie year, he caught 16 passes on 27 targets for 239 yards, averaged 14.9 yards per catch, produced 14 first downs and scored six touchdowns. One of the most efficient seasons for a rookie receiver ever. Below are the analytics that show just how impressive his season really was.

87.5% 1st down per reception rate | 51.9% 1st down per target rate
22.2% TD to target rate | 37.5% TD to reception rate

How does that compare to the rest of the group?

The touchdown rate will not continue, but a rookie buried behind that collection of weapons still converted limited opportunities into scoring plays and chain-moving catches.

Let’s not forget that when Sam Laporta went out is when TeSlaa’s snap counts skyrocketed. According to PFF - TeSlaa had 177 snaps between weeks 1-10 (9 games), and racked up 329 more reps between weeks 11-18 (8 games) - for a total of 506 snaps.

During OTAs this June, Dan Campbell said, “I almost wish we could have gotten TeSlaa some more touches than he did get,” then said TeSlaa’s growth “took off,” he improved every week and Detroit had “a lot of trust” in him by season’s end.

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TESLAA SHOULD BE ON THE BENCH ?

DeMara’s second claim was that TeSlaa “hasn’t been consistent enough to earn a spot on the bench with the starters in the preseason.”

Getting preseason work is not evidence of a demotion. TeSlaa played 506 offensive snaps as a rookie. St. Brown played 939 last season and Williams 992. TeSlaa’s entire NFL workload is roughly half of what either established starter played in last season.

A Year 2 receiver with that little experience should be playing—and the exact reason why Dan Campbell put TeSlaa in the game is simple. Getting reps against NFL level speed, working on his releases against press, leverage recognition, sight adjustments, route depth and quarterback timing all become repeatable through live reps.

Consistency is something a young receiver develops; it is not something he must already possess before coaches let him develop it.

Campbell directly contradicts the premise. In June he called TeSlaa “steady,” “consistent for a young guy,” said he was “exactly where we want him,” and added, “he feels like a veteran right now.” Detroit can trust TeSlaa and still believe 436 career snaps are not enough football.

BOOM OR BUST - ALREADY ?

DeMara then wrote: “It is certainly interesting that he has been boom or bust so far in his career.”

Career? TeSlaa has 27 NFL targets and 506 professional snaps. If we force that sample into a boom-or-bust label, the production leans heavily toward boom: 16 catches, 239 yards, six touchdowns and 14 first downs. Over Detroit’s final six games, he caught 12 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns—75% of his rookie receptions. That looks more like a role expanding as trust develops than a career bouncing between boom and bust.

There is also precedent for Jared Goff taking time to develop trust with a young receiver. Jameson Williams played 79 snaps as a rookie, receiving nine targets with one catch and one touchdown. His second season produced 42 targets, 24 receptions and two touchdowns across 12 games and 579 snaps.

Did DeMara write the same panic story about Jameson Williams in 2023?

By no means am I suggesting TeSlaa and Williams are the same player. Honestly, we still do not know what TeSlaa ultimately becomes. Should he progress at the same rate as Williams, what are we worried about? That is precisely why declaring him boom or bust after 27 career targets is premature.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON?

Then came the Washington box score.

DeMara wrote: “TeSlaa didn’t register a stat in the game, and wasn’t targeted in the passing game. As a result of that and a rough week 1, questions have begun to swirl about what will hold for his future this season.”

Zero targets require film before they become a receiver indictment. I reviewed TeSlaa’s Washington passing-game reps. Here is a snapshot of the 1st 10 plays with TeSlaa on the field. Dobbs never looked his way on multiple plays. One specific play, TeSlaa was open and Dobbs chose a throw into double coverage. At least two concepts used TeSlaa to clear space underneath for Jackson Meeks. Another sent him vertically to remove coverage. One rep had him bracketed. TeSlaa and Tyler Conklin also ran into each other on another concept, a legitimate execution mistake, but Conklin was targeted, not Teslaa.

The film did not show 27 snaps of TeSlaa failing to separate. It showed quarterback progression, route design, protection breakdowns and some receiver errors. Detroit allowed five sacks. Dobbs signed Aug. 10, three days before Cincinnati and 12 days before Washington.

Luke Altmyer is an undrafted rookie whose role expanded after Teddy Bridgewater retired. TeSlaa’s meaningful first-team timing has been built with Jared Goff. Expecting identical anticipation and chemistry from two backup quarterbacks behind reserve protection ignores how an NFL passing game works.

Cincinnati was different. The game opened in rainy, wet conditions, but TeSlaa still has to own the misses. Altmyer threw a pass into a congested window with a linebacker closing hard on TeSlaa—hospital-ball territory—ball deflected off TeSlaa’s hands. I am less concerned TeSlaa made a business decision versus the catch that could have ended badly. Later, another fourth-down throw was catchable, but also hit the ground.

Criticize the catches. Do not turn them into proof of a month-long collapse.

NO IMPACT ON THE GAME

DeMara’s final claim is the biggest reach: “Right now, it’s safe to say TeSlaa isn’t impacting the game in the ways the Lions need with regularity to satisfy the coaching staff.”

After Cincinnati, Campbell did not threaten TeSlaa’s role. He described the fluctuations as a “pendulum swing,” told him to “stay the course” and said, “He’s going to be just fine.” If the claim is specifically about satisfying Detroit’s coaching staff, the coaching staff’s own words carry more weight than an inference from three preseason targets.

USAGE = TRUST ? | Nathan Jahnke

Jahnke wrote: “Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams have been locked into Detroit’s top two wide receiver spots. Last season, TeSlaa competed with veteran Kalif Raymond for the third receiver role in 11 personnel. Raymond left for Chicago in free agency, seemingly opening the door for TeSlaa to take over those snaps.”

Raymond’s departure creates opportunity, but it did not create TeSlaa’s role. TeSlaa played 506 snaps as a rookie; Raymond played 358 offensive snaps. Detroit was already using TeSlaa more before Raymond left.

If Raymond is the measuring stick for how TeSlaa should be performing, let’s use it. Raymond finished with 24 receptions on 30 targets and one touchdown. TeSlaa had three fewer targets, eight fewer receptions and five more touchdowns.

Hmmmm...

Let’s go further. In 11 personnel, WR3 is not simply the receiver with the third-most catches. He must align across formations, handle motion, block well enough that defenses cannot identify run or pass from his presence, and execute routes designed to move coverage for somebody else. TeSlaa can take more WR3 snaps without suddenly becoming a 100-target receiver in an offense featuring St. Brown, Williams, Gibbs and LaPorta.

SHOULD BE ON THE BENCH ?

Jahnke continued: “If the Lions fully trusted TeSlaa in that role, however, he likely would have rested with the starters in at least one of the first two preseason games. Detroit’s depth chart behind him remains unsettled, and ideally, those receivers would receive more playing time to help determine who makes the roster. Instead, TeSlaa played not only with the second-team offense that started the game but also alongside the third-team quarterback and offensive line. Greg Dortch and Cedrick Wilson Jr. appeared to be his closest competition last week, while Tay Martin was heavily involved this week.”

Jahnke’s piece is explicitly a fantasy-football usage analysis. That statement treats preseason participation as a binary trust test—Dan Campbell does not. Against Washington, Campbell mixed in starters including Tate Ratledge, D.J. Reed, Derrick Barnes, Rock Ya-Sin, DJ Wonnum and Tyleik Williams. By the way, since when was their a 3rd-team QB named in that game?Dobbs & Altmyer were alternating quarters. Dobbs started, Altmyer came in the second quarter, Dobbs the third and Altmyer the fourth.

Playing preseason football did not automatically mean a player was fighting for his job. TeSlaa also is not stealing evaluation reps from the receivers behind him either. Tay Martin played 61 offensive snaps through two games, compared with TeSlaa’s 44. Lucky Jackson had at least 55 snaps through both preseason games. The bottom of the room is getting work while TeSlaa continues building off his 506 career offensive snaps. Both can happen at the same time.

Usage can create a question—it cannot erase Campbell saying Detroit already had “a lot of trust” in him.

No Growth - Really? | Vito Chirco OnSI

Chirco wrote: “However, thus far in training camp this summer, the Hudsonville, MI., native has shown very little signs of growth, and instead has looked the part of an in-over-his-head rookie.”

That conclusion is directly challenged by Scottie Montgomery, the coach responsible for Detroit’s receivers. Montgomery said, “The top of his breaks are so much cleaner. He’s so much stronger.”

Cleaner breaks mean less wasted movement at the top of the route and better timing when Goff reaches TeSlaa in the progression. Added strength helps him defeat contact at the release, maintain his stem and finish through defensive backs. Those are specific technical improvements.

The practice evidence exists too. In minicamp, TeSlaa separated on a post and Goff hit him in stride for a big gain. On Aug. 6, he went over Nick Whiteside for the catch of the one-on-one period. On Aug. 16, he climbed over Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Thomas Harper for a contested red-zone touchdown; Tim Twentyman wrote that the play showed why TeSlaa was Detroit’s No. 3 receiver.

On Aug. 27, the same day Chirco’s article was published, Goff found TeSlaa for 14 yards during the first-team offenses' 99-yard touchdown drive.

He has not had a perfect camp—TeSlaa has dropped passes, has been disrupted by press and still needs cleaner separation from rep to rep. But “very little signs of growth” ignores documented route improvement, strength development and productive first-team work.

Chirco also wrote: “TeSlaa has been an alarming development from the former Arkansas receiver, who enters the 2026 season as the Lions’ No. 3 wideout.”

He followed it with: “He hasn’t come close to living up to the bill of such a receiver, and consequently, has been a major disappointment for Campbell’s squad so far this preseason.”

Calling the preseason results disappointing is defensible. Zero catches are zero catches. Calling TeSlaa’s overall development alarming is different. Campbell said he was exactly where Detroit wanted him and perhaps a little ahead. Montgomery identified cleaner route breaks and increased strength. TeSlaa remains in first-team work with Goff. After his worst preseason game, Campbell’s message was “stay the course” and “he’s going to be just fine.”

Those are not the words of a staff sounding alarm bells over WR3.

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ROCK’S READ

TeSlaa does not need protection from criticism. He needs to catch the football, beat press more consistently and turn flashes into dependable route execution. That is the next step for a second-year receiver with 506 career offensive snaps.

What I will not do is turn three preseason targets into proof Detroit does not trust him, zero Washington targets into proof he cannot separate, or 27 career targets into a boom-or-bust career.

The late-2025 surge in snaps and production shows his role was growing. The camp work shows both progress and mistakes. My Washington review showed why targets are a product of route concepts, quarterback decisions and protection—not simply whether a receiver “impacted the game.”

Criticize the first preseason game in Cincinnati if you want. Just stop manufacturing a WR3 crisis that Detroit’s own evidence does not support.

The evidence says Isaac TeSlaa is still developing into Detroit’s WR3; the panic is pretending Detroit has already decided he cannot be one.

Has TeSlaa’s preseason changed your opinion of WR3, or do you need to see him with Jared Goff in the regular-season offense first? Comment below, like the article and send it to a Lions fan.

Detroit Lions Linked To Center & Quarterback Upgrades

Will Rock — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:03:12 GMT

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Allen Park— Over the last five seasons, Detroit has treated the initial 53-man roster as a starting point. In 2025, Holmes stopped at 50 players, intentionally left three spots open, then added Daniel Thomas, Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat from outside the building.

Detroit could need that flexibility again. Cade Mays is rehabbing a fractured wrist and is not expected back until sometime in late October, leaving Juice Scruggs at center and creating an immediate need for experienced interior-line insurance. Isiah Pacheco missed most of camp recovering from an MCL injury and is now dealing with a back issue without a firm return timetable.

Backup quarterback remains unsettled following Teddy Bridgewater’s abrupt retirement, with Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer competing behind Jared Goff. The secondary carries its own uncertainty, with questions at safety and cornerback—while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are likely to start the season on Reserve PUP.

Holmes should be working two lists heading into final cuts: players worth trading for before they reach the market and potential upgrades Detroit can attack once the waiver wire opens. There are two positions that I have intel on that could change this roster very soon. The balance of the players in this list are players I have identified as possible targets.

CENTER

Jarrett Patterson — Houston Texans

Patterson is my No. 1 cutdown target. He has played 39 NFL games with 21 starts and has experience at center and guard. As a rookie, he started seven games at center, and Houston went three consecutive games without allowing a sack during that stretch. With Mays down, Patterson could compete with Scruggs immediately and remain a two-position interior backup after Mays returns.

My sources tell me that the Lions have legit interest in Patterson. Houston’s offensive-line depth has pushed Patterson onto the roster bubble. He would give Detroit immediate competition at center with enough versatility to dress as an interior backup on game day. I wouldn’t expect Holmes to overpay. A Day 3 pick is logical, but if Houston cuts him, Detroit should put in a claim immediately.

Olu Oluwatimi — Seattle Seahawks

Oluwatimi has played 36 games with 13 starts, including eight starts in 2024 and four last season. He is a true center with NFL starting experience, and his Michigan résumé includes both the Rimington and Outland trophies. He allowed zero sacks across 410 pass-blocking snaps during his final college season.

Oluwatimi is capable of starting and has experience handling protection responsibilities. He would immediately become one of Detroit’s better backup interior linemen, has enough size for the run game and could remain in the rotation after Mays returns.

