The Detroit Lions Podcast

Today's Daily DLP looks back at Week 1 of the 2025 season. We compare the Detroit Lions starting lineup in that game against the Green Bay Packers, a game we'd all rather forget, and the expected starting lineup for the Lions in Week 1, when Detroit hosts the Saints this coming Sunday. Some things are constant. The exceptional talent at the skill positions, led by QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, is back and arguably better than ever with the growth of WR Jameson Williams. The tight end room is deeper, and so is the overhauled offensive line. Trading out some starters up front opens some questions about just how good the line will be, but Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany should be better in their second year together as the starting guards. Defensively, the Lions dramatically improved along the front four. It's a deeper group and a more dynamic pass rush room. The days of Marcus Davenport starting across from All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson are a distant memory. The biggest change on defense is at safety. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph entered the 2025 season as the NFL's best safety tandem. Neither will be on the field until at least Week 5. The Lions will rely on veteran newcomer Chuck Clark and a combination of Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper to fill the void. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #tyleikwilliams #alimmcneill #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #jahmyrgibbs #righttacklequestion #safetygroupstepback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective The NFL season is finally here, which makes this the right moment to stop looking forward for an hour and look back at how the Detroit Lions got here. The 2026 offseason began with a 9-8 season that felt like a hard reset after two years of NFC North contention. Since then, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have reshaped the roster, changed the offensive leadership, rebuilt key parts of the line of scrimmage, and made several decisions that will define whether Detroit returns to January football. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon work through the entire offseason, from free agency and the draft to training camp, roster cuts, injuries, and the final tuning of the team that will open the regular season. Free Agency Changed the Shape of the Lions The biggest changes were not cosmetic. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow were released, David Montgomery was traded to Houston, and Detroit began rebuilding an offensive line that had lost some of the stability that once defined the offense. Penei Sewell moved to left tackle. Detroit used the 17th pick on Clemson tackle Blake Miller, added Cade Mays and Larry Borom in free agency, and acquired Juice Scruggs in the Montgomery trade. The result is a younger line with more athletic upside, but also one of the clearest early-season questions on the roster. The backfield changed just as dramatically. Isiah Pacheco arrived to complement Jahmyr Gibbs, only for injuries to interrupt that plan before Week 1. Gibbs, meanwhile, went from an offseason hold-in to a long-term extension through 2030. What looked like a committee in March now begins the season with Gibbs carrying even more responsibility. Drew Petzing also takes over as offensive coordinator, giving Jared Goff another system to master while Campbell looks to restore the offensive identity that slipped during 2025. The Draft, Defense, and an Offseason Full of Complications Holmes used the draft to attack the trenches. Miller arrived in Round 1, Detroit moved up for Michigan edge Derrick Moore in Round 2, and the class added more defensive depth behind them. That mattered because the defense spent the summer absorbing its own turbulence. The Terrion Arnold situation forced Detroit to rework the cornerback picture. D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin enter the season as the likely outside starters, while the club continues sorting through nickel and depth options. The bigger immediate concern is safety. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will begin the season unavailable, forcing Detroit to rely on veteran depth until two of its best defensive players can return. Cade Mays and Pacheco are also sidelined, meaning the roster Holmes assembled in March is already different from the one Campbell will take into September. So How Good Are the 2026 Detroit Lions? That is where the retrospective becomes a confidence check. The stars are still stars. Goff, Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill give Detroit a legitimate championship-level core. The defensive front looks deeper, the rookie class has produced real contributors, and the roster survived cutdown with difficult decisions at multiple positions. The question is whether the rebuilt offensive line and temporary holes on defense can hold together until reinforcements arrive. Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions 2026 Offseason Retrospective as they grade every phase of the offseason and decide whether this team enters the new NFL season stronger, weaker, or simply different from the one that walked off the field in January. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitLions2026, #LionsRoster, #NFLOffseason, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DrewPetzing, #JaredGoff, #JahmyrGibbs, #BlakeMiller, #AidanHutchinson, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlions2026 #detroitlionsoffseason #lionsroster #nfloffseason #bradholmes #dancampbell #drewpetzing #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #blakemiller #derrickmoore #detroitlionsfreeagency #detroitlionsdraft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions must manage running back Jahmyr Gibbs' snaps because Isaiah Pacheco faces a multi-month back recovery and Brian Branch is tracking for an October return. Sam LaPorta looks ready now, but ongoing back management matters. Waiving Seth McLaughlin and Jabari Small preserved flexibility amid concussion timelines. Why were Seth McLaughlin and Jabari Small waived instead of placed on IR? The Lions chose waivers to keep near-term roster and practice-squad flexibility, not season-long IR limits. Lions center Seth McLaughlin sustained a concussion around August 27. Dr. Jimmy Liao said his three-year concussion review showed a median 11-day return to play, so McLaughlin's waiver was a slight surprise based on timeline alone. Lions running back Jabari Small was a different case. There was strong concern on film for a second concussion in preseason game three, though no official diagnosis was announced. Dr. Jimmy Liao warned that if Small truly suffered two concussions within eight days, he is out for at least a month and his functional threshold to absorb contact becomes a season-long concern. As Jeff Risdon explained, waiving rather than injury-settling preserves the Lions' ability to bring him back to the practice squad without the settlement waiting period risk. What about other IR decisions like Cade Mays? Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays went to IR with a wrist fracture. Dr. Jimmy Liao noted typical wrist recoveries can range from about three to eight weeks in comparable NFL examples, so IR indicates a longer timeline than a straightforward fracture. He also flagged Lions offensive lineman Ben Bartch's Lisfranc history as unreliable, noting Dan Campbell's earlier disappointment with the slow recovery pace. How severe is Isaiah Pacheco's back injury and what does it mean for Jahmyr Gibbs? Lions running back Isaiah Pacheco's back issue is severe and extends past a standard soft-tissue timetable. Going on IR rules him out until at least October 11, which Dr. Jimmy Liao characterized as an eight-plus-week back injury with potential spinal involvement. He called Pacheco a “10 out of 10” risk right now. As Jeff Risdon noted, when Brad Holmes said “we hope that we see him this year,” his heart sank. With David Montgomery traded, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs becomes the bell cow, and Dr. Jimmy Liao emphasized true load management to preserve Jahmyr Gibbs through 17 games and the playoffs. Lions running back Jacob Saylors must step up as the No. 2 while Pacheco rehabs. Can Sam LaPorta hold up all season with a back issue and an early short week? Yes, if the Lions keep managing his workload. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta looked fully functional in camp. Jeff Risdon observed full-speed blocking and difficult catches without visible limitation. Dr. Jimmy Liao cautioned that repetitive blocking hyperextension stresses the spine and can trigger disc recurrence, so practice and contact management are key. Does the Sunday-Thursday turn and field change matter? The Lions open Sunday at home on turf, then play Thursday night at the Buffalo Bills on grass. Dr. Jimmy Liao said surface changes can matter, but both teams share the short-week strain and the Lions can mitigate by trimming full-contact practice exposure and prioritizing recovery between games. When will Brian Branch return from his Achilles tear? Lions defensive back Brian Branch remains on timetable. Dr. Jimmy Liao pegged typical Achilles return at 10 to 11 months, which places Brian Branch, injured December 4, in the October-to-early-November window. IR to start the season is expected and not a setback. Jeff Risdon watched Brian Branch working strenuously on the side and moving well, and Dr. Jimmy Liao is cautiously optimistic Brian Branch can get close to 100 percent once acclimated. The goal is sustainable availability in October, not just an early cameo. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jeffrisdon #jimmyliao #jahmyrgibbs #samlaporta #brianbranch #jaredgoff #dancampbell #bradholmes #jacobsaylors #ennisrakestrawjr. #cademays #benbartch #sethmclaughlin #jabarismall #buffalobills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions built their 53 around an attacking defense and flexible offense. They kept waves of defensive linemen to stunt and overload, and they set a short-term interior offensive line and running back plan until injuries clear. Jacob Saylors is RB2 while Isaiah Pacheco is on IR for the first four games. What does the 53-man roster say about the Lions identity on defense? The Lions will attack with multiple fronts and pressure packages. As Scott Bischoff said, Detroit showed overloaded looks and disruptive stunts in the preseason, a clear shift from a static approach. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, headlines a deep edge group with edge rusher Derrick Moore, Detroit Lions, and interior disruptors like defensive tackle Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions, and defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, Detroit Lions. Safety Chuck Clark, Detroit Lions, benefits from faster pressure, as do safety Avonte Maddox, Detroit Lions, safety Christian Izien, Detroit Lions, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, Detroit Lions. With linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions, plus linebackers Derrick Barnes, Detroit Lions, Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions, and Jimmy Rolder, Detroit Lions, Aaron Glenn can roll 4-2-5, five-man fronts, and creative mug looks to speed up quarterbacks. How will the offensive line function until Cade Mays returns? Center Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, starts for now, and the group will grow its chemistry week to week. Scott Bischoff emphasized the interior timing changes with different centers and how the run game timing will evolve, then stabilize when Cade Mays returns. The projected five: left tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, left guard Christian Mahogany, Detroit Lions, center Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions, right guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, and right tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions. Depth includes center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, and swing tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions. Russell Brown noted the staff's confidence in line coach Hank Fraley's cross-training, with Scruggs and McLaughlin keeping protections functional until Mays is back. Who is RB2 and what happens while Isaiah Pacheco is on IR? Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, is RB2 behind running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, while running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, is on IR for the first four games. Russell Brown noted Dan Campbell has said he is comfortable with Saylors in that role. Russell Brown also questioned how running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, will be used, since his preseason work skewed to special teams. Scott Bischoff floated a short-term depth addition if needed, especially for fourth-quarter carries in games where Detroit protects leads. How will Detroit balance a light WR room with tight ends? Detroit will flex tight ends to cover WR4/WR5 duties. As Scott Bischoff laid out, tight end Jackson Meeks, Detroit Lions, can split out as a de facto fifth receiver in 12 or 13 personnel, letting tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, play a full combo role while tight end Brock Wright, Detroit Lions, handles more in-line work. Tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit Lions, offers additional versatility. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions, headline a lean WR group with wide receiver Tay Martin, Detroit Lions, rounding it out. The structure fits Detroit Lions Podcast recurring themes: multiple tight ends, motion, pin-and-pull, duo, and varied route families that keep the ball moving without needing six traditional wide receivers. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #peneisewell #jackcampbell #aidanhutchinson #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #juicescruggs #tateratledge #blakemiller #chuckclark #avontemaddox #christianizien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP for Thursday, September 3rd is a meaty one. Lions GM Brad Holmes and Assistant VP Ray Agnew met with the media on Wednesday and brought up a number of topics worthy of discussion. From the Terrion Arnold timing and replacement plan, or lack thereof, to adding more juice to the defensive line with players like rookies Skyler Gill-Howard and Eric O'Neill, Holmes and Agnew handled questions about the roster constitution and the decisions behind the moves. Detroit also made some more roster moves, waiving Seth McLaughlin and Jabari Small days after each made the initial 53-man roster. Injuries to both affected the timing, and we explain why it just might be a savvy bit of roster gymnastics from the Lions that allows both to stay in the Den. We also break down who might be getting added to the 53-man roster and why Tom Kennedy deserves to be one of them. Plus, a quick breakdown of new practice squad OL Elijah Klein. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #sethmclaughlin #jabarismall #practicesquad #bradholmes #rayagnew #elijahklein #masonmiller #tateratledge #tomkennedy #dominiclovett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four weeks. Detroit also re-signed tight end Tyler Conklin to the 53-man roster, restoring depth at tight end without changing the offensive identity. These moves clarify early running back roles and the immediate return game plan. Why did the Detroit Lions put Isiah Pacheco on IR now? Because his back injury, coupled with a knee issue, requires a minimum four-week shutdown and the team planned for it. As Jeff Risdon noted, this explains why Detroit initially carried five running backs and then added Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small. Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors is the clear No. 2 after a strong preseason, benefitting from a full offseason to refresh after a full UFL workload last year. The staff can lean on Saylors while Small factors in as RB3/4 and on returns. Jeff Risdon also speculated the back issue could extend Isaiah Pacheco's absence beyond four weeks, a nod to the challenges of practicing and playing through back pain. What does Tyler Conklin's return mean for tight end usage? It adds proven depth and special teams flexibility, not a shift to a 13-personnel base. Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin overlaps with Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright's TE2 profile, allowing the staff to deploy roles cleanly around Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. Conklin's presence lets the staff use the third tight end in more receiver-like and special teams roles, and Conklin may be inactive some weeks if special teams tilt roster math. Per Jeff Risdon, the Lions showed more 12 packages in camp but did not live in 13. Expect Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka to tailor groupings to their threats, not to a rigid template. Who returns kicks and punts in Week 1? Tom Kennedy is the expected punt returner and Jabari Small will get the first crack at kick returns. Detroit lacks a single locked-in answer, so they can elevate up to three practice-squad players to cover the roles. Jeff Risdon pointed to Tom Kennedy's reliability on punts and Jabari Small's fit on kicks. The door remains open for additional competition as game plans and health evolve. How did depth change on the offensive line and practice squad? Detroit added Detroit Lions offensive lineman Elijah Klein to the practice squad and brought back Detroit Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett, while reinforcing tackle depth. Klein has over 400 snaps of NFL experience, can play multiple spots, and is best at left guard, aligning with Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch. Detroit Lions right guard Tate Ratledge has the right guard job, working alongside rookie Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller and new Detroit Lions center Cade Mays. Detroit also remains bullish on developmental tackle Detroit Lions offensive tackle Devin Cochran. What about Eric Hunter? Linebacker Erick Hunter chose a 53-man roster spot with the New England Patriots instead of a Detroit practice-squad return. With Detroit Lions linebacker Devin White joining Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell atop a deep room, Hunter pursued immediate snaps elsewhere, a path Jeff Risdon compared to the Trevor Nowaske precedent. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #isaiahpachecotoinjuredreserve #tylerconklinbackon53-manroster #jacobsaylorsasno.2runningback #jabarismallonkickreturns #tomkennedyhandlingpunts #more12personnellooks #noshiftto13personnelbase #samlaportafocaltightend #brockwrightte2role #elijahkleinaddedtopracticesquad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions will lean on a fierce defensive line and Dan Campbell's back-to-basics reset to cover a thin secondary in Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is the roster's oldest player at 31, the team is younger, and Jameson Williams is primed for a massive year, but RB2 remains unsettled. Did Dan Campbell's reset make the Detroit Lions better right now? Yes, the focus shift worked. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell cut the noise, scrapped joint practices, mixed select veterans into preseason snaps, and built one of the NFL's youngest rosters. As Michael Grey noted, Jared Goff is the oldest Lion at 31, and the roster is young, hungry and healthy. Campbell emphasized 2022 and 2023 habits, eliminated the distraction of joint-practice fights, and refused to be held hostage by reputations. The result is a locked-in group headed to Week 1 in New Orleans. Can the defensive line save a depleted secondary? Yes, the front is built to drive the defense while the back end stabilizes. Detroit enters without a true nose tackle, instead loading up on twitchy, package-ready linemen who can create havoc. Three of the four expected starters in the secondary are out, including Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch and Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph, and Terrion Arnold sits on the commissioner's exempt list. As Michael Grey said, “the secondary is easily the weakest position group on the team, period, full stop.” Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson needs help, and Detroit added it with Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum and Detroit Lions edge Ahmed Hassanein at big end, plus a healthy Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill. With more nickel and dime on deck and fewer three-linebacker sets, the pass rush must drive stops while Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell anchors the second level. Is it finally Jameson Williams season in Detroit? Yes, and the production is already there. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams stacked back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, including 1,117 yards last year, and he dominated camp. His stop route on the boundary is shredding defenders, and the trust with Jared Goff is carved in stone. Jared Goff has repeatedly praised Williams' growth over the past seasons, and Williams' sideline leadership with the receiver room showed up all preseason. Expect the staff to feature him from Week 1 rather than forgetting him for a month and a half as Michael Grey criticized last year. What is the RB2 plan and how does Drew Petzing fit with Jared Goff? RB2 is unresolved, and protecting Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs' workload is non-negotiable. Detroit needs a committee to siphon roughly ten carries and snaps so Jahmyr Gibbs can be deployed in routes, in the slot, and on designed passes without overuse. On the headset, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is learning the Lions' language from Jared Goff. As Michael Grey relayed, Jared Goff explained that Petzing is being taught the offense and will build from it, which makes Jared Goff's experience and communication invaluable to the play-caller. The mandate is clear: feature Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams, let the D-line drive the defense, and ride the culture reset into Week 1. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jamesonwilliams #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #djwonnum #ahmedhassanein #aleemmcneill #jackcampbell #drewpetzing #neworleanssaints #detroitlionsdefensiveline #nickeldefense #dimepackage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP from the Detroit Lions Podcast dives deep into the team's initial 14-man practice squad signings on Monday. Before getting into the players who constitute the Lions practice squad, host Jeff Risdon reviewed some of the more intriguing, surprising moves to get to the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Greg Dortch getting cut and now moving onto the Buffalo Bills remains a head-scratcher from a football standpoint. The Lions don't have anyone else who can do what Dortch offered as a receiver and a return man. Tyler Conklin not making the team also gets covered, with the knowledge that Jackson Meeks offers a different element than the veteran. It's a pragmatic choice by the Lions, and also rewards Meeks for his outstanding special teams contributions all summer. Those special teams are where RB Jabari Small likely made the team as well. The practice squad has 14 players who were cut by Detroit on Sunday. Two spots remain open. One of them might be for UDFA LB Erick Hunter. While Hunter isn't on the list, it does not necessarily mean that the Lions haven't tried to get him back. Hunter might be weighing other opportunities with different teams that offer a more immediate path to playing time than what he has in Detroit. Two 2025 draftees, Dominic Lovett and Dan Jackson, are also not on the list. It's a disappointing lack of progress for the two Georgia Bulldogs, taken late in the ‘25 draft. While frustrating, missing on late Day 3 picks is not cause for alarm or shame for GM Brad Holmes. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #gregdortch #jabarismall #sionevaki #jacobsaylors #jacksonmeeks #tylerconklin #brockwright #nickwhiteside #masonmiller #sethmclaughlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Cut Roster To 53 The preseason is over. The evaluations are finished. Now comes the part of the NFL calendar that can change careers in a single phone call. The Detroit Lions close August with their 53-man roster cutdown deadline arriving at 6 p.m. Sunday, only one day after a 25-16 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts. By the time Chris and Jeff Risdon go live at 8 p.m. on the Detroit Lions Podcast, the initial roster should be set and the real work will begin: understanding why each decision was made, which players survived, who could return on the practice squad, and where Brad Holmes may still be looking for help. Colts Finale Gives Detroit One Last Set of Answers Saturday was never really about beating Indianapolis. It was about giving the back half of the Lions roster one final chance to force difficult conversations. Josh Dobbs made his strongest argument of the summer in the QB2 competition, leading three touchdown drives and playing efficient, controlled football. Luke Altmyer had been one of Detroit's best preseason stories, but turnovers in the finale complicated an already fascinating decision. Even after the Lions make their cut, the quarterback depth chart may not be completely settled if an intriguing veteran becomes available elsewhere. Jacob Saylors made another forceful case at running back with a 100-yard afternoon, while Lucky Jackson's productive receiving day provided another reminder of how painful some of these Detroit Lions Roster Cuts could become. That is the sign of a deeper football team. The most interesting names on cut day are no longer obvious camp bodies. They are players who have demonstrated legitimate NFL ability. The Hardest Decisions on the Lions Roster Running back, wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback and linebacker all carry real intrigue. The secondary deserves particular attention. Detroit has already absorbed major change there this offseason, and the health of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch means the early-season depth chart may look very different from the version the Lions hope to field later. Every corner and safety decision therefore carries added weight. The defensive line presents the opposite problem. Detroit has built enough competition that useful players may simply run out of seats. Those are the cuts other teams watch closely on the waiver wire. Then there is the surprise cut. Every year produces one. A strong preseason can make a player difficult to waive, but roster construction involves special teams, positional flexibility, contracts and projected roles that never appear in a box score. Cutdown Day Is Only the Beginning The initial 53-man roster is not the final roster. Waiver claims arrive next, followed by the construction of the practice squad and potential veteran additions from around the league. That will be central to tonight's show. Chris and Jeff will react to the Detroit Lions roster cuts as they become official, identify the decisions that could come back to haunt Detroit, evaluate the depth chart, and discuss whether the roster is strong enough to withstand the injuries already affecting key positions. Then comes the confidence check. Detroit enters the season with legitimate expectations. The question on cutdown night is not simply whether Brad Holmes found 53 players. It is whether he kept enough depth, flexibility and NFL-ready talent to get this team through September and position the Lions for the season they believe they can have. Join us live for Detroit Lions Cut Roster To 53 as the preseason ends and the real roster takes shape. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #DetroitLionsRosterCuts, #LionsRoster, #NFLRosterCuts, #LionsDepthChart, #CutdownDay, #JoshDobbs, #LukeAltmyer, #JacobSaylors, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #DetroitLionsNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #joshuadobbs #lukealtmyer #gregdortch #tomkennedy #nickwhiteside #benstille #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #kerbyjoseph #brianbranch #jackcampbell #jacobsaylors #dancampbell #detroitlionsrostercuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions will sit their starters against the Indianapolis Colts, and the outcome is irrelevant, this game decides jobs. The QB2 call turns on Lions quarterback Josh Dobbs eliminating turnovers while Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer delivers mistake-free football. Special teams performance will settle multiple roster battles and practice-squad invites. Will starters like Jared Goff and Penei Sewell play? No. Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell are not expected to play, and the focus shifts to roster-bubble evaluations. Healthy scratches are a positive signal for players on the cusp, while those who dress are being tested for role clarity, depth value, and reliability. Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is a key evaluation, and he needs snaps. The staff can test him at tackle and guard to see where he holds up best with regulars out. Lions tackle Larry Borom is another usage watch, a workload that will hint at the staff's confidence in his role. Lions guard Tate Ratledge is not expected to play, further underscoring that the priority is health over risk in this preseason finale. Who wins the Detroit Lions QB2 job, Josh Dobbs or Luke Altmyer? Josh Dobbs holds the job if he protects the ball, but Luke Altmyer can take it by avoiding disasters. As Jeff Risdon noted, the issue with Dobbs is not the highs; it is the lows, including the kind of interception he threw against Washington that cannot happen for a backup. If Dobbs plays a clean game and keeps the chains moving, he stabilizes QB2. If Altmyer manages the offense without turnovers while Dobbs repeats the same mistakes, Altmyer creates a real path onto the 53. The staff does not care about the score in this game, they care about decision-making and risk management from the backup spot. Which roster battles will special teams decide today? Several. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has used special teams as the tiebreaker in position battles. Look for blocking quality on punt and kick returns, lane integrity on coverage, and who draws or avoids penalties. Lions wide receiver Tay Martin and Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks have helped themselves with their special teams work. Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett has been inconsistent in the phase, and Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been fine but outplayed by others on units. Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson has also flashed. In the return-block core, Lions defensive lineman Anthony Lucas and Lions edge defender Eric O'Neill have stacked good reps in the middle of the kick-return unit. These reps impact not only the final 53 but also the 16 practice-squad spots. Could Detroit add a quarterback after waivers? Yes. If a cleaner decision-maker than Dobbs shakes free, the Lions will consider it. As Jeff Risdon reminded, Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell once said quarterback Sam Howell has Pro Bowl potential, so a name like that, if waived, would merit a look. Any coaching wrinkles to watch? Expect a health-first approach, but there could be fun situational tests, including a long try for Lions kicker Jake Bates, even from 59 or 69 yards, and the occasional pressure call. The goal is evaluation, not a scoreboard win. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #peneisewell #joshdobbs #lukealtmyer #dancampbell #jakebates #milesfrazier #larryborom #tateratledge #dominiclovett #tomkennedy #taymartin #jacksonmeeks #anthonylucas #indianapoliscolts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP and host Jeff Risdon walk listeners and viewers through the latest Detroit Lions 53-man roster projection ahead of the team's final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Some of the more difficult decisions earn extra attention. Among them: --Keeping 2 QBs instead of 3 --Activating Brian Branch from the PUP list to start the season --Tay Martin landing WR5 over a deep group --Jackson Meeks and Erick Hunter crashing the roster party --Injuries impacting the safety, RB and OL spots #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #53-manrosterprojection #jaredgoff #benstille #joshuadobbs #erickhunter #trevornowaske #taymartin #isaacteslaa #milesfrazier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP breaks down the Detroit Lions preseason victory in Ford Field over the Washington Commanders. What can be taken away from the game, from the players and how they performed, to the overall Lions team and depth. There were a couple of unfortunate injuries that have led to some roster changes. Can the new additions make enough of an impression in a short amount of time? Host Jeff Risdon goes over some of the bigger takeaways from the game. Some players helped themselves or upped their status with the team. Among the winners: Derrick Moore, Trevor Nowaske, Levi Onwuzurike and Jackson Meeks. Others did not help themselves. And then there were some who treaded water in a weird way, including QB Josh Dobbs. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #preseason #joshdobbs #lukealtmyer #jackcampbell #derekbarnes #alexanzalone #levionwuzurike #trevornowaske #jacksonmeeks #taymartin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions will use the Washington Commanders preseason home game to sort interior offensive line depth, clarify wide receiver three, and test nickel rotations while select starters play, as Dan Campbell stated. The order of substitutions will tell the story. Coaches want second-game data points on risers and rebound candidates. Which starters will play and why does it matter? Some Detroit Lions starters will play, not all, and the substitution order will reveal priority roles more than the score. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, if quarterback Jared Goff sits there is no point in exposing wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown or offensive tackle Penei Sewell, while tight end Sam LaPorta needs only a brief series because his back issue can recur. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is part of that protect-your-core logic. Expect the focus to be on who plays with whom and when, not how long the first group stays out there. What are the key Detroit Lions offensive line battles? Interior depth is unsettled and this game will shape the center and guard pecking order. Guard Ben Bartch, center Seth McLaughlin, and guard Tate Ratledge are central to the mix, and the staff will test combinations and timing to see who sticks. Offensive lineman Miller Frazier must rebound after penalties and uneven snaps while bouncing from right guard to left tackle in Cincinnati. Offensive tackle Blake Miller needs to shore up his inside shoulder in pass protection, and offensive tackle Larry Borom should post a clean slate to solidify the swing role. The sequence of reps across center and guard will be the clearest depth-chart signal. Who owns WR3 and the last wide receiver spots? Greg Dortch has outperformed Isaac TeSlaa this summer, making Washington a swing game for wide receiver three. A sure-handed, physical outing from Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa can calm concerns, but more drops or tips would strengthen Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch for WR3. Tay Martin is the front-runner for WR5. Depth pressure comes from Lions wide receivers Lucky Jackson, Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett. The staff can keep only so many, so special teams value and mistake-free play will separate the final few. What should we watch on defense and special teams? Nickel snaps remain open, with Lions defensive back Thomas Harper factoring as a nickel-safety hybrid and situational usage in play. With starters scheduled to see the field, Jeff Risdon expects a brief look at Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill before the rotation turns to depth pieces. Practice has shown Lions defensive tackles McKade Wingo and Skipper Gill-Howard repping ahead of Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, and the second preseason game can validate that order. Undrafted pushes continue with Lions edge rusher Eric O'Neill and Lions linebacker Erick Hunter stacking good tape. On offense, Lions running back Sione Vaki is a special teams lock, but this is a chance to validate the runner piece against live tackling alongside Lions running backs Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small. Bottom line, performances matter far more than the score, and no injuries is the priority. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionspreseason #washingtoncommanders #kelvinsheppard #erico'neilljaredgoff #samlaporta #amon-rast.brown #benbartch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP goes through listener mailbag questions culled from the Detroit Lions Podcast Patreon Slack channel. Lots of great questions that host Jeff Risdon offers his best knowledge and insight to answer as cleanly and succinctly as possible. Among the questions: What are the biggest changes to the Lions offense under Drew Petzing so far? Can we trust in the changes we're seeing in the practices and preseason to carry into the regular season on defense? Who is the biggest surprise cut candidate? Any free agents looking for a ring worth signing? Most competitive roster decisions in making the 53-man roster, and will the Lions once again keep fewer than 53 on that initial roster like they did a year ago? #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #mailbag #preseason #lionstrainingcamp #jahmyrgibbs #blakemiller #ennisrakestraw #devinwhite #sethmclaughlin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Campbell said most Detroit Lions starters will play Saturday against the Washington Commanders. The staff wants live defensive reps after the Bengals preseason opener highlighted interior issues and clarified several depth battles. As host Jeff Risdon noted, not every headliner will dress, but the standard is set for a sharper outing. Will Detroit Lions starters play against Washington? Yes. Head coach Dan Campbell said most starters will play. The goal is targeted work, not a long run-up. Who stood out and who struggled on defense vs the Bengals? Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, Detroit Lions, and undrafted rookie linebacker Erick Hunter, Detroit Lions, topped the defensive sheet, while the interior defensive line lagged. Defensive tackle Ben Stille, Detroit Lions, graded best among the interior but played only in the final two defensive series, underscoring why more starter reps are planned. Michael Grey said the grades matched his notes on most fronts, but there was a clear disconnect on defensive lineman Chris Smith, Detroit Lions. The film and the grading service had Smith down, yet Dan Campbell specifically praised him for dirty-work execution, and the coach's view is what drives roles. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, finished near the bottom against the Bengals, then responded with a strong Monday practice, which is exactly the rebound the staff wants to see. Which Lions boosted or hurt their stock on offense? Running back Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions, and wide receiver Cedric Wilson, Detroit Lions, helped themselves. Jacob Saylors created yardage behind uneven blocking and finished as the team's leading receiver, and Cedrick Wilson ripped a clean deep crossing catch. Undrafted rookie guard Melvin Priestley, Detroit Lions, played left guard in the second half and impressed with power. Offensive tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, posted a 66.6, a solid baseline outing with teachable reps. Center Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions, checked in at 62.0; one sack was charged to the play where offensive tackle Larry Borom, Detroit Lions, had the losing pass-pro rep. Guard Chris Mahogany, Detroit Lions, flashed an 85.2 pass-block grade against a 56.7 run-block grade, with two penalties dragging down his total. On the other end, wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, Detroit Lions, and linemen Michael Niese, Detroit Lions, and Miles Frazier, Detroit Lions, hurt their cases. Frazier drew three penalties, and penalties crushed grades across the board. What roster battles are Detroit sorting right now? Depth, not the starting 22. Detroit is sorting the fourth and fifth defensive tackle spots, wide receiver five and six, and running back three and four. The staff values cross-team grade stacking over raw numbers, and Saturday's targeted starter snaps are designed to sharpen the defensive front while giving bubble players another clean evaluation window for the Detroit Lions Podcast crew to track. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dancampbell #washingtoncommanders #bengalspreseasonopener #livedefensivereps #interiordefensiveline #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #peneisewell #amenogbongbemiga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions clarified their center plan: Juice Scruggs returned to first-team work and Tate Ratledge took center reps, setting Scruggs on the Week 1 path while Detroit stress-tests depth. In a rain-soaked session after the Cincinnati preseason opener, coaches rotated interior linemen to lock in trusted combinations ahead of the NFL regular season. Did the Detroit Lions clarify who starts at center in Week 1? Yes. Juice Scruggs is tracking as the starting center, and Detroit cross-trained Tate Ratledge at center with the starters while keeping Seth McLaughlin in a reserve lane. As Jeff Risdon noted, Scruggs has NFL pivot experience and projects as the player snapping the ball to Jared Goff in Week 1. When Juice Scruggs worked at center, Tate Ratledge played right guard and Christian Mahogany played left guard. When Scruggs sat, Ratledge slid inside to center, Ben Bartch came in at left guard and Mahogany moved to right guard. McLaughlin did not run with the first team in those center looks. The staff even evaluated wet-ball snapping in the rain to prepare for outdoor games. Dan Campbell previously praised McLaughlin's effort while acknowledging his smaller build, reinforcing the view of him as a dependable backup. What roster moves and signings changed the bottom of the depth chart? Detroit waived with injury designation running back Kai Robichaux and safety Law Strickland, both hurt against the Cincinnati Bengals, and both will revert to injured reserve after waivers. Dan Campbell said Kai Robichaux broke his foot, and Law Strickland suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury. The Lions added running back Trayveon Williams and cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe. Trayveon Williams, a 2019 sixth-round pick out of Texas A&M, is a compact inside runner. Jeff Risdon noted he has 72 carries for 343 yards across seven seasons and one qualifying season as a kick returner with a poor average as a rookie, so returns are not a selling point. Ekow Boye-Doe, a Kansas State product who has spent most of his time on NFL practice squads and was in the DC Defenders camp, brings legit speed but is undersized and faces long odds after a rough first day in Allen Park. Who popped in Sunday's rain practice? Aidan Hutchinson dominated, including blowing up a screen, a timely reminder of his game-wrecking impact. Second-round pass rusher Derek Moore returned and posted a sack in team work, flashing the length and range that set him apart from Detroit's power-first edge depth. Isaac TeSlaa delivered the catch of the day in red zone, going up over coverage for a touchdown and spiking in celebration, as relayed from practice reports. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey showcased high-end ball skills with a full-extension, one-handed attempt downfield, the kind of playmaking that fuels his roster case on defense and special teams. How are the fringe jobs shaking out at WR, TE, OL and OT? Tay Martin earned first-team reps with an opening at wide receiver and continues to draw praise from Dan Campbell for his camp and special teams work, pushing into the roster conversation. Tight end Jackson Meeks, converting from wide receiver, returned and must win via special teams in a crowded room. Tackle depth got a boost with Devin Cochran back at practice after an early-week knock. The staff is maximizing versatility while Cade Mays remains out until at least early October. Dan Campbell set the standard plainly: “We do not have time to waste... we have to be able to trust you. You have to be dependable, coachable, and a competitor.” Detroit is rewarding competitors who stack dependable reps, exactly what Sunday's wet-weather practice was designed to reveal. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #juicescruggs #tateratledge #christianmahogany #sethmclaughlin #benbartch #jaredgoff #dancampbell #aidanhutchinson #isaacteslaa #taymartin #khalildorsey #ekowboye-doe #kairobichaux #lawstrickland #cincinnatibengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacob Saylors seized a roster-opening opportunity for the Detroit Lions, delivering fresh legs, clean routes, and hands that produced a team-high receiving output in Thursday's wet preseason loss at Cincinnati. His all-around day put him squarely in the 53-man conversation and reset the running back depth picture heading into Washington week. Can Jacob Saylors make the 53-man roster? Yes, Lions running back Jacob Saylors pushed himself into the real roster mix with a complete performance. He looked rested and explosive, processed quickly, and caught the ball naturally, finishing as Detroit's leading receiver on the night. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sailors showed the fresh-body benefit after having true recovery time since last year. The staff wants backs who trigger fast and finish, and Sailors checked those boxes. His vision and reaction stood out in the quick game and he added value in the passing attack, a critical separator for back-end roster roles. Is Isaac TeSlaa in trouble after the early turnover? No, Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is not in danger of being cut, but he must clean up technique and urgency. He had the early-tip turnover on a ball that hit both hands and later lost a contested catch by failing to separate and secure through contact. Coaches need quicker wins off the line and faster catch-to-tuck transitions on shorter concepts. Expect Detroit to feed TeSlaa targets this week in practice and in the preseason game against the Washington Commanders to rebuild confidence and trust. What did we learn about Luke Altmyer and the offensive plan? Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer earned stock up by executing the quick-game emphasis. Detroit instructed him to get the ball out on time to his first read, and he did, which capped downfield shot volume. The wet-ball turnover appeared more like a lost handle than a designed pitch, as Jeff Risdon observed after rewatching. The takeaway is clarity, not concern: the operation prioritized rhythm, timing, and ball security in difficult rain conditions, and Altmyer delivered a steady night within that plan. Which defenders helped, and who hurt, their roster cases? Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, wearing number 50, stacked a strong week by translating his first-step wins into real disruption. When he wins immediately, he is a problem. Lions defensive lineman Ben Stille, number 78, also earned stock up with a pressure, sturdy run fits, and forcing cutbacks. Lions linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, number 57, flashed stout build and anticipatory coverage beyond a special teams profile. Edge rushers on opposite tracks Lions edge rusher Eric O'Neil, 25 years old, strung together a sack, another QB hit that forced a throwaway, and a useful special teams rep. He profiles as a practice-squad keep if the numbers squeeze, but his pass-rush efficiency is real. Conversely, Lions defensive end Anthony Lucas stayed blocked too often and lacked effective counters after initial engagement. Secondary notes to watch Lions cornerback Roger McCreery answered with sharp leverage and run support, then finished late with Lions cornerback Keith Abney in the slot while McCreery played outside. That usage hints at how Detroit is sorting their inside-out roles. Who took a step back? Lions safety Dan Jackson must stop diving at feet in space, and Lions safety Loren Strickland did not help his case either. Lions linebacker Troy Reeder had an anonymous outing at Mike. On the line, Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier struggled at right guard and later at left tackle with stiff, slow sets. Reps could reshuffle when the staff balances work for veterans like Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and DJ Wanham in practice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jacobsaylors #isaacteslaa #lukealtmyer #skylergill-howard #anthonylucas #erico'neil #benstille #manuogbongbemiga #troyreeder #milesfrazier #rogermccreery #keithabney #aidanhutchinson #washingtoncommanders #cincinnatibengals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Post Bengals Preseason Evaluation The first preseason game is rarely about the final score, and Detroit's 16-14 loss to Cincinnati was no exception. The Detroit Lions rested most of their established starters while the Bengals gave their first units early work, creating exactly the kind of uneven laboratory Dan Campbell wanted for evaluating the bottom half of his roster. Detroit's reserves hung around anyway, and by the end of the night there was far more to discuss than the scoreboard. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon break down what actually mattered from Lions vs. Bengals: which training camp battles moved, which players helped themselves, where injuries have complicated the depth chart, and whether anything we saw should change our confidence in this team. Hassanein and Saylors Turn Camp Buzz Into Game Production Ahmed Hassanein entered the night as one of the best stories of Lions training camp. Then his first snap produced a sack of Joe Burrow. That was not his only moment. Hassanein finished with two sacks, four tackles and a forced fumble, translating weeks of strong practice work into an actual NFL game environment. His development at big end suddenly looks less like an August curiosity and more like something that could affect Detroit's defensive rotation. Running back Jacob Saylors accomplished something similar. With injuries creating opportunities behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco, Saylors produced 55 rushing yards on eight carries and added three catches for 28 yards. The RB depth chart was already unsettled, and his performance ensures that conversation continues. Rookie right tackle Blake Miller also passed an important first test. Campbell's best review may have been that he barely noticed Miller during the game. For an offensive tackle making his NFL debut, that is usually a compliment. Ennis Rakestraw, Injuries and a Changing Depth Chart Few players needed these preseason snaps more than Ennis Rakestraw Jr. His first two seasons were disrupted by injuries, and this summer he has been trying to regain ground in a cornerback room where Rock Ya-Sin and Nick Whiteside have strengthened their positions. That made another injury scare particularly frustrating. Rakestraw left during the second quarter after an open-field tackle and did not return, but the immediate news was encouraging. X-rays showed no structural damage, and Campbell characterized the issue as a minor arm contusion. Mekhi Wingo also exited and could enter concussion protocol, while safety Loren Strickland required additional imaging after leaving the game. These are not simply medical notes in August. Every missed practice changes somebody else's opportunity, and those opportunities can reshape the final roster. The offense produced more mixed evaluations. Luke Altmyer flashed late with an 80-yard touchdown drive but also finished with two interceptions. Isaac TeSlaa had a difficult night, while Detroit's makeshift offensive line struggled with penalties and cohesion. Those performances matter because several of these competitions remain very much alive. What Should Lions Fans Think After Preseason Game One? The early confidence check should remain measured but positive. Detroit did not play this game to prove its starters could beat Cincinnati's starters. It played to learn about the players who might be needed when injuries inevitably arrive. Hassanein looks increasingly real. Saylors made his case. Miller looked comfortable. Rakestraw's situation remains worth watching. The defensive depth showed some bite, while several offensive depth battles remain unsettled. Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions Post Bengals Preseason Evaluation as they separate meaningful evidence from preseason noise and examine exactly what Thursday night changed for the Lions. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #LionsPreseason, #LionsVsBengals, #EnnisRakestraw, #AhmedHassanein, #JacobSaylors, #BlakeMiller, #TrainingCampBattles, #LionsInjuries, #LionsDepthChart, #NFLPreseason, #DetroitLionsNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionspreseason #detroitlionsnews #lionsvsbengals #cincinnatibengals #ennisrakestraw #ennisrakestrawinjury #ahmedhassanein #jacobsaylors #blakemiller #nflpreseason #trainingcampbattles #lionsdepthchart #lionsinjuries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is an actual Detroit Lions football game tonight! The Daily DLP ventures into much-welcomed game preview territory ahead of Thursday night's preseason opener between the Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals. It's the first opportunity for fans to check out the start of the 2026 Lions. Even though it's an exhibition game that doesn't count in the standings, it's still a very important night for a lot of Lions. Reflecting on the players to watch list published earlier this week, today's Daily expands on broader concepts about the game in Cincinnati. How do the Bengals specifically present opportunities for some of the Lions players battling for roster status? The Bengals are a strict 4-2-5 defense that had the lowest blitz rate in the NFL in 2025, and also sported the 31st-ranked run defense. That creates a good opportunity for the offensive linemen and running backs to show what they can do for Detroit. Because the Lions aren't expected to play any of the players whose jerseys you would see fans wearing to the game, the exhibition opener is all about the depth battles and younger players trying to make names for themselves. For some players, tonight's game might be the last time they ever wear a Lions uniform. It's important to remember that and provide perspective when the game gets into the fourth quarter and even the most ardent Detroit fans are asking, “who is that guy?” This game does have one interesting subplot: the punters. Detroit's Jack Fox and Cincinnati's Ryan Rekhow are each statistically among the best punters ever. It might be an intriguing display of punting and also of using special teams as an evaluation tool for both coaching staffs. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #cincinnatibengals #joeburrow #dancampbell #drewpetzing #mikekafka #blakemiller #sethmclaughlin #colbysorsdal #kairobichaux #jacobsailors #jabarismall #taymartin #tomkennedy #ennisrakestrawjr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions are built to contend now, and ownership expects more than a 9-8 season. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp emphasized increased roster depth and declared the team a contender, and she clarified that last season's record was not up to the organization's standards after a top-to-bottom review. Are the Detroit Lions legitimate contenders right now? Yes, the standard has moved to contention. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp told Fox 2's Dan Miller that the team has more depth than ever and said they are "definitely going to be a hunter," reflecting an organization ready to win. As Jeff Risdon noted, the combination of top-end talent and improved depth removes excuses. The expectation inside Allen Park is to compete at the top of the NFC. Questions exist, as they do for all 32 teams, but Detroit's roster composition supports a win-now posture. What did Sheila Hamp really say about 9-8? She stated that 9-8 is a winning record but not good enough for the Detroit Lions. Hamp explained that after last season the organization conducted a thorough, top-to-bottom self-assessment, identified several things to improve, and corrected them, aligning the entire building on bringing a winner to Detroit. Context matters. Too many people clipped only the “nine and eight is a winning season” part. The full message rejected complacency and reaffirmed rising standards. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, the owner's tone was engaged and demanding, not satisfied. Which front office moves matter for 2026 roster building? Dwayne Joseph has been promoted to vice president of player personnel, a significant elevation that positions him for future assistant GM or GM consideration and reflects trust in his evaluations. Former offensive tackle Jamarco Jones joined Detroit as a scouting fellow, adding a recent-player lens to the evaluation process during a critical roster-shaping period. These behind-the-scenes changes matter now because they directly touch preseason evaluation, cutdown decisions, practice squad planning, and potential trades. As Jeff Risdon put it, this stretch is about sorting how many at each position to keep and who to shop or stash, and those calls funnel through player personnel and evaluations. What should fans watch in the Lions at Bengals preseason opener? Expect a stress test for the trenches and a fast read on depth. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to play a couple of series, and Cincinnati is focusing on linebackers and a revamped defensive tackle group that will challenge the Detroit Lions offensive line regardless of which unit is on the field. Per Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Lions rookie Blake Miller will play, while Lions rookie Tate Ratledge will not. Some Bengals starters will appear, but the night is about Detroit's evaluations more than the score. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #sheilahamp #dancampbell #joeburrow #dwaynejoseph #jamarcojones #danskipper #giovannimanu #bradholmes #johndorsey #tateratledge #blakemiller #cincinnatibengals #detroitlionsoffensiveline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest episode of the Daily DLP from the Detroit Lions Podcast reviews the training camp sessions from Monday, August 10th and Tuesday, August 11th. It's a deep dive into the sights and sounds from the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. Special attention is paid to the center spot, where Seth McLaughlin has taken over as the starter for the injured Cade Mays. A broken wrist will sideline Mays for 8-to-10 weeks, bleeding into the first few weeks of the regular season. McLaughlin, who missed his entire rookie season recovering from a torn Achilles, had a mixed bag of two practices, though he did get better the more he played. Josh Dobbs is the new backup quarterback, and he kicked off his time with the team with a bang on Tuesday. Dobbs' first pass in the team session was a perfect seam hit to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson between two defenders. Rookie Luke Altmyer took most of the backup reps on Tuesday after playing all of them on Monday. The Daily goes over winners from Tuesday's pit drill, pitting offensive and defensive linemen against one another. Some special teams winners from both days also emerged. There is also quite a battle brewing at running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs and with Sione Vaki sidelined with a nasty eye injury. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #aidanhutchinson #panaysewell #sethmclaughlin #michaelniese #benbartch #christianmahogany #thomasharper #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #devinwhite #derekbarnes #jahmyrgibbs #samlaporta #joshdobbs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions center Cade Mays suffered a small broken bone in his wrist and will miss eight to ten weeks, immediately reshaping Detroit's center plan. Seth McLaughlin handled most first-team snaps today and Juice Scruggs reenters the competition once healthy, while the quarterback room tightens after Teddy Bridgewater stepped away. How serious is Cade Mays's injury and what is the timeline? Cade Mays is out eight to ten weeks with a wrist fracture, per Ian Rapoport, and the Detroit Lions will treat it as a significant in-season absence. Head coach Dan Campbell declined to give a timeline but said Mays would be back for the playoffs. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast, this is a major setback for an inexperienced interior line that was counting on Mays's early run-game power and communication. The most logical roster move is injured reserve with designation to return. Expecting Mays back after the bye is the early speculation. The takeaway is firm, the Lions must build cohesion without their best center for the first stretch of 2026. Who snaps the ball now for the Detroit Lions? Seth McLaughlin, Detroit Lions undrafted rookie center, took the majority of first-team reps today, and Detroit Lions center Juice Scruggs returns to that competition when his soft-tissue issue clears. Both will get evaluated with first-team work. McLaughlin is quick, smart, and agile, but undersized, and the jump from third-team work to facing Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson showed early. He settled in with some wins and some losses, a work in progress. Scruggs, currently out for Thursday, started at center for the Houston Texans in the first half of 2024 before injuries moved him to guard. He was better at center than guard, and once healthy he will get a real look to outplay McLaughlin. Expect the staff to toggle reps to find the cleanest protections and run fits. What does Teddy Bridgewater stepping away mean for the QB room? Josh Dobbs is now the primary backup to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer behind him. Depth if the backup must play is a concern. Jeff Risdon said he likes Dobbs personally and believes he gets it, but added that if Dobbs has to play, he is not feeling great about that. On Luke Altmyer, Risdon described the camp you would expect from an undrafted rookie with promise and a lot of work to do. The message is clear, Goff's health is paramount, and the staff needs clean centers to keep the operation on schedule. Can the offense still fire without Cade Mays? Yes, the offense remains good, but its ceiling drops without Cade Mays anchoring the interior. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta flashed again and Jared Goff looked great overall, though he did throw a pick. The line has bright spots. Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany has run away with the job and looked very good again. Detroit Lions right guard Tate Ratledge is steady in year two, but losing Mays removes a veteran support hub between him and rookie right tackle Blake Miller. Miller needs more consistency and was beaten at times by Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum, and defensive end Ahmed Hassanein. Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker's limited practice time last year showed how missed reps hurt cohesion, and Jeff Risdon stressed that five playing as one matters. With Mays out, the Lions must fast-track center continuity to keep a strong offense from slipping. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #cademays #sethmclaughlin #juicescruggs #jaredgoff #samlaporta #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #alimmcneill #blakemiller #tateratledge #christianmahogany #taylordecker #joshdobbs #teddybridgewater #ahmedhassanein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP shifts the focus outside of Detroit Lions training camp for a day, inviting Andrew Harbaugh back for another discussion. Harbaugh is the managing editor of the Vikings and Buccaneers Wires for the USA TODAY network, and his knowledge and perspective on those teams, as well as Detroit, get spotlighted in this Daily. The Jahmyr Gibbs contract extension in Detroit leads off the conversation. Harbaugh is envious of the Lions' abundance of high-end talent, something that neither NFC team he covers can come close to matching. Minnesota has major questions at quarterback, as well as throughout the back end of the defense. The failure of J.J. McCarthy to develop into a starting QB despite the Vikings having a strong offensive line, decent run game and an outstanding 1-2 punch at wide receiver frames everything else for their offseason. Trading away their top pass rusher hasn't helped the Vikings, either. The Buccaneers brought drama upon themselves with their handling of QB Baker Mayfield. No more Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, as well. Because Harbaugh and DLP host Jeff Risdon are both NFL Draft analysts, a brief discussion about the upcoming QB class throws some bones to the draftnik crowd. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jahmyrgibbs #minnesotavikings #tampabaybuccaneers #j.j.mccarthy #2027nfldraft #jaredgoff #nfcnorth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the big new contract extension for star RB Jahmyr Gibbs, the Detroit Lions have now committed over $1 billion dollars to re-signing their own talent. Other than Jared Goff, it's all players drafted into Detroit since the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell regime took over in 2021. With that plethora of high-end talent, it's clear the Lions have a strong chance of making the first Super Bowl in franchise history. It won't be easy and will require significantly better luck on the injury front than the team has suffered through lately. That includes better fortune with a couple of the players the Lions have locked down with big deals, namely safety Kerby Joseph and DT Alim McNeill. Having so many highly compensated players does create some roster-building issues. Keeping a middle class on the roster is increasingly difficult with every new lucrative payout. That places more pressure on the middle-round draft picks to develop into useful, inexpensive depth. In other Lions news, Detroit added veteran journeyman defensive tackle, Ben Stille. What does he offer for Detroit, and why is the team still eschewing a true nose tackle? The daily DLP tackles all that and more. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jahmyrgibbs #lionscontractextension #trainingcamp #benstille #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jahmyr Gibbs signed a three-year extension with the Detroit Lions that makes him the NFL's highest paid running back by average annual value. As Jeff Risdon reported live, the deal can reach $75,750,000 with $51,500,000 guaranteed, ending any contract chatter and securing Detroit's most explosive skill player. What exactly did the Detroit Lions pay Jahmyr Gibbs? The Lions committed to three years, up to $75,750,000 with $51,500,000 guaranteed. Jeff Risdon also noted the structure as three years 67.5 that includes 51.5 guaranteed and can reach 75.75. That places Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the top of the position on a per-year basis. How did the market set up this number? Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor signed this morning for two years and $44,000,000, and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was referenced at up to $75,000,000. Detroit waited for others to set the market, then finalized Gibbs at the top without acrimony or (much) drama. Why was there never real tension around this deal? There was no standoff and no acrimony. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell showed no stress at camp's open, and Gibbs missing early practices did not change the tone. As Jeff Risdon explained, the Lions expected a deal and let the market finalize first, then closed it quickly. This was not a drawn-out negotiation. The team and player remained aligned, Detroit moved decisively once comparable numbers were public, and they eliminated a distraction before it could dominate press conferences. Quarterback Jared Goff will not field contract questions about his running back anymore. How does this fit the Lions' roster-building strategy? Detroit pays its core and keeps windows open with smart term. The Lions have already invested in right tackle Penei Sewell, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Kirby Joseph, and tight end Sam LaPorta stands out as a logical next extension candidate. As Jeff Risdon noted, shorter deals deliver more control, more bonuses, and better player leverage, a trend popularized by Kirk Cousins. Gibbs is 24, and his run plus receiving profile matches the modern value proposition. Detroit Lions running back Jabari Small has flashed in camp, but Gibbs does things that cannot be coached or diagrammed. That is why Detroit prioritized him and why his number sits atop a quickly moving market. What does this mean for 2026 expectations? Detroit must win at the highest level. Jeff Risdon said this is Detroit's best chance to win the NFC, with the Rams, Seahawks, Chicago, Green Bay, and San Francisco providing real competition. Health and one poor offensive coordinator hire last year were the recent obstacles, not talent. Gibbs changes outcomes. As Risdon put it, he can turn any play into a big play from anywhere on the field. The Detroit Lions Podcast take is straightforward, and the contract confirms it: Detroit secured a championship-caliber core, and the highest-paid running back in the NFL by AAV is a central pillar of that push. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jahmyrgibbs #three-yearextension #highest-paidrunningback #51.5millionguaranteed #75.75million #averageannualvaluerecord #jonathantaylorcontract #bijanrobinsonreference #dancampbell #jaredgoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Early Camp Report Training camp has moved from anticipation to evaluation, and the Detroit Lions are beginning to reveal which offseason assumptions can survive contact. With padded practices underway and the Hall of Fame Game signaling the return of NFL football, depth charts are shifting, injuries are creating opportunities, and competitions are becoming more serious. On this episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon bring Allen Park to Lions fans with a close look at the camp battles unfolding now, roster moves created by injuries, early surprises, fan access, and the growing conversation around Jahmyr Gibbs. Camp Battles Are Beginning to Produce Answers The competition at outside cornerback remains one of the most important stories in camp. Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are receiving meaningful opportunities opposite D.J. Reed, with Rakestraw also working inside. Detroit needs more than a nominal replacement for Terrion Arnold. It needs a dependable secondary rotation that can withstand a full season. The offensive line is also taking shape. First-round pick Blake Miller has received first-team work at right tackle and has looked composed during difficult assignments. Christian Mahogany and Juice Scruggs remain part of the discussion at left guard, while Cade Mays continues the demanding transition into the starting center role. Greg Dortch has quickly become one of the most useful additions in camp. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has helped him play fast, and his value at receiver and returner gives Detroit another answer in the competition to replace Kalif Raymond. Jameson Williams has also carried a strong offseason into camp, creating separation at multiple levels and strengthening his connection with Jared Goff. Jahmyr Gibbs Hold-In Changes the Backfield Picture The Jahmyr Gibbs hold-in is now one of the defining stories of Detroit Lions training camp. Gibbs has reported and remained around the team, but he has not participated in practice while his contractual future is unresolved. He is already under team control through the exercised fifth-year option, but his production and importance to the offense make a long-term extension a major organizational decision. His absence matters beyond the negotiating table. Isiah Pacheco has received more prominent work, while Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small have gained opportunities. Sione Vaki's facial and eye injuries further thinned the group and contributed to Detroit adding Raheem Blackshear. The result is a backfield competition that looks very different without its most explosive player taking snaps. The central question is how long the hold-in lasts, what it means for Gibbs' future in Detroit, and whether the missed practice time affects the installation of Drew Petzing's offense. Injuries, Surprises, and the Early Confidence Check The Lions are already adjusting to injuries throughout the roster. Jimmy Rolder, Derrick Moore, Anthony Firkser, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Vaki have all generated concern or forced changes in practice plans. Those absences have created openings for players such as Tyler Lacy and Jabari Small to earn legitimate consideration. Fan access at the Meijer Performance Center continues to give supporters a close view of those developments. Free, ticketed practices and post-practice interaction have helped make Allen Park part of the team's identity. So how confident should Lions fans feel? The top of the roster remains strong, but the depth is being tested earlier than expected. Join Chris and Jeff for the Detroit Lions Early Camp Report as they separate meaningful progress from August noise and examine the Gibbs hold-in, camp battles, injuries, surprises, and the state of the team. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #JahmyrGibbs, #GibbsHoldIn, #DetroitLionsTrainingCamp, #TrainingCamp, #CampBattles, #LionsInjuries, #LionsRoster, #JaredGoff, #JamesonWilliams, #DanCampbell, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionstrainingcamp #detroitlionsnews #jahmyrgibbs #jahmyrgibbshold-in #jahmyrgibbscontract #nfltrainingcamp #trainingcampbattles #lionsinjuries #lionsrosterconcerns #dancampbell #jaredgoff #jamesonwilliams #blakemiller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP from the Detroit Lions Podcast breaks down all the observations and takeaways from the team's second padded training camp practice. Tuesday, August 4th saw a few players rise and fall on the practice field at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. Among the big winners was RB Jabari Small. With Sione Vaki out with a broken nose suffered in Monday's practice, and with Jahmyr Gibbs still not practicing, Small stepped up on the depth chart and looked like he belonged. His quick footwork and nifty cuts created a couple of big gains for the Lions offense. Teddy Bridgewater had his best day of training camp. It was certainly his most accurate, though the final drive in team drills saw the veteran backup QB fall back a bit. This was the first practice of the summer where Bridgewater looked clearly better than undrafted rookie Luke Altymer. Devin White showed why the Lions signed the former All-Pro LB. He is fast and he closes hard on the ball in the run game. Coverage looks to be an issue, as he ran himself out of position on a couple of different routes. He had some nice reps with the first-team defense, better than when he played in the nickel package with some reserves. Ahmed Hassanein had his best day of the summer, too. The fan favorite EDGE worked well playing outside Mekhi Wingo in heavier packages. Hassanein did appear to suffer a minor groin or upper leg injury late in the practice that caused him to take to the turf a couple of times, but he didn't seem distressed when talking to reporters after practice. His bull rush is getting better by the day. Hassanein also wasn't shy about getting after some offensive linemen after plays, showing fire that the team needed. Hassanein's fire was matched on the offense by WR Greg Dortch. The word “feisty” came up twice in the notes. It's not all negative-tinged either; Dortch and rookie UDFA LB Erick Hunter started jawing a bit after a special teams rep. After Dortch threw Hunter the ball, the two came together and Dortch appeared to praise the youngster, tapping Hunter's helmet and clapping. It was not a good day for Keith Abney, as the rookie CB struggled. Veteran Ennis Rakestraw also got victimized with a bad coverage lapse. It didn't look like the best day for new starting center Cade Mays either, notably in the run game--though he did have a couple of nice reps. That's training camp. Good players have bad days, and lesser players rise up at times. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #teddybridgewater #detroitlionstrainingcamp #lionscamp #gregdortch #isaacteslaa #keithabney #rockya-sin #trevornowaske #devinwhite #anthonyfirkser #jabarismall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP goes through the news and notes from the first day in pads in Detroit Lions training camp this summer. There were some strong performances, with rookie RT Blake Miller standing out on a good overall day. He looks the part. Tyler Lacy stood out amongst the defensive linemen, winning several reps in both pit drills and team drills. TE Anthony Firkser was having a great day before leaving with a leg injury. Wideout Lawrence Keys suffered the same fate, unfortunately. We don't know the severity of their injuries yet. Coach Dan Campbell offered injury updates on Jimmy Rolder, Derrick Moore and others, too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #blakemiller #tylerlacy #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #jaredgoff #christianmahogany #mekhiwingo #levionwuzurike #devinwhite #dancampbell #anthonyfirkser #sionevaki #ennisrakestrawjr #samlaporta #dominiclovett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some unfortunate injury news on one of the team's draft picks has forced the Detroit Lions to make a move as August begins. The Lions have signed veteran LB Devin White as a free agent. White is best-known for his All-Pro years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the beginning of the decade. He spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he led the team in tackles and finished in the top five in the league. White is now on his fourth team in a little under three years, bouncing from Tampa Bay to Philadelphia, which cut him ahead of the 2024 season. He played as a reserve in Houston later in 2024 before becoming a full-time starter in Las Vegas last year. White is known for his speed and prolific tackling numbers, but also for lapses in coverage and poor run game discipline throughout his career. The Lions are offering White a chance to prove himself once again due to an injury to rookie LB Jimmy Rolder. Detroit's fourth-round pick from Michigan exited Friday's practice session with a leg injury. While Rolder's exact injury is still not public knowledge, sources indicate it is not a season-ending injury. White brings a little more speed and some veteran presence to the room, but the missed time will hurt Rolder's ability to contribute more in his first season with the Lions. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamo #lionsinjuryupdate #devinwhite #jimmyrolder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP breaks down several of the Detroit Lions training camp updates from Friday, July 31st. First up, some good news. Left guard Christian Mahogany was activated from the non-football injury list. Mahogany practiced for the first time, earning starter reps. Mahogany also addressed the media after practice and indicated that he knows he needs to get better, especially in pass protection. He's in a position battle and he knows it. The Lions made a pre-practice change to the TE room. Out goes Zach Horton, and Horton's departure makes way for a return by veteran Anthony Firkser. With Tyler Conklin still out for at least another week, Firkser brings a familiar presence to the room. Horton's departure appears to be positive news for rookie UDFA Miles Kitselman's status, too. There were a couple of players who left practice early with injuries. Alim McNeill seemed no worse for the wear after practice following a neck injury, while rookie LB Jimmy Rolder departed with a leg injury that appeared as if it could be a little more prominent. With no practice until Sunday, we'll have to wait and see for any injury updates. Finally, Daily DLP host Jeff Risdon offers his takeaways from the Lions' Inside the Den episode that debuted on Thursday night. It was a lot of validation and confirmation of the presumed pre-draft love for both Blake Miller and Derrick Moore. Definitely worth your watch as a Lions fan. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #insidetheden #christianmahogany #nfilist #passprotection #anthonyfirkser #zachhorton #mileskitselman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions defense owned Day 2 of training camp. The offense intentionally worked short-game installs, which muted explosive plays, and Dan Campbell placed Detroit Lions offensive tackle Giovanni Manu on NFI with a previously undisclosed summer injury that will sideline him for a period of time. Why did the defense win Day 2? The defense executed, communicated and finished. Detroit Lions linebacker Derek Barnes baited and intercepted quarterback Jared Goff by bluffing a blitz then dropping into the passing lane. Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum repeatedly disrupted plays, including blowing up a run and compressing the pocket even through contact. Detroit Lions defensive back Nick Whiteside stacked another strong day with a sharp pass breakup, which is how camp risers separate. As Jeff Risdon noted, the environment was quiet without fans, which made communication from leaders pop. Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark directed traffic pre-snap and handled single-high responsibilities when Detroit worked base nickel. The overall theme was keep the ball in front, rally and end drives. How did the quarterbacks look in the short-game install? Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was efficient within the plan, hitting timing throws and moving the ball underneath. Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had an underwhelming day overall, including a hospital ball, but he also ripped a veteran hole shot to Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch between zone layers. Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer looked like a clean operator for the quick game, a baseline fit to run the Goff-style offense at a rudimentary level. The team period emphasized dink-and-dunk by design, not a lack of ambition. As Jeff Risdon emphasized, context matters in camp, because the offense was installing specific concepts rather than chasing chunk gains. What did Dan Campbell say about Giovanni Manu and early-camp sloppiness? Dan Campbell said Giovanni Manu is on NFI after disclosing a prior summer injury post-practice, and he will be out for a period of time. Campbell even floated twelve or fourteen weeks as placeholders, then stressed he did not know the exact timeline. Risdon read Campbell's tone as notably negative, and he added that you would struggle to find anyone in the media room who expects to see Manu in a Detroit uniform again. Campbell's on-field priorities remained clear, run the ball, stop the run and master situational football at the end of halves and games. With new voices, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, passing game coordinator Mike Kafka and tight ends coach Steve Hatten, early misalignments happened, including a re-huddle on the second team-play, which is acceptable on Day 2 without pads. Who flashed and what were the standout moments? Detroit Lions wide receiver Cedric Wilson delivered the play of the day, a one-handed snag over Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey with perfect timing and toe-tap control. Wonnum's surge included beating Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom when Borom checked in as an extra tackle, and walking back Detroit Lions offensive tackle Devin Cochran on a rush rep. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller had a mixed day against top competition, which is part of the growth curve. On special teams, Dortch took the first return rep and looked decisive, while Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa also rotated in. Detroit Lions defensive end Peyton Turner did not practice with a minor back issue. Barnes stood out in drills and at the podium, a composed, articulate presence after practice. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #teddybridgewater #lukealtmyer #giovannimanu #djwonnum #derekbarnes #khalildorsey #cedricwilson #gregdortch #chuckclark #peytonturner #amon-rast.brown #blakemiller #larryborom #mikekafka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions training camp is underway at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park. The Daily DLP explores some of the primary statements and themes from head coach Dan Campbell's press conference to open training camp. Injury updates Campbell led off with some mixed news on the starting safeties, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Bad news first. Joseph will remain on the PUP for at least a couple of weeks, and Campbell offered that having the All-Pro available for Week 1 would be “a bonus” and looks unlikely at this point. Campbell had better news on Branch, who is recovering from a December Achilles injury. Branch could be cleared to practice by the end of training camp. That would accelerate his timeline for playing up from the current expectation of around Halloween. There was also good news on guard Christian Mahogany. Campbell indicated Mahogany will be back shortly, as early as Friday's practice. Defensive back Christian Izien is down with a minor illness and will also be back very soon. On TE Tyler Conklin, he's dealing with a calf injury that will sideline the free agent acquisition for at least two more weeks. Jahmyr Gibbs There was no word on Jahmyr Gibbs being injured, and the Daily DLP ended with the news that Gibbs was not participating in today's opening practice session. He's looking for a contract extension and his absence should be viewed as a holdout until otherwise directed. It's not an unexpected development with Gibbs, and Campbell praised the star RB in his remarks. Both sides are working to get a deal done, Campbell noted. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #brianbranch #jahmyrgibbs #dancampbell #chuckclark #christianizien #christianmahogany #tylerconklin #brockwright #jacksonmeeks #aidanhutchinson #aleemmcneill #levionwuzurike #djwonnum #j.t.tufele Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP offers up the final pre-camp position preview for the Detroit Lions. Today hits the EDGE group, which has a superstar at the top, followed by some newcomers with higher-end potential than what Detroit has seen in recent years. Before the EDGEs, the Lions did add another player to the den. The Lions signed veteran linebacker Troy Reeder on Monday. Reeder has spent his entire 7-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams. He's thrived on the Rams' special teams units, playing on all types of special teams. Defensively, Reeder does have some starting experience. He offers the same kind of straight-line athleticism and attacking style that the Lions have in players like Trevor Nowaske and Damone Clark. Rams fans were openly hostile towards Reeder in coverage and in getting fooled on play action, so expectations for the new Lions LB are probably best kept in check. The EDGEs Aidan Hutchinson headlines a group that made quite a few changes this offseason. Hutch is a threat to lead the NFL in sacks after topping all players in QB pressures a year ago. He's an alpha dog capable of first-team All-Pro status. Beyond Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore each bring some power, length and durability to the EDGE room. Wonnum is known for his run defense and ability to crush the can from his days with the Panthers. Moore, Detroit's second-round pick, plays better in space than Wonnum and bends the corner well. This year's wild card is Payton Turner. The former Saints first-rounder is the new Marcus Davenport. If he's healthy, Turner's length, strength and athleticism demand respect. He's fully capable of being a starter opposite Hutchinson, and ahead of Wonnum and Moore. Alas, Turner has--like Davenport--been far more known for his injuries than his production in the NFL. Players like Ahmed Hassanein, Anthony Lucas and Eric O'Neill are all competing to raise their profiles and rosters statuses, too. Hassanein's energy and desire to grow his game are fun to watch develop in Detroit. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #aidanhutchinson #peytonturner #djwonnum #derrickmoore #troyreeder #lionstrainingcamp #edge #ahmedhassanein #paytonturner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions must phase out three-linebacker defense and scrap the 3-3 in 2026. They played 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps in 4-3 last season, 62.57 percent, and used the 3-3 front 243 times, far more than any other team. The defense improves when Detroit lives in nickel and dime with more speed on the field. Should the Detroit Lions ditch three-linebacker packages in 2026? Yes. They leaned on three linebackers far more than the rest of the NFL, and it invited speed mismatches against modern offenses in 11 personnel. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were in 4-3 on 657 of 1,050 defensive snaps, 62.57 percent, with only one other team above 50 percent at 52.88. Playing bigger and slower on passing downs made the second level late to space and created exploitable coverage targets. Risdon also said the quarterback rating allowed was almost the same whether Detroit had three linebackers on the field or not, which must change with a truer nickel and dime identity. What fronts should replace the 4-3 and 3-3 for Detroit? Detroit needs a heavier dose of 4-2 nickel, selective 5-1, and DB-heavy 3-2-6. Last year's baselines set the bar for improvement, not repetition. Usage facts that demand a shift As read by Risdon from Ryan Paganetti's study: the Lions used a 4-2 front only 111 times, last in the league. They used 5-1 zero times. They led the NFL in 3-3 with 243 snaps, while the next team was at 131, another at 31, and 17 teams did not use it once. Those numbers underline how far Detroit drifted from the league's nickel norms. Moving to 4-2 and sprinkling in 5-1 and 3-2-6 puts more speed and coverage on the field and better matches today's route distributions. Why did Detroit lean so hard into three linebackers last year? Injuries in the secondary and strong linebacker play pushed them there. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, and Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes tackled well, and as Risdon emphasized, Detroit had the best missed tackle rate in football based on the data he cited. But even with quality play, a third off-ball linebacker versus spread looks concedes quickness. Think of how Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff shreds heavy linebacker looks with routes that stress the hook-curl and seams. Opponents did the same to Detroit when the Lions stayed big. Better health for Detroit Lions safety Kirby Joseph and Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, plus a deeper secondary, should free the defense to keep an extra defensive back on the field. Will coaching changes accelerate the shift? Yes. Dan Campbell can reallocate more time to the defense because the offensive room is stronger, and that helps Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard refine personnel usage. As Jeff Risdon said, Sheppard must earn it by choosing fronts that keep speed on the field and by reserving three-linebacker looks for true run situations, not as a default. Expect to see more four- and five-man fronts paired with nickel in camp. Watch how often Detroit keeps two off-ball linebackers on the field, how Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is deployed, and how Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez or rookie depth are used situationally. Against division quarterbacks such as Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, forcing the mundane snap after snap with nickel bodies is the point. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jackcampbell #alexanzalone #derrickbarnes #kirbyjoseph #brianbranch #jaredgoff #aidanhutchinson #malcolmrodriguez #calebwilliams #chicagobears #greenbaypackers #arizonacardinals #kansascitychiefs #dancampbell #kelvinsheppard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit placed safety Brian Branch, safety Kerby Joseph and tight end Tyler Conklin on the physically unable to perform list, and it does not necessarily signal long-term loss. PUP only restricts on-field work at the start of camp, not meetings or rehab, and players can be activated at any time, even after a single day. Who went on the PUP list and what does it actually mean? Detroit Lions safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, plus tight end Tyler Conklin, will begin camp on PUP, which means they will not be in the first practice but can do meetings, conditioning and treatment. The PUP list is not injured reserve and activation can happen quickly. The move aligns with standard camp housekeeping. It keeps roster flexibility while athletic training staff finishes return-to-play ramps. It does not forecast a season timeline by itself, and there are examples of players coming off PUP after one day. PUP vs. NFI: what changes? On PUP, players are paid and have full access to coaches, meetings and trainers but cannot practice. The Non-Football Injury list functions similarly in practice limits, but pay is not guaranteed on NFI. When can Brian Branch return from his Achilles tear? Branch is not expected for the start of training camp. Host Jeff Risdon noted Branch tore his Achilles in December and cited the common 8 to 10 month window for a return-to-play ramp. He framed Halloween or the Germany trip timeframe as reasonable targets, with the goal of regaining his pre-injury form rather than rushing early-camp reps. The Lions have reinforced safety depth to absorb early-camp absences. Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark, Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien and Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper are in place to handle practice work until Branch is cleared. What is going on with Kirby Joseph after his tweet? Joseph is on PUP for knee management despite publicly betting he would avoid it, then following with a playful "y'all should have bet me" post after the designation. The team is managing his workload, and he can be activated at any time. Jefferson referenced an alleged degenerative knee condition and advocated for at least some preseason field testing so coaches know where he stands. Dan Campbell previously said the staff does not yet have a definitive answer and wants to find out during camp. The upside case remains obvious; Joseph led the NFL in interceptions in 2024, a version of Joseph that raises Detroit's defensive ceiling. How does Tyler Conklin's status impact tight end depth? Conklin missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed issue and starts on PUP, which stresses the depth more than safety does. Good Tyler Conklin is an upgrade over Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright at TE2, and Jefferson made clear there is room to improve that spot. The Lions have enough safety depth to function early in camp, but they do not currently have three NFL tight ends available for any three-tight end looks. Conklin's prior productive stretch with the New York Jets underscores why Detroit signed him. Getting him cleared stabilizes the rotation and keeps the TE2 plan on track, even if three-tight end sets are not the base offense. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #puplist #lionstrainingcamp #brianbranch #kerbyjoseph #tylerconklin #brockwright #chuckclark #christianizien #thomasharper #dancampbell #detroitlionstrainingcamp #physicallyunabletoperformlist #safetyposition #tightenddepth #newyorkjets #drewpetzing #nflpreseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Campbell must nail the Drew Petzing offensive coordinator hire so the offense carries the Detroit Lions in 2026. As Michael Grey said on the latest edition of The Grey Area, the offense has the toys and the quarterback to be elite, so execution, cohesion, and health have to match the talent. Can the Lions avoid another position group wipeout? Yes, spreading the inevitable injuries across the roster is essential to prevent a fatal hole. As Michael Grey emphasized, the secondary is already unsettled with cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, no longer with the team and safety Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions, an ongoing question. Grey added a long-view bonus: stop the offseason attrition surprises. He cited the unexpected center Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions, retirement two years ago and the Arnold saga this year as examples of presumed starters vanishing late in the calendar. The 2027 wish is simple, keep the assumed starting 22 intact through to camp. Will Hank Fraley get the offensive line ready to lead? He has to, because the offense must lead this team. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley inherits premium pieces, including Penei Sewell but he also has to develop newer linemen and get them game-ready. Grey backed the plan with clarity, the right guard stabilized late last year and Sewell moving to left tackle presents challenges he is comfortable with. None of it means anything until pads go on, but the standard is clear, Fraley needs to be that dude and keep the front five tight and right so everything else in the offense functions. How should the defense change its usage and packages? Shift out of heavy three-linebacker looks and lean into nickel and other sub packages. Grey said the Lions ran more base three-linebacker than anyone and that cannot continue given the secondary churn and lack of a do-everything hybrid, there is no Nick Emmanwori type on this roster. Defensive coordinator Sheppard must solve the edge spot opposite edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, and use personnel-driven answers to disguise coverages. Grey expects a year-two jump for Sheppard too, growth is not just for players. How often Detroit lives in nickel and dime, and how those subs hold up, will define defensive viability. Did Dan Campbell get it right with Drew Petzing and the offensive core? It needs to be right. Grey was blunt, he did not like the hire at first but wants to be wrong, and the bond between quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing must be real and collaborative. The arsenal is loaded, tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, was declared fully available for camp this week, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, remains the engine, and running back Jameer Gibbs, Detroit Lions, is the focal point. Running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, on a one-year deal after two injury-plagued seasons, must stay healthy as the reliable backup and enable two-back looks. Beyond him, running back Sione Vaki, Detroit Lions, is uncertain depth. As Michael Grey said, keep Gibbs fresh, add multiplicity with Pacheco, and let Petzing's structure unlock MVP-type production from Goff. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jaredgoff #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #samlaporta #isaiahpacheco #frankragnow #panaysewell #taylordecker #aidanhutchinson #kirbyjoseph #terrionarnold #hankfraley #drewpetzing #jeffrisdon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Blake Miller make the Detroit Lions' Week 1 starting lineup at right tackle? Week 1 is possible, but the baton passes by Week 5. That's the expectation. Blake Miller profiles as the right-side version of Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker, mostly steady with an occasional rookie hiccup. How big is Derrick Moore's Year 1 role opposite Aidan Hutchinson? He plays a lot, even if he does not start Week 1. Moore will push for snaps opposite Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, with Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum offering baseline run defense and Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner starting if healthy. Moore's versatility from Michigan translates and his impact will be steady instead of streaky. The depth is better, so rotation trims the top-end stat ceiling, but Moore's down-to-down consistency earns meaningful work immediately. Will Jimmy Rolder jump Malcolm Rodriguez for LB3 snaps? He can, if the coverage he showed in minicamp holds. Detroit Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder is competing with Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez for the third linebacker role behind the top duo, with special teams also in the mix. Michael Grey stressed that Rolder's Michigan tape did not feature standout coverage, but in minicamp he showed range and zone feel, and he is a reliable tackler and a smart run defender. Detroit will not live in three-linebacker sets, so this is about quality rotational downs plus teams work. Expect Rolder to push hard through camp, with the door open if the coverage gains are real. What is Keith Abney's path to snaps, and which defensive rookies stick? Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney forces the issue. Pick 157, he challenges for slot work while also fitting outside thanks to his traits. As Michael Grey said, the question is special teams, which often dictates early roles for Day 3 corners. If injuries or underperformance hit, Abney is ready for inside or outside reps. Competition also includes Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey. Up front, Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyler Lacy is a safe 53-man bet, which squeezes Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyre West toward the practice squad as a longer-term project. Skyler Gill-Howard brings real pass-rush juice and is battling Mekhi Wingo for the same interior role. Detroit Lions wide receiver Kendrick Law, a developmental return and special teams candidate, is out for the year. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #blakemiller #derrickmoore #aidanhutchinson #djwonnum #paytonturner #larryborom #jimmyrolder #malcolmrodriguez #jackcampbell #keithabney #kendricklaw #tylerlacy #makaiwingo #tyreewest #khalildorsey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Undrafted quarterback Luke Altmyer is the only Detroit Lions rookie free agent with a realistic path to the 53, and he profiles as a practice-squad lock while the staff decides on carrying two or three quarterbacks. Roster spots are scarce, so most UDFAs are competing for developmental roles on the practice squad. Is Luke Altmyer a lock for the Detroit Lions roster? Luke Altmyer, quarterback, Detroit Lions, locks down the practice squad and stays in the QB pipeline, while the 53 hinges on whether Detroit carries a QB3. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP, there are only three quarterbacks in camp and Altmyer ‘wins from the pocket,' mirroring the style of quarterback Jared Goff stylistically, and has enough arm and toughness to run the offense. Altmyer absorbed some hellacious hits at Illinois, so taking fewer hits is a growth point. The staff will decide between keeping two on the 53 with Altmyer as the emergency elevation, or rostering three. Either way, he stays in Detroit. What must defensive end Anthony Lucas show to make the 53? Anthony Lucas must add a Plan B move and finish plays he already wins to crack the 53. Lucas' all-or-nothing first move on college tape and the need to raise his floor will augment his chances. The finishing mandate is explicit: he posted three sacks in four years of college football, and that production must jump to justify a roster spot in a deep edge room. Technique, sequencing rushes, and converting pressures into sacks decide his fate. Practice squad is the baseline, with upward mobility if he stacks finishes in preseason. Which UDFAs look like immediate practice-squad value? Several fit clear developmental lanes. Eric O'Neil, edge rusher, Detroit Lions, is a compact power rusher with outsized production, logging 35 sacks and 110 QB pressures across four-plus college seasons at LIU, James Madison, and Rutgers. He sets a sturdy edge for his size and profiles as a situational rush piece to cultivate. DB Amaris Brown brings ball skills and a my-ball mentality after six years of college, flashing takeaway instincts in camp. He must prove he can play special teams consistently to earn that slot or reserve corner spot. Eric Hunter, linebacker, Detroit Lions, was deployed like a do-everything attacker at Morgan State, blitzing and flowing downhill at 220 pounds. As Risdon detailed, he is an athletic, aggressive fit for a developmental hybrid linebacker role, tracking as a prime practice-squad stash for 2026 with an eye on contributing in 2027. Who are the longest shots and what numbers define their uphill climb? Miller Kitselman, tight end, Detroit Lions, must fix the hands and length concerns to stick. He recorded five drops on 27 targets and has arms under 32 inches despite being 6-foot-5, which shows up in blocking and catch radius. With tight ends Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin ahead, Kitselman needs a standout camp to seize the practice-squad TE spot. Martin Priestley, offensive lineman, Detroit Lions, is transitioning inside after over a thousand snaps at both left and right tackle at Illinois and sits just under 6-foot-3. The critical stat from Jeff Risdon: 54 assessed penalties in four years, including 24 in one season, a habit he must correct to advance. De'Shawn Rucker, cornerback, is an aggressive tackler whose size was misperceived by fans; he measured 5-foot-9 and a quarter at USF's pro day. He needs to win on special teams and in slot reps to earn a developmental look. Depth at defensive tackle also matters, with defensive tackle J.R. Tufele, Detroit Lions, and defensive tackle Tylik Williams, Detroit Lions, shaping the interior competition. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #udfa #lukealtmyer #anthonylucas #erico'neil #amarisbrown #erichunter #millerkitselman #martinpriestley #shawrucker #jaredgoff #teddybridgewater #samlaporta #brockwright #tylerconklin #j.r.tufele #tylikwilliams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP previews the Lions' tight end room, which could already be set ahead of training camp. Is Sam LaPorta fully cleared and what does it mean for the Detroit Lions offense? Yes. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is fully cleared to participate in training camp after a microdiscectomy for his back. As Jeff Risdon noted, the procedure carries some recurrence risk, but LaPorta's efficient production, route versatility and red-zone finishing restore a core option for quarterback Jared Goff in Detroit's NFL-best skill group. LaPorta is the clear number one tight end in Detroit. He functions as the offense's chain mover and a red-zone target alongside Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Game plans will flex week to week, with some games funneling to LaPorta near the top of the pecking order based on coverage. Who is TE2 right now, Tyler Conklin or Brock Wright? Tyler Conklin holds the higher receiving ceiling and overtakes Brock Wright if Detroit gets the New York Jets version of Conklin. If Conklin mirrors his Chargers stint, Brock Wright retains the role. As Jeff Risdon put it, Conklin's upside as a mover and flex option can bump Wright to TE3 if Conklin is right. Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright's last three seasons tell a consistent story: 13 catches, 91 yards, 1 touchdown; 13 catches, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns; and last year 14 catches, 108 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He is 27, smart and crafty, but lacks athletic dynamism. Risdon added that Wright's run-blocking has graded around the bottom of the top tier to the middle tier range for tight ends. Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin, 30, is listed at 6-3, 248. Risdon relayed that Conklin's absence from minicamp appeared excused after conversations with the tight ends coach and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Conklin thrived as a pass catcher with the Jets but struggled with the Chargers under Jim Harbaugh, including one bad early day that soured the fit. When right, Conklin can split out, motion, and complement LaPorta in two tight end sets, even if inline is not his strength. Which depth tight ends have a real path to the 53 or practice squad? After the top three, the group is chasing one realistic practice squad spot. Risdon gave Horton the early edge because he has been in the building and can also play some fullback. Detroit also has Miller Kitselman as a UDFA and Thomas Gordon in camp. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks is practicing at tight end, but at 6-2, 218 he is undersized for NFL in-line work and, per Risdon, visibly smaller than Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. TeSlaa is a big-bodied wide receiver, not a tight end, and remains a wide receiver assignment despite his frame. Will Drew Petzing feature two or three tight end sets in Detroit? Expect frequent two tight end looks, with three tight end packages possible even though none appeared in minicamp. Petzing used three tight ends in Arizona, and in Cleveland he deployed two tight ends as window dressing to feed Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb. That history fits with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff's strength in distributing to the best matchup. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #samlaporta #jaredgoff #amon-rast.brown #jahmyrgibbs #brockwright #tylerconklin #isaacteslaa #jacksonmeeks #drewpetzing #lionstrainingcamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP tackles a lot of good and interesting questions from the Detroit Lions Podcast member Slack channel. Ahead of Lions training camp, there are a lot of ideas and questions about what might be happening with the team and what we may see in Allen Park in the coming weeks. Among the questions: Which young players make the biggest jump? Who wins the CB2 role? Is Kelvin Sheppard on the hot seat? Do any UDFAs have a chance to make the roster? What would I like to see implemented in training camp #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #mailbag #kelvinsheppard #dancampbell #rockya-sin #terrionarnold #tyleikwilliams #alimmcneill #aidanhutchinson #kerbyjoseph #panaysewell #brockwright #tylerconklin #jackfox #lukealtmyer #amarisbrown #ennisrakestrawjr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Kennedy and Jacob Saylors are the returning Detroit Lions kick returners right now, with Khalil Dorsey and Greg Dortch pushing hard to take the job. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp values ball security and net field position, and Kennedy checks those boxes. So does Saylors, but not with a lot of dynamic ablity. With today's kickoff rules, reliability beats boom-or-bust. Who leads the Detroit Lions kick return battle? Tom Kennedy leads because he is the clean, assignment-sound option, and Khalil Dorsey and Greg Dortch are the most credible challengers for explosive plays. Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has been a reliable return man, catching the ball, following blocks, and protecting possession. Cornerback Khalil Dorsey brings top-end speed and prior team return experience. Wide receiver Greg Dortch arrived from Arizona with recent volume and will get real chances. As Jeff Risdon noted on the Detroit Lions Podcast Daily DLP, Fipp will reward the returner who elevates average starting field position without sacrificing ball security. How good were the Lions on kick returns last season? They finished a notch below league average in both return average and resulting field position. The primary kick returner logged 33 returns for 897 yards, an average of 27.2, compared to the NFL average of 28.8. Detroit's average post-kickoff field position was the 30.2 yard line, short of the 30.8 league average. Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy produced 447 yards on 16 returns, a 27.9 average. Another returner finished at 26.8 on six returns. The Lions punt return fixture led the NFL with 32 punt return attempts but managed only 7.5 yards per return, which underscored the need for more juice and cleaner execution. That is not good enough for a unit Fipp expects to win the hidden yardage battle. Which names should fans watch in camp reps? Greg Dortch and Khalil Dorsey headline the challengers, while Dominic Lovett and Sione Vaki project better in supporting roles. Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch has 39 kick returns at 26.3 yards per return since 2024, including 31 for a 26.2 average last year. Jeff Risdon noted Arizona's special teams were not strong, which affected his numbers, but Dortch still brings proven reps. Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey posted four kick returns for 159 yards in 2024, including a 72 yarder, the longest Lions kickoff return in eight years. Detroit Lions slot receiver Dominic Lovett had one kick return for 22, and he had not returned kicks in college beyond a single punt at Missouri, so he is not a natural option. Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki logged two returns for 39, with one going for 29, but he excels more as a lead blocker on returns. Keeping Vaki as a blocker boosts whichever returner wins the role. Roster-wise, last year's primary kick returner is competing with Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, and Kai Robichaux for the RB4 role, and as Jeff Risdon speculated, if he is not the return man, he probably is not on the 53. How do today's kickoff rules shape the decision? Touchdowns are rare, so field position and ball security drive the choice. That reality favors Kennedy's profile while leaving room for Dortch or Dorsey to claim the job if they upgrade average start without inviting risk. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #jacobsaylors #lionstrainingcamp #tomkennedy #khalildorsey #gregdortch #sionevaki #dominiclovett #davefipp #jackfox #grantstewart #craigreynolds #jabarismall #kairobichaux #jeffrisdon #michaelgrey #detroitlionskickreturner #nflkickoffrules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions have a deep, flexible safety room that still needs defined roles. Injury concerns to both regular starters complicate the safety spot, and that will make for a very intriguing training camp in Allen Park. Is Kerby Joseph the turnover engine this defense needs? Yes, when Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is on the field, the defense gains its best ballhawk. As Jeff Risdon noted, Joseph is "exceptionally good at creating opportunities for the defense to turn defense into offense." Risdon explicitly wants him healthy for 17 games because nobody else has provided that level of takeaways. Joseph had ups and downs last season, but his ability to flip possessions remains the singular swing factor in the secondary's ceiling and the overall NFL playoff push. Is Chuck Clark the answer while roles settle? Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark looked like a starter and a tone-setter in minicamp. He played primarily in Joseph's role, handled every assignment, and, as Jeff Risdon put it, "impressed the hell out of me" as a leader and communicator. Clark can play over the top or in the box, and at 32 years old he still moved and directed traffic like an alpha. The only open question, per Risdon, is whether his best days are behind him, but his spring performance says he can anchor the room as jobs crystallize in camp. Where do Thomas Harper, Christian Izien, Avante Maddox and Dan Jackson fit? They are the versatile chess pieces who fill the gaps while starters settle. Detroit Lions defensive back Thomas Harper plays everywhere, with prior work in the slot, at free safety and at strong safety, and he aligned closer to the line of scrimmage in camp. Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien, an undrafted Rutgers product who became Tampa Bay's "positionless wonder," has started in the slot, over the top, in the box and even outside, and he profiles more as a slot safety. He missed the early part of last season, then resumed his value as a super sub. Detroit Lions defensive back Avonte Maddox is a veteran presence who can contribute in a sub role. Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson, a Georgia draft pick who missed his entire rookie year, is a strong safety and core special teams type, but he remains an unknown until he stacks camp reps. How will the scheme changes unlock this group? Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and the staff want to be less predictable on the back end, and the room's versatility enables that. Chuck Clark can blitz, and Dan Jackson showed last summer he can blitz from the slot and from depth. This camp is about someone, whether it be Clark, Izien or Harper, seizing a defined role so the coaches, including Kelvin Sheppard, can deploy fewer moving parts and more consistent combinations. If health cooperates and one or two players lock down jobs, the Lions field a very good safety unit, with depth that is far better than a year ago. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #kerbyjoseph #chuckclark #thomasharper #christianizien #avontemaddox #danjackson #detroitlionssafeties #jimo'neil #kelvinsheppard #nfltrainingcamp #slotsafety #boxsafety #nfldefense #takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions cut cornerback Terrion Arnold to eliminate a season-long distraction and build around playable depth at corner. The legal case, including a million dollar bond and interstate court travel, limited availability and focus. As Scott Bischoff said, the timing and transparency issues pointed to a commissioner's exempt-list outcome anyway. Why did the Detroit Lions cut Terrion Arnold now? Detroit acted to remove a major distraction and move forward with players who can practice and play. Cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, faced kidnapping and robbery charges, a million dollar bond, and repeated travel for court, which prevented full investment in football. As Scott Bischoff noted, the post-hearing timing and a lack of full transparency pushed Detroit to act, and Arnold was headed for the commissioner's exempt list regardless. Kelvin Sheppard had already said Arnold was falling behind, and Russell Brown added that if teams truly wanted Arnold, a trade, waiver claim, or quick signing would have happened. Can the Detroit Lions cornerback room hold up without Terrion Arnold? Yes, it can function with veteran competence and real competition. Cornerback Roger McCreary, Detroit Lions, profiles as the starting nickel, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, Detroit Lions, becomes a key outside option, and cornerback DJ Reed, Detroit Lions, settles the CB1 matchups when healthy. Rookies cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit Lions, and cornerback Keith Abney, Detroit Lions, compete to seize CB2 or rotational roles, with Thomas Harper and others in the mix. Russ Brown pointed out that Rock Ya-Sin posted a career-high nine pass deflections last season and allowed only 28 receptions for 274 yards, and even as a rookie he started 13 games and allowed 46 receptions. For context, Amik Robertson gave up 70 receptions, almost 900 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. Detroit does not need rookies to play every snap in September. How will Detroit's front four and defensive plan protect the secondary? Increased pressure and flexible personnel shorten coverage snaps. Edge Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions, teams with defensive tackle Tylek Williams, Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions, and edge Dorsey Moore, Detroit Lions, to generate the heat missing last year. Expect more nickel and dime once safety Brian Branch, Detroit Lions, returns and safety Kirby Joseph, Detroit Lions, is full go. As Russell Brown said, early in the season Detroit can lean a bit more on base with linebackers Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Dorsey Barnes, Jimmy Rolder and Trevor Nowaski until the safety room stabilizes. Coach Kelvin Sheppard has the bodies to mix packages. What should fans expect from Drew Petzing's offense? A more assertive, gap-heavy run game that marries to play action. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit Lions, will feature duo, pin-pull and trap concepts that fit running back Isaiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions, better than heavy zone. Tackle Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, operates on the left, while the right side grows with tackle Blake Miller, Detroit Lions, and guard Tate Ratledge, Detroit Lions, plus guard Cade Mays, Detroit Lions. Quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, benefits from defined run looks and intermediate play action. Offensive sleeper Tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit Lions, gives Detroit a vetted third-down and red-zone option, stabilizes 12 and 13 personnel, and eases early load if tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, is limited. Defensive sleeper Defensive tackle Skyler Gibbs Howard, Detroit Lions, as a true three-tech, uses quickness to penetrate and disrupt in camp and preseason, complementing Mekhi Wingo, Detroit Lions. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #terrionarnold #rogermccreary #rockya-sin #djreed #ennisrakestrawjr. #keithabney #aidanhutchinson #tylekwilliams #alimmcneill #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #isaiahpacheco #jaredgoff #tylerconklin #drewpetzing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who starts at left guard for the Detroit Lions in 2026? Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany enters camp in pencil as the starter, but the job is open. He returned from