Seattle’s recent offensive-line injuries could make the Seahawks less willing to move him. This probably requires a trade. A Day 3 pick could get the conversation started. I would call Seattle and find out the price.

Jordan Meredith — Las Vegas Raiders

Meredith has played 45 NFL games with 20 starts and brings guard-center flexibility. He started eight games in 2024 and 11 in 2025, giving Detroit another healthy interior lineman with recent starting experience.

Meredith has been better at guard than center, so I would not assume he beats out Scruggs. The Raiders have been giving Trey Zuhn III backup-center work, however, and Meredith has surfaced in trade discussions.

He could compete at center now and still have a role at guard after Mays returns. Meredith is a possible trade candidate and potential cut. Detroit should wait unless the price drops to a late Day 3 pick swap or less.

Sam Mustipher — Jacksonville Jaguars

Mustipher is the veteran insurance option. He has played 65 games with 43 starts, and 40 of his first 43 NFL starts came at center. He has started for Chicago and also spent time with Baltimore, the Chargers and Denver before Jacksonville signed him in August.

Mustipher has made protection calls, handled NFL fronts and operated an offense from center. Jacksonville has Robert Hainsey and Jonah Monheim ahead of him, putting Mustipher near the bottom of the center depth chart.

Detroit could use that experience while Mays recovers, but there is no reason to trade for him. If Jacksonville releases Mustipher, he becomes a veteran option who could immediately stabilize the backup center job.

RUNNING BACK

Tyrone Tracy Jr. — New York Giants

Tracy is the running back I would be willing to trade for. He has played 32 games with 23 starts, rushing for 1,579 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 74 receptions for 572 yards and three scores. That is 2,151 yards from scrimmage in two seasons.

The Giants added Najee Harris, while Tracy’s preseason has included ball-security and pass-protection issues. New York has also increased his special-teams workload in a crowded backfield. Detroit would not be acquiring depth. Tracy could step directly into the RB2 job if Pacheco is not ready.

He can run inside, catch the football and handle significant snaps without changing Detroit’s personnel packages. I would call the Giants before cuts and consider a sixth- or seventh-round pick. If New York releases him, Detroit should move immediately.

Dameon Pierce — Philadelphia Eagles

Pierce has played 43 games with 20 starts, rushing for 1,684 yards and eight touchdowns on 419 carries. His rookie season showed what he can handle: 939 yards and four touchdowns on 220 attempts.

His offensive role declined afterward, but Pierce averaged 7.3 yards per carry on 40 attempts in 2024 and has added special-teams work. Philadelphia already has Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley, leaving Pierce vulnerable when the Eagles get to 53.

Pierce could handle legitimate carries behind Gibbs if Pacheco remains unavailable. I would not give Philadelphia a draft pick for a player who could be released within days. If the Eagles cut him, Detroit should make the call.

Roschon Johnson — Chicago Bears

Johnson has played 36 games without a start, producing 519 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 138 carries while adding 50 receptions for 313 yards. Six of his rushing touchdowns came on only 55 carries in 2024.

At 227 pounds, Johnson would give Detroit a different body type behind Gibbs. He can handle short yardage, protect, catch enough to stay on the field and contribute on special teams. His offensive role nearly disappeared in 2025, although Chicago could still keep him behind D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai because of his special-teams work.

Johnson is more role player than RB2. Detroit could use the power and protection, but there is no reason to trade within the division for him. If Chicago releases him, put him on the post-cut board.

Khalil Herbert — San Francisco 49ers

Herbert has played 63 games with 13 starts, carrying 416 times for 1,957 yards and nine touchdowns. His career average of 4.7 yards per carry keeps him on this board. He has also caught 54 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns.

San Francisco released Herbert on August 17, then brought him back three days later after another running back went to injured reserve. The 49ers have already shown they are willing to expose him.

Herbert is an experienced zone runner with enough burst to handle legitimate carries behind Gibbs without changing the run game. There is no reason to surrender an asset. If San Francisco cuts him again, Detroit can pursue him as a veteran free agent.

CORNERBACK

Kristian Fulton — Kansas City Chiefs

Fulton is the best veteran corner on this board. He has played 64 games with 53 starts, recording 38 passes defended, five interceptions and more than 200 tackles. He has extensive experience outside, where Detroit could use more certainty behind D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin.

Kansas City has a deep secondary, and Fulton has surfaced as both a trade and cut candidate. He would not be coming to Detroit to fight for CB6. His starting experience would put him in the competition for defensive snaps immediately.

I would call Kansas City rather than assume Fulton reaches the market, but the possible roster squeeze limits what I would pay. A late Day 3 pick or pick swap is enough. If Kansas City wants significantly more, Holmes should wait.

Kelee Ringo — Philadelphia Eagles

Ringo has played all 51 regular-season games since entering the league, including eight starts. He has 73 tackles, five passes defended, one interception, one sack and two forced fumbles. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he brings legitimate outside size and extensive special-teams experience.

Philadelphia’s secondary depth puts Ringo on this board, although two preseason pass breakups and an interception have strengthened his case to stay. He is still only 24 and has already handled NFL defensive snaps.

Ringo is the type of young corner Detroit should take a shot on. He can contribute on special teams immediately while competing for defensive snaps. I would consider a late Day 3 pick swap, but not a clean mid-round pick. If Philadelphia exposes him to waivers, Detroit should put in a claim.

Noah Igbinoghene — Seattle Seahawks

Igbinoghene has played 69 NFL games with 17 starts, recording 119 tackles, 17 passes defended and one interception. His strongest recent stretch came in Washington, where he started 12 games across two seasons and handled snaps outside, in the slot and on special teams.

Seattle’s corner room has become crowded. The Seahawks signed Trevon Diggs and have agreed to terms with Terrion Arnold, although Arnold’s legal situation could keep him unavailable in the short term. Add Devon Witherspoon, Josh Jobe and Seattle’s younger corners, and somebody could get squeezed out.

Igbinoghene has enough experience and versatility to compete for Detroit’s fifth or sixth corner spot. I would not trade for him with Seattle facing its own numbers problem. If the Seahawks release him, Holmes should take a serious look.

QUARTERBACK

Aidan O’Connell — Las Vegas Raiders

O’Connell is the best quarterback target on this board. He has played 21 games with 17 starts, completing 62 percent of his passes for 3,932 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. At 27, he has NFL starting experience and could become a multi-year QB2 behind Jared Goff.

Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza struggled in the finale, completing 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards with an interception and two sacks. O’Connell had a strong camp and preseason, which could convince Las Vegas to keep three quarterbacks. If the Raiders are not comfortable with Mendoza as the No. 2, O’Connell may only move for the right offer.

My sources tell me there is legitimate interest in O’Connell if he becomes available. Holmes must decide whether he is enough of an upgrade over Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer to give up an asset. I would consider a sixth- or seventh-round pick. Anything more is too much for a QB2.

Sam Howell — Dallas Cowboys

Howell has played 20 games with 18 starts, throwing for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns and 23 interceptions while adding 300 rushing yards and six scores. He started all 17 games for Washington in 2023, throwing for 3,946 yards, but also took 65 sacks. Howell has the arm and mobility. Handling pressure and avoiding negative plays remain the problems.

Joe Milton has had the stronger preseason and is viewed as the favorite for Dallas’ QB2 job, although Brian Schottenheimer said the competition remains “neck and neck.” Dallas could keep three quarterbacks, but Howell remains a possible cut or trade candidate.

Howell brings starting experience and more off-script ability than Detroit currently has behind Goff. I would not give Dallas a clean Day 3 pick with Howell already fighting for a roster spot. A conditional seventh-rounder or late pick swap is enough. If Dallas cuts him, Detroit should make the call.

Cooper Rush — Atlanta Falcons

Rush has played 42 games with 16 starts, throwing for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. In 2024, he started eight games for Dallas and threw for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He is a pocket quarterback who has shown he can step into a lineup and keep an offense functioning.

Atlanta has Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Rush and rookie Jack Strand. Strand has pushed for a roster spot, but current projections still have Rush making the 53. Rush would give Detroit experienced QB2 insurance, but there is not enough upside to trade for him. Keep him on the cutdown board. If Atlanta releases him, make the call.

SKYLER GILL-HOWARD INTERVIEW

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DETROIT CUTDOWN BOARD

TIER 1 — MAKE THE CALL NOW

These are players worth pursuing before Detroit knows whether they will reach the market.

Jarrett Patterson — C/G: Immediate competition at center.
Olu Oluwatimi — C: Starting experience with a chance to help beyond Mays’ return.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. — RB: The best potential RB2 on the board.
Kristian Fulton — CB: Proven outside corner who could earn defensive snaps immediately.
Aidan O’Connell — QB: The strongest combination of age and starting experience at quarterback.

TIER 2 — WAIT FOR THE PRICE TO DROP

Detroit should not chase these players. A late pick swap, conditional pick or waiver claim makes more sense.

Jordan Meredith — C/G: Veteran interior depth with recent starting experience.
Dameon Pierce — RB: Proven runner who could handle real carries behind Gibbs.
Kelee Ringo — CB: Young, big outside corner with special-teams experience.
Sam Howell — QB: Starting experience and mobility, but too many negative plays.
Sam Mustipher — C: Experienced center who makes more sense after cuts.

TIER 3 — POST-CUT INSURANCE

No trade required. These are players to pursue only if they become available.

Roschon Johnson — RB: Power, protection and short-yardage depth.
Khalil Herbert — RB: Proven zone runner with a 4.7-yard career rushing average.
Noah Igbinoghene — CB: Experienced corner with inside-outside flexibility and special-teams ability.
Cooper Rush — QB: Veteran backup capable of keeping the offense functional.

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ROCK’S READ

Detroit enters cutdown weekend with legitimate holes created by injury and uncertainty. Cade Mays’ fractured wrist leaves Juice Scruggs holding down center until Mays can return. Isiah Pacheco missed most of camp with an MCL injury and is now dealing with a back issue. Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement left Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer battling for QB2, while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain on PUP and the cornerback depth still needs help.

Brad Holmes does not need to chase names. He needs players capable of taking real snaps. Center is the biggest need. Running back could become one quickly. Quarterback and corner are positions where the right cut could upgrade the 53.

Holmes has used cutdown weekend this way before. With Detroit trying to contend now, he should do it again.

Dominic Lovett Is Running Out Of Time To Make The Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster

Will Rock — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:56:06 GMT

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Allen Park—Saturday vs the Saints starts the countdown for Dominic Lovett to prove his value. Lovett can get open, he has shown it throughout training camp, and there were flashes against Cincinnati. He is quick underneath, can create separation from the slot and still shows some of the traits that made Brad Holmes interested in him coming out of Georgia.

But with two preseason games remaining, I am struggling to find room for Lovett to make the Lions’ 53-man roster. Lovett is officially on the bubble

The problem is not necessarily Lovett as a receiver. It is everything Detroit needs from the fifth receiver on this roster, and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp may have provided the biggest clue about how that decision will ultimately be made

Detroit’s top four receivers appear established with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch. That leaves the remaining candidates fighting for a role that will require much more than catching passes.

The fifth receiver is not going to dress on Sunday expecting six targets. He has to block, cover kicks, potentially play gunner, contribute in the return game and give Fipp enough special-teams value to justify using one of the active roster spots on him.

That is where Lovett has yet to separate himself.

Special teams were supposed to be part of his NFL profile from the beginning. Detroit selected Lovett in the seventh round, 244th overall, in 2025, and Holmes specifically mentioned his speed, slot ability and potential value on special teams after the draft.

WHO IS LOVETT ON THE FIELD?

The receiving résumé was never the concern. Lovett began his college career at Missouri before transferring to Georgia and finished with 197 career receptions. He produced at least 54 catches and 600 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons, with much of his work at Georgia coming from the slot on quick throws, screens and option routes designed to get the ball into his hands.

That production never carried into his rookie season with Detroit. Lovett appeared in 12 games without recording a reception, while his only official return was a 22-yard kickoff return.

Year 2 was supposed to be his opportunity to make a move.

There have been encouraging moments, but the preseason opener against Cincinnati also showed why his roster spot remains in question. Lovett was targeted eight times, the most of any Lions receiver, and finished with three catches for 28 yards. Two drops left additional production on the field, and he also bobbled one of his punt-return opportunities.

Eight targets and three receptions are difficult numbers for a bubble receiver when every rep matters.

Lovett responded with one of his better plays of camp in the next practice, climbing for a deep throw from Luke Altmyer and securing it with his fingertips. Plays like that are why I am not dismissing his receiving ability. The talent is there.

The issue is that Detroit has other receivers competing for the same limited roster space who are providing clearer secondary roles.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE ROOM?

Tay Martin has been making an impression both offensively and on special teams. Cedrick Wilson brings veteran experience and has continued stacking reliable receiving reps. Tarik Black put a touchdown on film against Cincinnati.

Lovett cannot simply be another capable receiver in that group. He needs to give Detroit a reason to keep him over players who can contribute in multiple phases.

The special-teams rotation has offered clues throughout camp. Greg Dortch and Tom Kennedy were receiving multiple opportunities in the return game before Lovett received his lone rep during one early return period, and Detroit has continued evaluating several other players in those roles.

That is why I currently have Lovett projected to the practice squad.

It is not because he cannot play receiver. It is because his game-day role remains difficult to define.

If Tay Martin wins the job, there is an obvious path to special-teams snaps. If Cedrick Wilson gets the spot, Detroit has an experienced receiver who can step directly into the offense when needed. Lovett’s receiving ability has not yet produced enough to offset the lack of a clearly established role for Fipp’s units.

He still has two preseason games to change that.

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ROCK’S READ

For Dominic Lovett, the question is no longer whether he has enough talent to play receiver in the NFL. The question is whether he can show Detroit enough value outside of the receiving game to earn one of the final spots on the roster.

If the Lions have only one receiver spot left, that could ultimately make the decision come down to Lovett’s receiving upside against Tay Martin’s broader special-teams value.

Side note: With all due respect to the players I critique, these guys are phenomenal athletes. Fewer than 0.00478% of American males ages 20 to 34 will occupy an NFL training-camp, active-roster or practice-squad spot at any given time. A final 53-man roster spot represents roughly 0.00282% of that population.

So when fans casually call these players busts, trash, glass, or throw around some other cheap label, I think it gets way out of line. These guys are the best of the best. And if you’re reading this sitting on your couch, there’s a pretty good chance they’re working out right now.

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Erick Hunter Is FLASHING — But Will He Make The Lions 53-Man Roster?

Will Rock — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:03:21 GMT

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Allen Park—Erick Hunter has become one of the easiest rookies to notice in Lions camp. And I still don’t think he makes the 53-man roster.

That probably sounds strange considering how often Hunter’s name has come up over the last three weeks. He’s made plays on defense. He’s made plays on special teams. Dan Campbell has talked about him. Dave Fipp has talked about him.

But what Fipp said today may actually explain why Hunter is more likely headed to the practice squad than the active roster.

Dave Fipp on special teams & Erick Hunter

That’s the evaluation with Hunter right now. The plays jump out, and so do the mistakes.

For an undrafted rookie linebacker trying to take a roster spot primarily through special teams, consistency may be more important than producing two or three highlight plays during practice.

WHO IS HUNTER?

Hunter came to Detroit from Morgan State, where production was never the issue.

He finished his college career with 298 tackles, second-most in school history.

His final season was outstanding.

102 tackles.
14 tackles for loss.
Four sacks.
Four forced fumbles.
An interception.

He was a Buck Buchanan Award finalist and earned FCS All-American honors.

Hunter also already had legitimate special-teams experience. One of his biggest plays in 2025 was a 90-yard touchdown after recovering a blocked kick.

Physically, there was enough there for Detroit to take a serious developmental swing.

He’s around 6-foot-2, 224 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, and he ran approximately 4.48.

Detroit also gave him $175,000 guaranteed as an undrafted free agent, which tells you this wasn’t just another body brought in for camp. The Lions wanted him, and once camp started, you could see why.

HUNTER'S CAMP

Early in camp, Hunter absolutely ran through veteran Joe Bachie during a special-teams drill. Then on the same day, he put himself in position for an interception—and dropped it.

That sequence almost perfectly describes his camp.

A few days later, Hunter intercepted Jared Goff during a scrimmage against the first-team offense.

During special teams that same practice, he won consecutive one-on-one reps—one as the blocker and another trying to release downfield.

Then he followed that by continuing to flash as a blitzer, including a clean A-gap sack during another padded practice.

VS BENGALS

The Cincinnati game gave Detroit its first chance to evaluate whether any of those practice moments translated. Hunter played a lot.

43 defensive snaps—61 percent of Detroit’s defensive plays. Another 12 snaps on special teams. He finished with four solo tackles.

Detroit didn’t hide him. They gave him enough work to make an evaluation. And I came away seeing exactly what Campbell and Fipp have been describing.

There’s an NFL athlete here.
There’s pursuit speed.
There’s length.
There’s natural ability to find the football.
There’s enough coverage ability to develop.
And there’s clearly something Fipp likes on special teams.

But Hunter is making an enormous jump from Morgan State to the NFL.

Campbell said something about Hunter before the Bengals game that I think is critical.

He essentially said Hunter’s deficiencies come from things he simply hasn’t experienced yet.

(Hunter) “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.”

That isn’t an insult, it’s development.

Hunter played 45 college games, but the NFL is giving him formations, blocking schemes, leverage rules, coverage responsibilities and special-teams situations he hasn’t processed at this speed before.

THE ROOM

Look at the linebacker room he has to beat for a spot on the roster.

Jack Campbell.
Derrick Barnes.
Devin White.
Trevor Nowaske.
Malcolm Rodriguez.
Damone Clark.

Several of those guys also have established special-teams value (Clark, Nowaske & Rodriguez) and they can all play a defined role on defense.

Hunter isn’t trying to just beat out the other rookie (Jimmy Rolder) for the sixth linebacker job. He’s trying to convince Dan Campbell that his upside today is worth more than the reliability of an experienced player.

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ROCK’S READ

So today, my projection is simple:

I don’t think he’s there yet, and that doesn’t mean Detroit should give up on him. Actually, I think the opposite.

Give him a year in an NFL strength program. Give Shaun Dion Hamilton and Kelvin Sheppard a full season to develop his recognition and technique. Let Fipp continue developing him on every special-teams unit.

The plays Hunter is making aren’t accidental. The talent is real. The consistency isn’t there yet. Erick Hunter does not make the initial 53. But he absolutely makes my practice squad.

If Detroit gets him through waivers, he could become one of those developmental players we’re talking about very differently a year from now.

QUESTIONS

What would you do?
Would you keep Hunter on the 53 based on the upside?
Or do you risk waivers and try to develop him on the practice squad?
Who would you cut to keep Hunter?

Let me know in the comments.

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Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction | Preseason Week 1

Will Rock — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 03:07:20 GMT

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The 16-14 loss to Cincinnati provided the first live evaluation of several roster battles, while injuries to players such as Cade Mays, Jimmy Rolder, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch continue to change the numbers at several positions.

Sifting through the depth of this roster is not as easy as it has been in seasons past. Changes on the defensive side of the ball—particularly the expected increase in nickel personnel—have changed the value of certain players and helped identify some core pieces. Other roster spots aren’t even close to settled.

This projection isn’t simply about identifying the 53 best players. Special teams, positional versatility, injuries, developmental value and the ability to cover multiple jobs could decide the final five or six spots.

QUARTERBACK: 2

Jared Goff
Josh Dobbs

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Luke Altmyer

Goff requires no explanation. Dobbs gets the QB2 job in this projection because the veteran gives the offense experience behind Goff. His previous connection with Drew Petzing also carries value here. However, if Dobbs is willing to take the handshake deal on the veteran practice squad, the Lions wouldn’t have to expose Altmyer to waivers.

Altmyer played most of the Cincinnati game and showed enough poise to remain an interesting developmental quarterback, but the practice squad provides a path to continue developing him without using a third active-roster spot. The risk of exposing him to waivers is real and should be considered.

Let’s see how this plays out over the next two weeks.

RUNNING BACK: 4

Jahmyr Gibbs
Isiah Pacheco
Sione Vaki
Jacob Saylors

OUT: Trayveon Williams & Raheem Blackshear

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Jabari Small

Gibbs and Pacheco headline the room, while Vaki’s special-teams value gives him another path onto the roster beyond his offensive role. Vaki was back at practice over the weekend, lending to the idea he won’t become a roster stash IR candidate.

Saylors has taken advantage of his opportunity. Against Cincinnati, he strengthened his argument for RB4 with a productive preseason debut and has consistently created plays as injuries ahead of him increased his workload. The ankle injury could reduce the room to three if Saylors is not back before the third preseason game.

WIDE RECEIVER: 5

Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jameson Williams
Isaac TeSlaa
Greg Dortch
Cedric Wilson

OUT: Malik Cunningham — Lucky Jackson — Tarik Black

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Dominic Lovett & Tay Martin
VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Tom Kennedy
IR / SEASON ENDED: Kendrick Law

The first four spots are straightforward. The debate begins at WR5—or do the Lions keep six? Campbell has kept six receivers on the initial 53-man roster only once, in 2025.

Lovett flashed some of the route-running ability that has made him intriguing against Cincinnati and followed the game with a deep connection from Luke Altmyer during practice. This is honestly one of the hardest calls on the roster, but the ball security issues cannot be ignored.

Martin has been moving in the right direction. Dan Campbell gave him significant praise this past weekend:

“(Martin) makes plays every day. He’s intriguing on offense, but he makes special teams plays every day, and that’s important to us, and he’s not the only one.”

Black has also forced himself into the conversation. Against Cincinnati, he turned a routine reception into a 24-yard touchdown and struck the Paul Bunyan pose after redeeming himself from an earlier penalty that erased a 35-yard gain on a questionable offensive pass-interference call.

Wilson has quietly had a strong camp, highlighted by a one-handed sideline grab, a contested 23-yarder from Josh Dobbs and another 23-yard catch against Cincinnati. He has continued making tough catches in practice and has been more consistent than Martin, Lovett & Black.

I would like to see Wilson take a vet squad role, leaving the roster with another developing receiver, Tay Martin. This competition isn’t finished.

TIGHT END: 4

Sam LaPorta
Brock Wright
Tyler Conklin
Jackson Meeks

OUT: Thomas Gordon

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Zach Horton

The top three are established. The Lions have kept four tight ends on the initial 53-man roster only once under Dan Campbell, in 2022. This season has all the makings of becoming the second.

Meeks has been developing as a hybrid tight end and saw relatively early action against Cincinnati. His receiving ability gives the room something different behind LaPorta, Wright and Conklin, and his preseason work has strengthened his case.

The biggest argument for keeping Meeks is twofold. First, there is considerable upside because he remains very early in his development at the position. Second—and potentially more important—is Drew Petzing’s scheme.

The offense will likely use three-tight-end personnel more than just occasionally. With the possibility of injury and some uncertainty surrounding Conklin, Meeks gives the roster enough depth to explore the full menu of Petzing’s multiple-tight-end packages.

OFFENSIVE LINE: 9

Penei Sewell
Christian Mahogany
Juice Scruggs
Tate Ratledge
Blake Miller

BACKUPS:

Larry Borom — RT/LT
Miles Frazier — T/G
Ben Bartch — RG/LG
Michael Niese — C

OUT: Devin Cochran — Melvin Priestly — Colby Sorsdal

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Mason Miller & Seth McLaughlin
IR TO RETURN: Cade Mays — Week 8/9 projection
RESERVE/NFI: Giovanni Manu

Mays’ fractured wrist completely changed the interior-line conversation. His injury gave McLaughlin first-team center opportunities, but Scruggs has returned and Ratledge is now also getting work at center. That directly affects whether the roster needs to carry another dedicated center.

Borom provides veteran tackle insurance. Frazier can cover multiple positions, and Bartch remains part of the interior competition. This offensive line is in the best position it has been in for quite some time when it comes to functional depth.

Borom and Frazier can cover virtually every position outside of center. Ratledge is now getting center reps as well, which leads me to believe the Lions would rather create additional positional versatility and potentially save a roster spot for another area—such as the secondary or defensive line.

I realize Niese isn’t the sexy pick, but let me explain.

He has been in the system, has regular-season experience and provides another interior option at a time when center has suddenly become one of the most important depth questions on the roster.

Here’s my pivot.

Niese is eligible for the veteran practice squad. If he were willing to take the handshake deal, that could solve two problems at once. Niese would remain available as a likely elevation if Scruggs went down, while McLaughlin could continue developing.

Niese is unlikely to start—or potentially even play—unless injuries hit. Using the veteran practice-squad designation could give the 53 additional flexibility elsewhere.

WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR MY TAKE ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE

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DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE: 5

Alim McNeill
Tyleik Williams
Levi Onwuzurike
Chris Smith
Skyler Gill-Howard

OUT: Tyre West

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Mekhi Wingo
VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Myles Adams

I wouldn’t want to be in Dan Campbell’s shoes. This defensive line class has some very good problems with depth, and players that you want to see develop over the next 2-3 seasons.

Speaking of such players, Gill-Howard helped himself against Cincinnati. The rookie produced disruptive plays and showed the athleticism that has made him an intriguing developmental interior defender. Right now, he’s my final decision to make the 53. This defense doesnt have another 280+ pound defensive tackle that can run a 4.65 seconds forty—a legit sideline to sideline DT is insane!

Dan Campbell mentioned Levi Onwuzurike over the weekend:

“Yeah, I like Levi. I feel like Levi’s had a good camp. Um, you know, he... Levi, as we all know, man, he’s coming off a ton of injuries, man. But uh, it’s nice to have two ACLs. He would tell you that, uh, it helps him move a lot better. He’s got a lot more power.”

Onwuzurike is one of those players where you have to accept some risk with the reward. When he’s healthy, he can be dominant. On a defensive front that shouldn’t require him to play more than roughly half the defensive snaps, his value can increase substantially. The injury risk is legitimate, but the grimy interior work he provides is not easy to replace.

Chris Smith represents almost the opposite roster argument. His value isn’t built around splash plays. Campbell has praised his reliability, assignment discipline and willingness to handle the dirty work.

“It’s a nasty job and it’s not for everybody.”
“He just does everything right.”
“He takes three guys on.”

Wingo is a lock for my practice squad projection. I don’t believe the Lions are ready to give up on him, but unless Gill-Howard falls flat over the next couple of weeks, it may be extremely difficult for Wingo to latch onto the initial 53. He needs to stack good practices and produce in the final two preseason games.

EDGE: 5

Aidan Hutchinson
D.J. Wonnum
Tyler Lacy
Derrick Moore
Ahmed Hassanein

OUT: Eric O’Neill & Ben Stille

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Anthony Lucas
INJURY SETTLEMENT: Payton Turner

Hassanein went from an interesting developmental edge to one of the biggest stories of the preseason opener. He sacked Joe Burrow on his first snap, later produced a strip-sack and continued a camp in which his energy and development have repeatedly drawn attention.

Lacy has been listed as a defensive tackle on several depth charts and 53-man projections. There is one major problem—the Lions don’t appear to view him that way exclusively. Their unofficial depth chart ahead of the Bengals game listed him at EDGE.

Lacy is a versatile weapon for this defensive front. He gives the group something different because his size allows him to operate as a bigger end while still kicking inside when necessary. That flexibility could allow Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard to go lighter at either EDGE or defensive tackle because Lacy can cover responsibilities in both rooms.

Anthony Lucas entered camp with legitimate buzz after flashing in the spring, and his 6-foot-5, 265-pound frame gives Detroit developmental upside at EDGE. He played 50 defensive snaps against Cincinnati and showed flashes, but not enough to jump the current rotation. I still have him just outside the 53 and headed for the practice squad.

Eric O’Neill was relatively quiet early in camp but made a stronger push against Cincinnati, playing 38 defensive snaps and creating disruption off the edge. He has closed some ground in the competition, but I still have him outside the 53 unless he stacks another strong performance over the final two preseason games.

Payton Turner may require a short term injury settlement to maximize the IR to return options (2) on cut day, depending on what the plan is with Rolder.

LINEBACKER: 6

Jack Campbell
Derrick Barnes
Devin White
Trevor Nowaske
Malcolm Rodriguez
Damone Clark

OUT: Troy Reeder & Amen Ogbongbemiga

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Erick Hunter
VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Joe Bachie
IR TO RETURN: Jimmy Rolder

This may be one of the more difficult rooms to evaluate purely because of the style of defense Kelvin Sheppard appears prepared to run in 2026. You can make a legitimate argument for carrying only five linebackers if the plan is to play significantly more nickel than traditional 4-3 base personnel.

Jimmy Rolder’s injury appears to be trending in the right direction. He has been working with trainers off to the side, but with only two weeks remaining in the preseason, the Lions may choose to give him a slower recovery path with an IR stash.

White should leapfrog Rodriguez and Clark for one of the primary linebacker roles. He has been one of the strongest performers in camp, while Campbell has praised his speed, intelligence and physical downhill play. I don’t believe Rolder’s injury was the only reason White was added. During his first media session his statement lends credibility to the idea that White was already on Brad Holmes’ radar during free agency.

“We talked early in free agency and said we wanted to revisit it. So it was always kind of on the radar.”

Special-teams utility heavily favors Nowaske and Clark securing roster spots. Nowaske looked roster-ready against Cincinnati and handled green-dot responsibilities. That leaves Bachie and Ogbongbemiga facing uphill battles despite strong camp days and preseason production.

Hunter will be a difficult cut, having produced throughout camp—drawing praise for his development and special-teams work. The decision may ultimately come down to veteran-practice-squad flexibility and whether exposing Hunter to waivers creates a risk Detroit isn’t willing to take.

If the Lions decide they have to keep Hunter—Clark or Rodriguez becomes the logical candidate to move toward the veteran practice squad. Clark has been a four-phase special-teams contributor, with his best season coming in 2025. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off his weakest season in Detroit.

SECONDARY: 10

This may be the most competitive room on the defense. The first preseason game also gave us our first meaningful glimpse of what to expect schematically during the regular season.

The opening outside corners were Nick Whiteside and Ennis Rakestraw, with Christian Izien receiving the early nickel work.

When Rakestraw left with an injury, Roger McCreary replaced him outside. Later, Izien shifted to safety while Keith Abney handled significant nickel work. I felt this was an important roster-construction test.

Sheppard wasn’t simply evaluating individual cornerbacks. He was testing whether several defensive backs could handle multiple jobs without forcing the defense to substitute personnel.

OUTSIDE CORNERBACK: 5

D.J. Reed
Rock Ya-Sin
Ennis Rakestraw
Nick Whiteside
Keith Abney

OUT: Aamaris Brown & Ryan Cooper Jr.

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

VETERAN PRACTICE SQUAD: Khalil Dorsey

Many fans and pundits believe this unit is weak—I tend to disagree. I would love to see a true lockdown corner emerge in Detroit. With all due respect to Reed, that player is not on this roster. The long-term answer may still be a couple of seasons away.

The defensive identity has changed, but the underlying philosophy remains familiar: Do your job. This group is scrappy and aggressive. Playing together—and understanding where the help is coming from—will be central to its success.

Whiteside has climbed from the bottom of the depth chart into first-team opportunities and has repeatedly been one of the biggest risers of camp.

Abney also had a standout preseason opener—he was everywhere. He recovered a critical fumble in the red zone and finished with five tackles. When he delivered a clean, violent open-field tackle that de-cleated a Bengals ball carrier, he immediately separated himself.

Dorsey would be a difficult cut because his special-teams work has been spectacular. But I’m willing to hedge on getting him onto the veteran practice squad rather than risk losing a young player such as Abney or Whiteside.

And then there’s Rakestraw. I don’t believe he struggled against Cincinnati to the degree some people want you to believe. He’s been sticky in camp against two of the best receivers in football, and I like his chances against the rest of the field.

If you trust PFF for everything, save yourself some time and stop reading my breakdowns. PFF can provide useful statistics—their grading system is flawed.

NICKEL CORNERBACK: 2

Roger McCreary
Christian Izien

McCreary entered camp as the natural veteran candidate in the slot. Izien’s biggest advantage is versatility. He has legitimate NFL experience at both nickel and safety, making him particularly valuable while Branch and Joseph remain unavailable.

With Abney also getting increased work inside, the defense has several players capable of handling slot responsibilities. That versatility allows Detroit to carry only two players in this specific roster bucket without leaving the defense short on actual nickel options.

SAFETY: 3

Chuck Clark
Avonte Maddox
Thomas Harper

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

PRACTICE SQUAD: Dan Jackson
RESERVE/PUP: Kerby Joseph & Brian Branch

This room is being shaped almost entirely by health and versatility. The primary reason for carrying only three safeties on the initial 53 is the versatility already built into the secondary and the expected eventual returns of Joseph and Branch.

Clark gives the defense veteran communication and starting experience. He has played extremely well in camp, producing takeaways without many negative plays.

Harper continues to push for a starting role opposite Clark. He played well against Cincinnati and has continued rotating into first-team situations throughout camp. His special-teams value strengthens the argument further. Harper played 264 special-teams snaps during his first NFL season with the Raiders in 2024 and another 47 for Detroit in 2025.

Izien is interchangeable at multiple positions. He was brought in to compete for safety, slot and nickel responsibilities and has legitimate NFL experience at each. He played 657 slot snaps in 2023, then 308 snaps at free safety and another 205 in the slot with Tampa Bay in 2024. He is also a valuable special-teams player, having been heavily involved in that phase throughout his first three seasons.

Maddox provides another layer of versatility and veteran leadership. Most of his career has been spent handling slot responsibilities, but Detroit gave him his largest workload at free safety last season with 248 snaps.

Unless another position creates additional space, I don’t see a path for Dan Jackson onto the initial 53-man roster. His limited NFL experience should make exposing him to waivers a more acceptable risk than sacrificing one of the veterans who can cover several jobs immediately.

SPECIALISTS: 3

There is no reason to manufacture drama here.

Jake Bates — K
Jack Fox — P
Hogan Hatten — LS

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ROCK’S READ

This roster is loaded with good players. I do believe there is a possibility the Lions decide to run with four receivers to create a roster spot for another position. With Gibbs entering 2026 as a viable receiving weapon, it almost makes too much sense.

The handshake deals will be critical for this roster to maintain the playmakers who have proven they belong—on both sides of the ball.

Another major sticking point for me: I don’t see the necessity of carrying McLaughlin or Niese if Ratledge is getting center reps. That could open another roster spot for a seventh linebacker or an 11th defensive back. There may also be a case for keeping an 11th defensive lineman.

Then there is the eventual probability that Brad and Dan settle on 51 players, leaving the window open to bring back players who were cut. The Lions have good problems.

Lions Vs Bengals: 7 Defensive Players To Watch

Will Rock — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:51:37 GMT

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Detroit Lions — Training camp injuries has created movement throughout Detroit’s defensive depth chart. Several players enter Thursday night with an opportunity to strengthen their case for a larger role.

Ahmed Hassanein, Nick Whiteside and Erick Hunter have emerged as legitimate camp risers. Skyler Gill-Howard has started generating pressure inside, Tyler Lacy has been one of the more surprising performers along the defensive front, and Ennis Rakestraw enters the preseason needing consistency in an increasingly competitive secondary. Damone Clark also gets an important opportunity to show how his experience and coverage ability fit into Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.

These seven players represent different stages of the same evaluation: determining who can turn training-camp production into dependable defensive snaps.

1. EDGE AHMED HASSANEIN

Ahmed Hassanein has gone from developmental edge rusher to one of Detroit’s strongest camp stories after moving into the big-end role. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound defender produced 22 sacks and 33 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Boise State, and his combination of power and relentless effort has translated into pressures and backfield disruption during camp.

Campbell has noticed.

“He has had a really good camp. He is all out all the time.”

The next step is discipline. Hassanein must control the edge, squeeze rushing lanes and maintain rush-lane integrity rather than simply chasing sacks. If he can handle those assignments while continuing to generate disruption, Detroit may have found another legitimate rotational piece.

2. CB NICK WHITESIDE

Few Lions have improved their standing more than Nick Whiteside. After playing primarily on special teams in 2025, Whiteside has repeatedly produced interceptions and pass breakups during camp and earned first-team opportunities while D.J. Reed has dealt with a groin injury.

Campbell’s assessment has been direct.

“He is rising. It is not too big for him.”

Whiteside also has limited regular-season evidence, recording three passes defended on 40 defensive snaps against Tampa Bay last season. Cincinnati will provide a broader test of his leverage, route recognition, tackling and eye discipline. Training camp earned Whiteside more opportunities. A strong preseason can establish him as legitimate defensive depth rather than simply a special-teams player.

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3. CB ENNIS RAKESTRAW JR.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. enters Year 3 needing something simple but important: consistent football. Injuries limited the former second-round pick to eight games as a rookie and cost him the entire 2025 season, leaving him in a competitive cornerback room with limited NFL tape.

There have been encouraging camp reps, including tight coverage against Jameson Williams and work both outside and in the slot. The inconsistency remains.

Campbell summarized the situation clearly.

“He’s had some ups and downs. He needs to string a few days together here of some good stuff.”

Cincinnati gives Rakestraw an opportunity to do exactly that. Detroit needs reliable leverage, tackling and coverage discipline over an extended series—not one splash play surrounded by avoidable losses.

4. EDGE TYLER LACY

Tyler Lacy has quietly become an important piece of Detroit’s defensive-front flexibility. At roughly 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Lacy can play big end on early downs and reduce inside when Detroit changes personnel. He appeared in 10 games with four starts last season, finishing with 21 tackles and one sack.

Campbell values the reliability.

“He’s a football guy. He’s a professional. He prepares, practices hard and will do whatever you ask him to do.”

The next step is adding more pass-rush value. Lacy already has the size to anchor the edge and absorb physical run-game assignments. If he can consistently compress the pocket from inside, his role expands beyond early-down run defense.

5. LB DAMONE CLARK

Damone Clark brings something most players fighting for linebacker depth cannot: substantial NFL experience. Clark has appeared in 55 games with 26 starts, including a 109-tackle season with Dallas in 2023.

His value changed last season when he emerged as one of the league’s most productive special-teams tacklers, finishing with 18 special-teams stops.

Detroit’s linebacker room is crowded, so Clark may not need to win one specific defensive job. His roster value comes from being useful across several roles. Cincinnati will test his run fits, coverage spacing and ability to finish in space, but his special-teams snaps may be equally important. Veteran defensive experience combined with legitimate kicking-game value gives Clark a clear path to staying in the conversation.

6. DT SKYLER GILL-HOWARD

Skyler Gill-Howard has started flashing the interior quickness Detroit drafted him for. After working back from the ankle injury that ended his 2025 college season, the sixth-round rookie produced his strongest practice on Day 9, generating multiple pressures and eventually earning first-team opportunities late in the session.

Gill-Howard finished his final college season with a 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade, but his NFL evaluation involves more than penetration.

At roughly 6-foot and 280 pounds, he must keep larger guards from controlling his chest and moving him off the football. Cincinnati will test his pad level, hand placement and ability to anchor against double teams. Pressure gets noticed. Holding his gap earns defensive snaps.

7. LB ERICK HUNTER

Undrafted rookie Erick Hunter has given Detroit reasons to keep watching. The Morgan State linebacker finished 2025 with 102 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks, then carried that activity into training camp.

His biggest defensive play was an end-zone interception of Jared Goff during a team scrimmage, but Hunter has also produced on special teams—an important pathway for any reserve linebacker.

Campbell has praised the rookie’s approach.

“He’s athletic and he takes notes, he listens, he works his tail off in practice.”

Hunter’s challenge is playing fast without losing assignment discipline. Detroit needs clean run fits, reliable tackling and coverage awareness. If those traits hold up alongside his special-teams work, Hunter can make the roster decision considerably more difficult.

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ROCK’S THE 7 ON 7 READ

Detroit’s defensive roster decisions may ultimately come down to more than who makes the most splash plays in August.

Kelvin Sheppard is building a defense expected to use more zone coverage, interchangeable personnel and multiple fronts. That places a premium on defenders who can handle more than one assignment without forcing Detroit to substitute every time the situation changes.

That is where these preseason evaluations become important. A corner who can play outside and inside, an edge defender who can reduce into the interior, or a linebacker who can contribute in coverage and on special teams carries additional value when the defense is trying to remain unpredictable.

The roster will absolutely look different this season—not because the talent level has changed, but because the type of player Sheppard needs has changed.

Thursday night begins the process of finding out which players fit that vision.

Lions Vs Bengals: 7 Offensive Players To Watch

Will Rock — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:49:14 GMT

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Detroit Lions — Thursday’s preseason opener gives fans an opportunity to watch some ugly football—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The game against Cincinnati moves the evaluation out of controlled training-camp periods and into live football, where communication breaks down, protections change and young players have to solve problems without a coach standing behind the play.

Isaac TeSlaa would have been on my list if Jared Goff were expected to play significant snaps. His second-year development could become especially important in the red zone, where his size, physicality and catch radius give Detroit another matchup option.

But tonight belongs primarily to the players fighting for roles behind the established starters. The final score will mean very little compared with what Detroit sees on film afterward.

These are the seven offensive players I’ll be watching closest.

1. QB LUKE ALTMYER

Luke Altmyer will start after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement and Josh Dobbs’ late arrival changed Detroit’s quarterback room. The undrafted rookie completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions at Illinois in 2025, and his composure has stood out during camp despite normal rookie mistakes with timing and processing.

Dan Campbell has been encouraged by how Altmyer has handled the position.

“It doesn’t feel too big to him right now. And that’s a great sign at that position.”

Thursday provides the first real measurement. Detroit needs to see Altmyer command the huddle, handle protections, work through progressions and keep the offense on schedule when the picture changes after the snap.

2. RT BLAKE MILLER

Blake Miller has spent camp receiving exactly the education Detroit expected when it selected him 17th overall, including repeated work against Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wonnum. Miller started all 54 games at Clemson, logging a school-record 3,778 offensive snaps, but Cincinnati will provide his first NFL game-speed test.

Campbell likes the rookie’s emotional control.

“He does not get too high. He does not get too low. So, his demeanor’s just right.”

The important evaluation isn’t whether Miller loses a rep. Rookie tackles will. Detroit needs to see his pass-set discipline, hand timing and anchor—and whether he can diagnose what beat him before the same counter gets him again.

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3. TE JACKSON MEEKS

Jackson Meeks has become one of Detroit’s more interesting roster experiments after moving from wide receiver into a hybrid tight end/H-back/big-slot role. His receiving ability has translated during camp, particularly with the second-team offense, but catching the football is only part of this evaluation.

Campbell explained exactly what Detroit is exploring.

“We want to find out if there’s something in there where he can be this hybrid H-back, tight end, big slot.”

Cincinnati will test whether the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Meeks can handle the physical responsibilities attached to the position. If he can block from multiple alignments and contribute on special teams, his receiving background gives Detroit a legitimate reason to keep developing the role.

4. C SETH MCLAUGHLIN

Seth McLaughlin’s opportunity increased when starting center Cade Mays injured his wrist and Juice Scruggs was sidelined. McLaughlin has since received first-team work against Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams, settling into those reps after some difficult early battles.

The 2024 Rimington Trophy winner tore his Achilles late in his final season at Ohio State, went undrafted and spent 2025 on Cincinnati’s practice squad.

His evaluation against his former team goes well beyond blocking. Detroit needs to see whether McLaughlin can identify fronts, communicate protections, deliver consistent snaps and hold his ground against NFL interior power. The center has to organize the protection while surviving physically inside it.

5. OL MILES FRAZIER

Miles Frazier’s strongest argument for a roster role is versatility. The second-year lineman appeared in five games without allowing a sack in 2025 and has worked both inside and outside, including first-team left-guard reps during camp.

Campbell has highlighted exactly why that flexibility carries value.

“He can play the guard, he can play tackle ... he can sustain blocks, he’s got power, he’s pretty tenacious.”

The preseason will determine how functional that versatility really is. Frazier needs to show he can handle speed and inside counters at tackle while maintaining the anchor and displacement required at guard. A reserve capable of playing multiple positions at a trustworthy level becomes significantly more valuable on game day.

6. G BEN BARTCH

Ben Bartch finally has an opportunity to reenter the left-guard competition after spending much of the offseason and early camp recovering from the Lisfranc injury that ended his 2025 season.

His return has been encouraging. Bartch was described as a “complete roadblock” during recent one-on-one work and finished last season with zero sacks allowed and zero penalties in six games.

Campbell never ruled him out of the competition.

“There’s a reason he’s here, we think he brings outstanding competition. He’s got a shot.”

The next evaluation is durability and consistency. Bartch needs to anchor against power, reset his hands and maintain his technique through an extended series of live snaps.

7. WR DOMINIC LOVETT

Dominic Lovett has started making his move in a crowded competition for Detroit’s final receiver spots. After appearing in 12 games without a reception as a rookie, Lovett has produced more consistently during the later stages of camp, including a deep connection with Teddy Bridgewater and a contested catch over the middle.

His roster case, however, cannot be built exclusively as a receiver.

With Cedrick Wilson Jr. and others competing for the same jobs, Lovett needs to show separation, reliable hands and route discipline while becoming useful on special teams. For players fighting for the fifth or sixth receiver position, special-teams value often becomes the deciding factor when the receiving evaluations are close.

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ROCK’S THE 7 ON 7 READ

Dan Campbell is entering his first preseason game of 2026 with a new offensive coordinator and a roster built with a deep collection of talent and experience. But there is a reason it is called the preseason—the offense is rarely polished, and Detroit does not need it to be.

What the Lions need to find is functional depth—players who can enter the lineup without forcing the offense to change what it wants to do. Most importantly, the evaluation will center on one thing: trust.

That is especially important on the offensive line and at quarterback, where one injury can affect protections, communication and the operation of the entire unit. The same principle applies at receiver and tight end: versatility only has value if a player can execute enough assignments to stay on the field.

For Dan Campbell and Drew Petzing, that is where trust gets earned.

Not by producing one highlight against Cincinnati’s backups, but by lining up correctly, recognizing the assignment, handling the physical responsibility and doing it again on the next snap.

Detroit already knows who its offensive stars are. Thursday night is about finding out who can be trusted behind them.

The Lions Gained More Than An OC: Drew Petzing Is Kelvin Sheppards Secret Weapon

Will Rock — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:34:28 GMT

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DREW PETZING KNOWS KYLER MURRAY

Detroit Lions — Drew Petzing was hired to run the offense, but his previous coaching experience could become a secret weapon against Minnesota this season.

Petzing spent three years coaching Kyler Murray, Minnesota’s new QB1 for 2026. That gives defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard a significant advantage, with direct access to the coach who designed Arizona’s offense around Murray.

Murray made 30 starts under Petzing from 2023 through 2025. Petzing worked through protections, quarterback movement, play-action concepts, pressure answers and Murray’s progressions within the offense.

Petzing learned which concepts played to Murray’s strengths, which defensive looks created problems and how Murray responded when the structure of a play broke down. This may not give Detroit Minnesota’s playbook, but it does provide Sheppard with context. Something film study alone cannot fully provide: firsthand insight into how Murray processes, reacts and adjusts within an offense.

PETZING SPENT THREE YEARS STUDYING MURRAY

When Petzing arrived in Arizona in 2023, he didn’t just study Murray’s previous NFL film. He went back to the Oklahoma film to better understand Murray’s ability as a runner. After Murray returned from ACL rehabilitation late that season, Arizona spent the following offseason examining his strengths, weaknesses, and scheme fit before expanding the offense to fit around him.

Petzing was actively studying him to make him better. He learned what Murray wanted against pressure, where he preferred to escape when protection failed and which defensive structures forced him into bad decisions.

Where The magic happens is during Vikings week. Sheppard can identify a tendency on film and take the diagnosis a step further with Petzing:

Was the decision dictated by the offensive design?
Was it Murray’s preferred answer?
Did the defense force him away from what he wanted?
Was another option available that Murray passed over?

That is where Petzing’s intelligence becomes so valuable. He can help identify what portions of the scheme belong to O’Connell, and what belongs to Murray himself.

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DETROIT ALREADY HAS A BLUEPRINT

The Lions have a recent defensive performance against Murray and Petzing to study. On September 22, 2024, Aaron Glenn’s defense held Arizona to 13 points and Murray to 207 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Cardinals converted just 1-of-9 third downs.

Detroit did not solve Murray by assigning a permanent spy or recklessly blitzing him. Glenn varied the presentation, mixing four-man rushes, selective pressure, changing fronts and situational six-man pressures while maintaining rush-lane integrity.

That game becomes even more valuable now because Petzing was on the opposite sideline calling Arizona’s offense. The question for Petzing becomes: Why was Glenn’s defensive plan so effective against Murray that day? Sheppard can study what Glenn did, then use Petzing to understand what Arizona was trying to accomplish against it.

If a particular front changed Murray’s protection, Petzing knows why.
If pressure forced Arizona away from a preferred concept, Petzing knows what the original answer was supposed to be.
If Detroit’s coverage forced Murray to hold the football or leave the pocket, Petzing can explain what Murray believed he was seeing.

Glenn’s film provides the defensive blueprint. Petzing can provide the offensive autopsy. Sheppard can use both rather than simply copying old calls.

Drew Petzing's Offense Will Be UNSTOPPABLE!

Will Rock — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

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Jahmyr Gibbs Extension Gets The THUMBS UP!

Will Rock — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:47:14 GMT

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Detroit Lions Training Camp Day 5 Observations, Injuries, Announcements

Will Rock — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:40:03 GMT

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Detroit Lions Training Camp Day 5

Detroit Lions — The Detroit Lions entered the most revealing phase of training camp Monday when they practiced in pads for the first time.

The roughly 90-minute session was designed as the opening step in a four-day stretch of increasingly physical work. Detroit emphasized the running game, pass protection, run fits, open-field tackling and one-on-one competition between the offensive and defensive lines.

Dan Campbell expects this portion of camp to begin separating players who are ready for NFL roles from those still fighting to establish themselves. Day 5 did not settle the roster, but it produced the strongest evaluation yet of Detroit’s offensive line, defensive front and developing depth.

Tyler Lacy was the most disruptive defender on the field. Christian Mahogany delivered the best performance among Detroit’s starting offensive linemen. Jacob Saylors capitalized on an expanded opportunity, while Keith Abney II, Miles Frazier and Christian Izien continued strengthening their positions in separate roster competitions.

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Campbell Will Continue Creating Pressure

Campbell explained that Detroit will keep dedicating practice time to end-of-half, end-of-game, four-minute and fourth-down situations.

Campbell’s goal is to place players in stressful football situations before the regular season forces them to respond. The staff can evaluate decision-making, communication and situational awareness while also identifying players who remain composed when the outcome of a practice period is placed on one snap.

These periods force the offense to operate with clock limitations, field-position demands and known defensive objectives. The defense must communicate, tackle and get off the field when the offense is attempting to protect possession or close a game.

Campbell’s Corner:

Campbell would not award the starting right-tackle position to Miller based on four unpadded practices, but he likes the rookie’s development thus far.
Campbell also brought Miles Frazier into the conversation. Frazier has worked at both tackle positions and both guard spots, and specifically warned observers not to overlook Frazier as the line begins sorting itself out.
Campbell already understands Ya-Sin’s competitiveness and physical approach because of their previous history together.
Campbell continues to see flashes from Rakestraw, but the young corner has also experienced inconsistencies.
Campbell said Whiteside had produced a play in every practice through the first four sessions, forcing his name deeper into the competition.
Campbell did not announce a resolution to Gibbs’ contract-related hold-in or provide a timetable for his return to practice.
Campbell praised WR Cedric Wilson as a veteran professional who understands how to prepare, compete and contribute without arriving with a sense of entitlement.

Detroit Lions Training Camp Observations, Injuries & Announcements - Day 2

Will Rock — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:47:33 GMT

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Detroit Lions — With an expanded workload during Thursday’s second training-camp practice, the team remained without pads as they worked through the NFL’s acclimation period.

That limited how much could be learned about Detroit’s running game and the physical strength of either line. It did not prevent the defense from taking control.

Detroit’s front repeatedly reached the backfield, the secondary protected against explosive completions and Derrick Barnes produced the first interception of camp. The offense remained in the thick of Drew Petzing’s installation, cycling through formations, personnel groupings and motions while attempting to clean up alignment and assignment errors.

The football belonged to the defense.

The larger conversation remained centered on Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract hold-in, Giovanni Manu’s newly revealed long-term absence and the health questions surrounding several prominent players.

Article Contents:

Daily Presser Breakdown
- Dan Campbell Sets The Standard
Top Headlines
- Gibbs Hold-In Continues
- Locker Room Fully Supports Gibbs
- Manu Expected To Miss 12-14 Weeks
- D-Line Creating Chaos With Movement
- Tyleik Williams Earns Campbell’s Full Trust
- Injury Updates
Offense
- All Positions Breakdown
  - Jahmyr Gibbs Hold-In
  - Giovanni Manu Moves To Active/NFI
  - Meeks Steps Up
Defense
- All Positions Breakdown
  - Tyler Lacy’s First Team Reps
  - Turner’s Back Stiffness
  - Wonnum A Menace On Day 2
  - Ahmed Hassanein Creates Backfield Pressure
  - Derrick Barnes Interception
  - Anzalone’s Impact
  - Jimmy Rolder Handles Mike Linebacker Duties
  - Kerby Joseph Details Origin Of Knee Injury
  - Branch Remains Mentally Involved
  - Maddox Produces Highlight Breakup
Special Teams
- Punt-Return Competition

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Campbell Sets the Standard

Dan Campbell opened the morning by identifying three priorities the Lions must establish before the regular season:

Run the football consistently.
Stop the run defensively.
Execute situational football.

Those goals sit at the center of Detroit’s identity, but the first two cannot receive a legitimate evaluation until the pads arrive. Offensive linemen are not yet permitted to finish blocks with full force, defensive linemen cannot fully engage and running backs are not being tackled to the ground.

For now, the coaches are grading alignment, technique, communication and assignment discipline. The physical examination comes later.

Detroit Lions Training Camp Observations, Injuries & Announcements - Day 1

Will Rock — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:07:03 GMT

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Detroit Lions — Training camp opened Wednesday with a clear organizational message, several unresolved roster questions and an early reminder of what Jameson Williams can become inside Drew Petzing’s offense.

Detroit completed a clean, approximately 90-minute practice in shells, with 86 players participating at varying levels. The session produced no fights, major breakdowns or new practice injuries, but the absence of full pads limited meaningful conclusions about the running game, pass protection and the physical strength of either line.

The most useful information came from personnel deployment, seven-on-seven periods, pass-protection assignments and coverage work. Blake Miller opened as Detroit’s primary right tackle. Sione Vaki and Isiah Pacheco divided Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload. Avonte Maddox and Chuck Clark formed the temporary starting safety combination. Nick Whiteside turned three pass breakups into immediate roster momentum.

Williams supplied the defining football moment, elevating between two defenders for a contested reception of approximately 40 yards. Away from the field, Gibbs’ apparent contract hold-in, Kerby Joseph’s uncertain recovery and Giovanni Manu’s unexpected placement on active/NFI shaped the larger conversation surrounding Day 1.

Article Contents:

Daily Presser Breakdown
- Dan Campbell Emphasizes Total Reset
- Terrion Arnold’s Release
Top Headlines
- Jahmyr Gibbs Starts Hold-In Process
- Brian Branch Remains On Schedule
- Kerby Joseph’s Recovery Remains Questionable
- Conklin, Mahogany & Izien PUP Timelines
- Campbell Leaves Preseason Open For Starters
Offense
- All Positions Breakdown
  - Jahmyr Gibbs Hold-In
  - Giovanni Manu Moves To Active/NFI
Defense
- All Positions Breakdown
  - Nick Whiteside Produces The Defensive Surprise
Special Teams
- Punt-Return Competition

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DAN CAMPBELL’S PRESSER

Dan Campbell Emphasizes Total Reset

Dan Campbell described a different atmosphere around the Lions as they entered camp. Detroit still has much of the core that emerged during the franchise’s climb beginning in 2021, but offseason turnover and a concentrated youth movement have transferred more responsibility to established leaders such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell.

The Lions are not rebuilding. Campbell wants the organization to recover the urgency and competitive edge that helped reshape the franchise during the 2022 season. His emphasis returned to physical practices, hungry players, internal competition and continuous player development.

Detroit finished 9–8 and fourth in the NFC North last season, one year after going 15–2 and earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The talent did not disappear during that decline, but the standard became less consistent. Campbell’s opening message placed the responsibility on the current roster to restore the habits that originally made Detroit successful.

Detroit Lions Defensive Identity Signals Are Leaner, Meaner & Faster Under Kelvin Sheppard

Will Rock — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:24:10 GMT

Published: Tuesday, July 29th, 2026 | 7:09am

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Detroit Lions — Kelvin Sheppard’s defense is preparing to exchange predictable weight for speed, disguise and positional interchangeability. Tuesday analysis connected Detroit’s plan for increased nickel usage with a faster edge room, Tyleik Williams’ body transformation and the potential pairing of Williams and Alim McNeill as movable interior pieces.

Nickel Takes Control

Detroit played base defense on approximately 60 percent of its 2025 snaps, dramatically exceeding the league average. That approach placed three linebackers on the field but limited coverage flexibility against spread formations, motion and receiving backs.

“We are planning to utilize the nickel position more,” Sheppard said during offseason work. The declaration suggests five-defensive-back personnel will become Detroit’s primary language rather than an occasional response.

More nickel does not automatically create a softer defense. Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes must tackle cleanly, defeat climbing blockers and prevent opponents from running Detroit back into heavier personnel.

The nickel defender must also function as more than a slot corner. Detroit needs coverage ability, run support, pressure timing and enough positional versatility to disguise where the fifth defensive back will align.

Interior Without Labels

Williams’ reported weight reduction adds another clue to Detroit’s desired identity. A leaner Williams could move between nose, shade and three-technique while maintaining the strength needed to withstand double teams.

McNeill already possesses the movement skills to align across the interior. Pairing two instinctive tackles without fixed labels can complicate protection rules and create favorable matchups before either defender rushes.

Detroit can present both tackles in reduced alignments, then slant, exchange or loop after the snap. Guards and centers must process that movement while also accounting for Campbell, Barnes and defensive-back pressure.

The concept collapses if Williams sacrificed functional power. Training camp must determine whether the body transformation improved endurance and movement without weakening his anchor.

Rush Room Gets Quicker

Detroit rebuilt the edge room around D.J. Wonnum, Payton Turner, second-round rookie Derrick Moore and several developmental rushers. The collection generally carries more speed and direct pass-rushing potential than the heavier groups Detroit previously favored.

The official team watchlist identified Wonnum as a key camp player because protections should tilt toward Aidan Hutchinson. Wonnum has twice produced eight-sack seasons and offers a veteran floor opposite Detroit’s premier edge defender.

Moore carries the higher developmental ceiling. Detroit can begin with selected passing-down assignments while expanding his role as his counter moves, lane discipline and run recognition improve.

The goal extends beyond sack totals. Consistent four-man pressure allows Detroit to protect the secondary without surrendering aggression.

Secondary Must Communicate

The scheme’s full ceiling depends upon defensive backs who can exchange responsibilities without exposing coverage. Brian Branch, Christian Izien, Roger McCreary and Avonte Maddox provide varying degrees of nickel, safety and outside-corner flexibility.

Branch remains on PUP, while Izien opened camp on Non-Football Illness. Kerby Joseph also remains unavailable, forcing Chuck Clark, Thomas Harper and Maddox to install larger portions of the structure immediately.

Injuries may require Sheppard to begin camp with a smaller menu. Detroit cannot disguise coverage effectively when the players performing the rotation do not communicate the same assignment.

More complexity must produce fewer catastrophic errors, not additional confusion. The 2025 defense surrendered too many explosive gains for Detroit to treat disguise as an end by itself.

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Detroit Lions Roster Shakeup: Training Camp Injury Updates, Lions Add Reeder, Izien & Mahogany To NFI

Will Rock — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:50:34 GMT

Published: Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 | 5:09pm

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Detroit Lions — The front office executed a series of roster maneuvers on Tuesday to shape the 90-man unit as veterans report to training camp. The team signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder and released defensive tackle Jay Tufele. Additionally, safety Christian Izien and offensive guard Christian Mahogany were placed on the active/non-football injury list.

Linebacker Insurance

Troy Reeder arrives as a known commodity to general manager Brad Holmes. Holmes was the Rams’ director of college scouting when Los Angeles signed Reeder as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Over seven seasons, Reeder has appeared in more than 100 NFL games.

He provides specialized value as a special teams ace and rotational linebacker. With Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez securing the top of the depth chart, Reeder is not competing for a starting role. Instead, his addition offers immediate special teams stability and veteran processing speed at the back end of the linebacker room.

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Lions Safety Room Faces Brutal Test

Will Rock — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:19:33 GMT

Tuesday, July 15th, 2026 | 2:05pm

Detroit’s safety room charges toward training camp with two stars trapped behind medical uncertainty and two veteran replacements already taking command of the first-team defense. Chuck Clark brings 80 career starts and Christian Izien offers the versatility to play safety or nickel cornerback. Kerby Joseph’s knee and Brian Branch’s torn Achilles could reshape the opening depth chart, but the Lions’ believe they have built protection against disaster. Training camp must reveal whether that protection is strong enough to withstand the rigors of an NFL season when meaningful games begin in September.

Why So Many Fans Misunderstand Brad Holmes Mastering Of The NFL Draft

Will Rock — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:03:54 GMT

Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Success in the modern NFL draft is rarely about landing a miracle in the seventh round. Instead, it is about the thousands of hours spent in dark rooms, arguing over film grades and medical reports. When looking at how Brad Holmes plays it smart with defensive additions, it becomes clear that he isn’t just picking players; he is building a puzzle. Each selection must serve a specific function, whether it’s setting the edge or providing depth in the secondary.

Honestly, I believe the biggest trap teams fall into is falling in love with athletic testing numbers over actual tape. The Lions seem to have a knack for avoiding this. They understand that a guy might run a blistering 40-yard dash, but if he cannot recognize a screen play or lacks the mental fortitude to fight through a bad series, he is a liability. This is why the Detroit Lions have something special going on right now - the culture is so strong that incoming rookies have no choice but to buy in or get left behind.

How Draft Picks Reshape The Roster

Have you ever wondered why some teams stay relevant for a decade while others cycle through coaches every two years?

Ahem… Detroit.

The Lions used to be that franchise — stuck in the loop of new coaches, new systems, new rebuilds, and the same old questions every couple of seasons. Always resetting. Always restarting. Always selling hope while trying to find the foundation winning organizations already had.

Now they have it.

And a big reason why is roster stability.

The Lions have learned how to layer talent instead of chasing quick fixes. They do not panic when a position looks thin for one season. They address it in free agency, keep the roster competitive, and continue grooming younger, raw talent through the draft.

That is how sustainable teams are built.

So here is my question: why are so many fans willing to throw that stability away over a few players who did not work out?

Building For Longevity

Building a winning team is like constructing a house. You cannot start with the roof, you need a solid foundation first. For an NFL team, that starts with the offensive and defensive linemen. While fans clamor for wide receivers or flashy quarterbacks, the front office remains fixated on the trenches. It is not the most exciting strategy for a mock draft, but it wins games in December and January. You can see the dividends when you look at how the Detroit Lions strengthen their secondary using this exact multi-year approach. It turns out that having guys who can actually cover is a pretty effective way to win football games.

Science Behind Detroit’s Draft Picks

Drafting is essentially an exercise in risk management. You are betting that a twenty-one-year-old kid will transform into a professional who can handle the pressure of 65,000 screaming fans. Some scouts rely on spreadsheets; others trust their gut. The best organizations do both. The Lions’ process is rigorous, involving cross-departmental communication that ensures every coach, scout, and executive is on the same page before a card is ever turned in.

Evaluating Potential vs. Reality

One of the most difficult things for a GM to do is admit a mistake. Yet, part of the process involves knowing when to pivot. If a player does not fit, they move on. If a player exceeds expectations, they extend them. This fluidity is why the team remains competitive. It’s not just about the draft; it’s about what happens after the draft. Whether it is managing injuries or developing depth, the work never stops. When you see how the Detroit Lions minicamp holds 13 stories for the future, you realize that the draft is just the opening chapter of a long book.

Rock’s Read

Ultimately, the draft is a crapshoot, even for the best minds in the business. But by minimizing the variables and maximizing the effort, the Lions have turned what was once a period of dread into a celebration of potential. They are not looking for the biggest headlines. They are looking for the right pieces to finish the job. Sounds simple, right? It rarely is, but that is exactly what makes it so fascinating to watch.

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Terrion Arnold's Arrest Changes Detroit Lions Outlook For 2026

Will Rock — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:41:27 GMT

Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 - Wednesday Night Roar

Disclaimer: Terrion Arnold has been accused of these crimes but has not been convicted. The author and publication take no position on his guilt or innocence.

Detroit’s most serious offseason development arrived long after practice ended. Terrion Arnold has turned himself in and now faces eight felony counts tied to a February kidnapping and armed robbery investigation in Tampa.

The allegations place serious doubt on Arnold's future as a free man, the Lions’ secondary plan, and Detroit's confidence in Arnold playing football ever again.

Eight Count

Tampa Police announced Wednesday night that Arnold surrendered himself at Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County (Florida). He faces four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery connected to a February 4 incident involving three men that Arnold allegedly ordered kidnapped.

Police said the victims were held at gunpoint, battered, pistol-whipped and robbed before being forced from an apartment. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said the felony charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison. Those are allegations at this stage, and Arnold has not been convicted of any crime.

The arrest represents a major change from where the case stood earlier in the offseason. Arnold’s name had appeared in court records, but he had not been charged. Detroit publicly relied on the information Arnold gave the organization and treated the matter as if he had not been involved. That position now collides with a formal arrest, eight charges and an official police statement identifying Arnold as the alleged central figure in the plot.

Police Alledge Primary Role

The case began after more than $250,000 in cash and property was reported stolen from an Airbnb Arnold rented in Largo. Tampa Police said Arnold suspected two of the eventual victims, although investigators later determined those individuals were not responsible for the theft.

Authorities allege Arnold and Boakai Hilton directed others to lure the victims to an apartment. Police said the assault was streamed to Arnold, Hilton and Freddie Hughes while they traveled to the location. Investigators also said a group chat showed Arnold and Hilton giving directions during the assault.

According to the police account, Arnold arrived about an hour later and directed others to enter the apartment while the assault was still underway. The victims’ property was allegedly taken, and police said Arnold later drove away with several individuals tied to the incident. Investigators described Arnold as the “primary conspirator.”

Every part of that account remains subject to challenge in court. But the state is no longer dealing only with association, implication or secondhand connection. Prosecutors are moving forward on the theory that Arnold helped organize and direct the operation.

Arnold Maintains Innocence

Arnold’s representation issued a direct denial after the arrest. Denise White of EAG Sports Management said Arnold “categorically denies any involvement” and maintains his innocence. She argued there is no credible evidence linking him to the allegations and said the government appears to be relying on testimony from people who have admitted their own involvement and may have incentives to shift blame.

In my opinion, the prosecuting attorney wouldnt be relying on testimony only. A jury of peers will ultimately want to see corroborating evidence-proving beyond a reason a doubt.

That defense will become one of the central legal battles. Two defendants, Arianna Del Valle and Jasmine Randazzo, reportedly agreed to plea deals on Wednesday. The state is expected to use cooperating witnesses, digital communications, the alleged video stream and location evidence to build its case. Arnold’s side is clearly preparing to attack the reliability and motivation of those witnesses.

The Lions released a short statement saying they are aware of the legal situation and will not comment out of respect for the process. That is a necessary change in posture. Earlier in the offseason, Dan Campbell said the information Detroit had indicated Arnold was not involved. The organization can no longer speak with that level of certainty while felony charges are pending.

Secondary Emergency

The legal case immediately changes how Detroit must plan for training camp. Arnold was already working back from shoulder surgery and had been told he would need to earn his starting role. Now the Lions must prepare for the possibility that he will not be available when camp opens, regardless of whether the reason is detention, court restrictions, team action or an NFL decision.

Detroit still has D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Roger McCreary, Keith Abney II and other cornerback options on the roster. That depth is no longer just healthy competition. It may have to replace a player Detroit traded up to select 24th overall in 2024.

The NFL also has mechanisms that can remove a player from practices and games while a legal case proceeds. Placement on the Commissioner Exempt List is not automatic and only the commissioner can make that decision, but similar felony cases have led to that status in the past. Detroit cannot assume Arnold will be cleared to participate simply because the regular season remains months away.

The cornerback room has gone from an open competition to a potential emergency evaluation.

What’s Next?

The next phase will be driven by the court, not football. Prosecutors intend to seek pretrial detention and argue that Arnold should remain jailed because they view him as a danger to the community. Arnold’s defense will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence, the detention request and the state’s description of his role.

The team must also determine how much information it received earlier, what changed between the offseason meetings and Wednesday’s arrest, and whether the organization’s previous confidence was based on a complete picture. That internal review is just as important as any public statement because Detroit built part of its secondary plan around Arnold’s return.

No responsible football conclusion can outrun the legal process. Arnold is entitled to defend himself, and the allegations still must be proven. But the Lions also cannot treat eight felony counts as background noise. Training camp roster decisions, league review and Arnold’s football availability are now tied to a criminal case carrying consequences far beyond one season.

Rock’s Read

This is not a normal offseason distraction. The charges are severe, the police allegations are detailed, and the state is describing Arnold as the person who organized the operation. That does not make him guilty, but it does mean Detroit has to stop planning as though the situation will simply disappear. The Lions cannot afford any distractions to derail this team or this season. It is highly likely Arnold himself will hardly be able to focus on football, even if allowed to stay out of jail while awaiting trial.

The Lions believed Arnold’s account earlier in the offseason. Now they have an arrest, alleged group-chat directions, an alleged live video stream, cooperating defendants and a prosecution seeking to keep him jailed before trial. The organization must let the legal process work while protecting the roster from being caught unprepared.

From a football standpoint, D.J. Reed becomes even more important, Rock Ya-Sin’s experience gains value, and Ennis Rakestraw’s health and development move closer to the center of the defense. From an organizational standpoint, Detroit must determine whether its earlier evaluation missed critical information.

Arnold remains legally presumed innocent until proven guilty
Detroit must prepare as if he is unavailable
The secondary plan changed overnight

Transparency Report | Sources

[1] City of Tampa / Tampa Police — “Tampa Police Arrest NFL Player In Connection to Kidnapping and Robbery” — https://www.tampa.gov/news/2026-06/tampa-police-arrest-nfl-player-connection-kidnapping-and-robbery-192081 — Official arrest announcement, charges, timeline, evidence allegations and police description of Arnold’s alleged role.

[2] Associated Press — “Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold arrested in connection to Florida kidnapping and robbery” — https://apnews.com/article/lions-terrion-arnold-armed-robbery-29d7fd7d76bdbcb8fe57d3375467d43e — National confirmation, Arnold’s surrender, defense response and Lions statement.

[3] CBS News Detroit — “Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold arrested, faces charges in Florida robbery and kidnapping case” — https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/terrion-arnold-arrested-charged-florida-robbery-assault-case/ — Charge confirmation, prior court-record context, alleged messages and defense statement.

[4] NBC Sports / Pro Football Talk — “Terrion Arnold has been arrested on robbery and kidnapping charges” — https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/terrion-arnold-has-been-arrested-on-robbery-and-kidnapping-charges — Plea-deal context, Lions’ prior position and reported pretrial-detention request.

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What Barry Sanders’ Career Reveals About Jahmyr Gibbs’ New Bell-Cow Role

Will Rock — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:56:03 GMT

Monday, June 22nd, 2026 - The Evening Roar

Dan Campbell calling Jahmyr Gibbs Detroit’s “Bell Cow” sounds like a return to an old school style of football that began to die out around 2014. I can assure you—it is not the same. The label still identifies which running back the offense trusts most, but the workload attached to it—well, that has changed dramatically.

The 1990s and early 2000s “Bell-Cow” was measured first by carries. The modern version is measured by total touches, snap share, passing-game value and how many parts of the offense run that player. Gibbs can become Detroit’s unquestioned primary back in 2026 with one major difference. He won’t be used like Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Curtis Martin, Jerome Bettis or Terrell Davis.

That distinction is the key to understanding what the Lions are bringing to the table this season.

The Old-School Workhorse

The historical graphs I have prepared below will show a workload that would be considered EXTREME in todays NFL. Among the five featured backs 300-carries or more was reached in 30 of the 55 players-seasons analyzed. Curtis Martin crossed that line eight times. Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith did it seven times apiece. Jerome Bettis did it five times, while Terrell Davis produced three straight seasons above 300 before injuries changed his career.

The peaks were even more revealing. Davis handled 392 carries in 1998. Bettis reached 375 in 1997. Smith had 377 in 1995. Sanders finished with 343 in his final season, and Martin carried 371 times at age 31 in 2004. Those totals came during 16-game seasons. A 350-carry year required nearly 22 rushing attempts per game, while Davis’ 392 carries averaged 24.5 per game before his receptions were added. Over today’s 17-game regular season, that same 22-carry average would give Jahmyr Gibbs 374 rushing attempts.

Figure 1. Regular-season rushing attempts by Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis, Curtis Martin, Emmitt Smith and Jerome Bettis, illustrating the carry-heavy workload that defined the old-school bell-cow era. Source: compiled Pro Football Reference totals.

Old-school stars were not one-dimensional. Sanders, Smith and Martin were capable receivers and complete players. The major difference was that their passing-game work sat on top of a rushing workload that frequently exceeded 300 carries. The offenses did not merely feature them—they were the offenses default answer on early downs, short yardage, four-minute situations and high-volume game plans.

The tradeoff was the yardage payoff. These backs routinely converted massive workloads into 1,200-, 1,500- and even 2,000-yard seasons. Sanders surpassed 1,300 rushing yards in nine of his 10 seasons and reached 2,053 in 1997. Davis rushed for 2,008 yards one year later.

The production was elite, but so was the physical burden required to create it.

Figure 2. Regular-season rushing yards produced by the same five backs, showing how historic rushing volume routinely translated into elite season-long production. Source: compiled Pro Football Reference totals.

Abandon The Run Or Redistributed It?

The league-wide carry graph shows how sharply that model faded. The decline of the traditional bell cow did not mean NFL teams abandoned the running game. They simply evolved and redistributed the workload.

In 2006, 27 running backs recorded at least 200 carries, 17 reached 250 and 10 surpassed 300. By 2023, 23 backs still reached 200, but only seven reached 250 and none reached 300.

That separation is glaring as it is important

Teams did not stop using running backs. They stopped giving as much of the position’s total work to one player.

Modern backfields are built around specialization, matchup flexibility and workload management across a longer season. A second back may handle an entire series, short-yardage work, pass protection or a specific package. The lead player can still dominate the offense without monopolizing every carry.

The 200-carry threshold has remained fairly common, but 300-carry seasons have become much less frequent. That shift is why rushing attempts alone no longer define every true feature back.

Figure 3. Number of NFL running backs between 2006-2025 reaching 200, 250 and 300 regular season carries. The 200-carry tier remains stable; the 300-carry tier is on a long term decline.

2023: The Carry-Based Low Point

The 2023 season represented the low point of the traditional carry-based bell cow.

Derrick Henry led the NFL with 280 attempts. Christian McCaffrey and Rachaad White followed with 272, while only seven backs reached 250. No running back received 300 carries for the first time in the timeline.

Gibbs finished his rookie season with 182 attempts—far below the historical bell-cow standard—but Detroit was already using him differently. His 52 receptions raised his total to 234 offensive touches.

The carry total alone did not fully describe his role.

Figure 4. NFL rushing-attempt leaders in 2023, when no running back reached 300 carries and Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 182 attempts as a rookie.

2024: The Selective Workhorse Return

The response in 2024 was dramatic. Six running backs surpassed 300 attempts: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Kyren Williams, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs. Twelve reached 250, including Gibbs at exactly 250.

Barkley led the league with 345 carries and turned them into 2,005 rushing yards. Henry followed with 325 attempts and 1,921 yards.

The old-school workload had not completely disappeared. It had become concentrated among a smaller group of elite runners whose offenses were specifically built to support it.

Gibbs remained below that group in rushing volume, but his 52 receptions increased his total workload to 302 touches.

Figure 5. NFL rushing-attempt leaders in 2024, when six backs surpassed 300 carries and Gibbs reached the 250-carry mark.

2025: The Workhorse Tier Holds

The 300-carry tier remained alive in 2025, but it narrowed. The traditional 300-carry workload did not disappear in 2025, but it remained limited to a small group of backs.

Jonathan Taylor led the NFL with 323 attempts, followed by Christian McCaffrey with 311, James Cook with 309 and Derrick Henry with 307. Ten running backs reached 250 carries, while 21 finished with at least 200.

Gibbs ended the season just below the 250-carry mark with 243 attempts, ranking 11th in the league.

Those numbers do not suggest that the NFL has returned to the workload patterns of the 1990s and early 2000s. Instead, they show that 300-carry seasons are now concentrated among a select few. Six of the 23 backs with at least 200 carries reached 300 in 2024, but only four out of 21 players did the same in 2025.

Players such as Taylor and Henry can still control an offense through traditional rushing volume. Gibbs represents a different model—one in which carries, receptions and total offensive involvement matter more than reaching a specific rushing-attempt total.

Figure 6. The 2025 distribution: four backs surpassed 300 carries, 10 reached 250 and Gibbs finished just below the cutoff at 243.

The 1,000-Yard Resurgence

The 1,000-yard graph below makes the evolution of the position more clear. Only seven players reached 1,000 rushing yards in 2015 and again in 2021. That total climbed to 16 in 2022, slipped to 12 in 2023 and returned to 16 in 2024. Seventeen backs reached the mark in 2025—the highest total since 2010.

That does not mean 17 old-school bell cows returned. Matter of fact, only four players with 1,000+ yards rushing received 300+ carries in 2025.

Part of the increase can be explained by the 17-game schedule. A player now needs to average 58.8 rushing yards per game to reach 1,000, compared with 62.5 yards per game across a 16-game season. The rest may also reflect changes in offensive schemes and rules enforcement that have created more opportunities for offenses.

Efficiency also matters. Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards on 243 attempts in 2025. He did not need 300 carries to produce like one of the league’s top runners.

The modern rushing resurgence is broader than a return of the traditional bell cow. More running backs are producing significant yardage, but only a select few are carrying the football at a historical rate.

The running game is healthy again without recreating the old-school workload structure.

Figure 7. NFL running backs with at least 1,000 rushing yards, 2006-2025. The recent rebound in production has not required a league-wide return to 300-carry workloads.

Gibbs Is a Modern-Day Workhorse

Jahmyr Gibbs’ three-year progression shows why rushing attempts alone no longer define a bell-cow. His carries increased from 182 in 2023 to 250 in 2024 before dipping slightly to 243 in 2025. His total touches moved in the opposite direction, climbing from 234 to 302 and then 320.

The difference was Detroit’s expanded use of Gibbs as a receiver. He caught 52 passes in each of his first two seasons before jumping to 77 receptions in 2025. Nearly one-quarter of his touches came through the passing game as he produced 1,839 scrimmage yards, 18 total touchdowns and a career-high 67 percent offensive snap share.

By the old-school, carry-only definition, Gibbs was not a bell cow in 2025. By the modern standard of total offensive involvement, he was already one of the NFL’s most heavily used and productive backs.

More Than One Way

The comparison with the NFL’s other elite backs shows that there is no longer one blueprint for the bell-cow role. Some offenses still rely on a traditional volume runner, while others create the same level of influence through a combination of carries, targets, formations and matchup-driven touches. That diversity can be more effective than relying on the old-school ground-and-pound approach alone.

Jonathan Taylor followed the traditional volume path, rising from 169 carries in 2023 to 303 in 2024 and 323 in 2025.
Bijan Robinson jumped from 214 attempts as a rookie to 304 before finishing with 287 last season.
Christian McCaffrey’s 50 carries in 2024 reflected an injury-shortened season, not a reduced role. He rebounded to 311 attempts in 2025.
De’Von Achane followed a steadier progression, increasing from 103 carries to 203 and then 238.
Players such as Derrick Henry—can still control an offense primarily through rushing volume.
McCaffrey, Robinson, Achane and Gibbs offer a more versatile model, threatening defenses as runners, receivers and movable matchup pieces.

That is where Gibbs separates himself. His value does not decrease when a handoff becomes a target. A reception in space against a linebacker or safety may be more valuable—and less physically punishing—than another carry into a condensed defensive box. Detroit can expand his workload without limiting his impact to the number of times Jared Goff turns and places the football in his hands.

Figure 8. Regular-season rushing attempts for Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor and De’Von Achane - 2023 through 2025. The comparison shows the different paths to a modern bell-cow role:

Why Is Detroit’s Structure Different?

Detroit’s backfield is no longer built around two established starters sharing the headline role. David Montgomery was traded to Houston, and the Lions signed Isiah Pacheco as the veteran No. 2. Campbell has publicly said Detroit will “hang its hat” on Gibbs and place a major load on him in both the running and passing games.

Pacheco can still handle meaningful work. His presence allows Detroit to manage specific situations and avoid turning every Gibbs touch into a collision. Sione Vaki also remains part of the room, and the emergence of Jacob Saylors return game last season is a promising development. The vkey difference is that the offense no longer needs to divide its identity between Gibbs and Montgomery.

That creates a clearer hierarchy without eliminating a rotation. This also helps the offense stay disguised in their offense by running more plays with Gibbs on the field while staying in the same formations. The likely change is not that Gibbs suddenly receives every carry. It is that fewer game situations automatically remove him from the plan. He can be the first option on early downs, remain involved on passing downs and stay central when Detroit changes personnel or tempo.

That is a modern primary back: not the only runner, but the player the defense must locate before every snap.

What Is A Realistic Workload In 2026?

A responsible projection should begin with Gibbs’ 320 touches in 2025, not with an arbitrary demand that he reach 300 carries.

A realistic healthy-season range is approximately 255 to 285 carries and 65 to 80 receptions. That would place him between 320 and 365 total touches. At the midpoint - 270 carries and 75 catches - Gibbs would handle 345 touches, or 20.3 per game.

That is a major workload. It would exceed his 2025 total while leaving meaningful opportunities for Pacheco and Vaki, with occasional involvement from Saylors. It also would avoid requiring Detroit to risk Gibbs health and future by copying the 350-to-390-carry seasons shown in the historical graphs.

Reaching 300 carries is possible, but it should be an outcome of game scripts, durability and offensive success rather than the definition of whether Gibbs fulfilled the role. His more meaningful benchmarks are likely to be total touches, snap percentage, targets, red-zone opportunities and sustained efficiency.

If Gibbs remains near his established rushing and receiving efficiency, a workload in that range gives him a realistic path to another 1,800-plus scrimmage-yard season without forcing him into a usage model designed for a different era.

The Analytic Take

The eight figures produce four clear conclusions.

First, the old bell cow was defined by rushing volume. The modern bell cow is defined by offensive control.
Second, the 2024 and 2025 increase in 300-carry seasons represents a selective workhorse return, not a league-wide reversal. Most teams still distribute backfield work.
Third, the resurgence of 1,000-yard rushers shows that rushing production can rise without every top back absorbing historical carry totals.
Finally, Gibbs should be evaluated through total workload. His 243 carries in 2025 ranked outside the top 10, but his 320 touches, 77 receptions, 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns already reflected feature-back responsibility.

ROCK’S READ

The term “bell cow” creates the wrong expectation when it immediately becomes a 300-carry conversation. Detroit does not need Jahmyr Gibbs to imitate the workload of Terrell Davis or Emmitt Smith to prove the backfield belongs to him.

The old-school backs mentioned in these graphs were built into offenses that asked one player to absorb a massive percentage of the offense and rushing volume. Gibbs plays in an offense that can create the same level of influence through carries, targets, motion and alignment. It doesn’t hurt that there are 4 more willing takers of the ball distribution that can dominate when their name is called.

That is the real opportunity in 2026. Detroit can increase Gibbs’ responsibility without flattening the versatility that separates him from traditional runners. Pacheco can preserve the rotation, but the hierarchy is clear: the offense begins with Gibbs.

The best measurement will not be whether he reaches a round number. It will be whether Detroit keeps him central in every game script and whether his explosiveness survives the larger role. If both happen, Gibbs will not resemble the old bell cow. He will represent what the position has become.

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Detroit’s Offense Runs Through Jahmyr Gibbs in 2026

Will Rock — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:37:38 GMT

Monday, June 22nd, 2026 - Monday Morning Roar

Good morning, Lions fans. The backfield conversation has officially changed in Detroit. Dan Campbell is calling Jahmyr Gibbs the bell cow, Tashard Choice says this is the best Gibbs has looked in his professional career. After incorporating MMA work into his offseason—the Lions are preparing to place more of the offense in his hands.

Gibbs has scored 49 touchdowns through his first three seasons, rushed for at least 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in each of the last two years, and caught a career-high 77 passes last season. The talent has never been the question—it’s now a conversation of workload, durability, and how Isiah Pacheco fits behind him.

Question Of The Day:

Jahmyr Gibbs Fast Start

The most encouraging part of today’s Jahmyr Gibbs update is not the phrase “bell cow.” It is Tashard Choice saying this is the best Gibbs has looked in his professional career. Choice has known Gibbs since recruiting him out of high school, giving that evaluation real weight.

Gibbs was challenged to start faster this season, and he responded by reshaping his offseason preparation. He trained with Amon-Ra St. Brown and added MMA work in California. A stronger start would also help an offense adjusting to Drew Petzing and a reshaped backfield. Gibbs already has the talent. The next step is showing the physical readiness, consistency and command of the offense needed from Week 1.

Detroit is not simply asking Gibbs to handle more touches. The Lions are asking him to accept greater responsibility, absorb more punishment and remain explosive deep into the season. If his conditioning matches the expanded role, Detroit will not need to ease him into the year. The Lions can put the offense in his hands early and force defenses to spend the season chasing him.

Why MMA - Why Now?

Jahmyr Gibbs is not preparing for a routine fourth season. Dan Campbell quickly identified him as the lead back after the trade of David Montgomery to the Texans. In response, Gibbs has added strength and mixed martial arts work to his offseason training.

He told ESPN the work improves body control, base strength and hand speed, with a direct carryover to getting his hands up sooner in pass protection. That detail belongs in every running backs blocking discussion, especially with an expanded role. A true feature back must win on snaps that do not end with the ball in his hands. His MMA work shows he understands the added burden extends well beyond the highlight reel.

Can Gibbs Push 300+ Carries

The biggest question is not whether Jahmyr Gibbs can handle more work, but how a heavier workload would affect his performance. When David Montgomery missed the final three regular-season games of 2024, Gibbs stepped into the bell-cow role and averaged 21 carries, 122 rushing yards and nearly two touchdowns in wins over Chicago, San Francisco and Minnesota. The challenge is sustaining that workload across a 17-game season without sacrificing his explosiveness.

Gibbs has never topped 250 carries in a season, but he handled 320 total touches in 2025. He turned that expanded role into 1,223 rushing yards, 77 receptions, 616 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. Dan Campbell has also made it clear that Detroit wants Gibbs running every concept and creating space between the tackles, not merely winning on the perimeter.

My Early Prediction: If Gibbs reaches 300 carries and climbs toward 90 receptions in 2026, 1,500 rushing yards, 800 receiving yards and 20-plus touchdowns would be within his reach. I have no doubt Gibbs will break 2,000 all purpose yards during the regular season in 2026!

What Is Petzing’s Role?

The greater challenge is not simply increasing Jahmyr Gibbs’ volume, but managing the additional contact that comes with more carries between the tackles. Drew Petzing will be responsible for limiting that physical toll by varying Gibbs’ alignment, using Isiah Pacheco in high-contact situations and avoiding low-value carries that fail to create an advantage.

The goal is to preserve Gibbs’ explosiveness while expanding his responsibilities. He will be asked to protect Jared Goff, finish runs inside and remain one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving mismatches. Pacheco can absorb many of the offense’s most physical carries, but the system will still be built around Gibbs’ versatility.

Becoming a bell cow does not require an old-school workload. The Lions are not trying to turn Gibbs into a different kind of running back—they are trying to maximize the player he already is. If Petzing finds the right balance, Gibbs can receive more touches without losing the explosiveness that makes him most dangerous late in games.

Rock’s Read

The challenge now is efficiency under volume. Defenses will prepare for Gibbs as the clear centerpiece, and Detroit must keep him unpredictable by moving him, throwing to him and creating favorable space rather than repeatedly sending him into loaded boxes.

If Gibbs maintains his explosiveness with a larger workload, he moves from elite running back territory into the league-wide offensive player of the year conversation. The ceiling is enormous, but the design of the offense will determine whether Detroit reaches it.

Make sure you check out todays follow up on Jahmyr Gibbs’ 2026 role compared to the top 5 workhorses of the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

Detroit Football Journal: Detroit Lions News

They Tried To Tear Apart Isaac TeSlaa – PROOF The Panic Is WRONG!

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5 CLAIMS THAT DON’T HOLD UP | Max DeMara

DeMara wrote: “It’s tough to say much with certainty about Detroit’s wideout group, other than it is deep and one of the best in the league. Even though that is the case, there is a major question about what TeSlaa will provide.”

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TESLAA SHOULD BE ON THE BENCH ?

DeMara’s second claim was that TeSlaa “hasn’t been consistent enough to earn a spot on the bench with the starters in the preseason.”

BOOM OR BUST - ALREADY ?

DeMara then wrote: “It is certainly interesting that he has been boom or bust so far in his career.”

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON?

DeMara wrote: “TeSlaa didn’t register a stat in the game, and wasn’t targeted in the passing game. As a result of that and a rough week 1, questions have begun to swirl about what will hold for his future this season.”

NO IMPACT ON THE GAME

DeMara’s final claim is the biggest reach: “Right now, it’s safe to say TeSlaa isn’t impacting the game in the ways the Lions need with regularity to satisfy the coaching staff.”

USAGE = TRUST ? | Nathan Jahnke

SHOULD BE ON THE BENCH ?

No Growth - Really? | Vito Chirco OnSI

Chirco wrote: “However, thus far in training camp this summer, the Hudsonville, MI., native has shown very little signs of growth, and instead has looked the part of an in-over-his-head rookie.”

Chirco also wrote: “TeSlaa has been an alarming development from the former Arkansas receiver, who enters the 2026 season as the Lions’ No. 3 wideout.”

He followed it with: “He hasn’t come close to living up to the bill of such a receiver, and consequently, has been a major disappointment for Campbell’s squad so far this preseason.”

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Detroit Lions Linked To Center & Quarterback Upgrades

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CENTER

Jarrett Patterson — Houston Texans

Olu Oluwatimi — Seattle Seahawks

Jordan Meredith — Las Vegas Raiders

Sam Mustipher — Jacksonville Jaguars

RUNNING BACK

Tyrone Tracy Jr. — New York Giants

Dameon Pierce — Philadelphia Eagles

Roschon Johnson — Chicago Bears

Khalil Herbert — San Francisco 49ers

CORNERBACK

Kristian Fulton — Kansas City Chiefs

Kelee Ringo — Philadelphia Eagles

Noah Igbinoghene — Seattle Seahawks

QUARTERBACK

Aidan O’Connell — Las Vegas Raiders

Sam Howell — Dallas Cowboys

Cooper Rush — Atlanta Falcons

SKYLER GILL-HOWARD INTERVIEW

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DETROIT CUTDOWN BOARD

TIER 1 — MAKE THE CALL NOW

TIER 2 — WAIT FOR THE PRICE TO DROP

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Dominic Lovett Is Running Out Of Time To Make The Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster

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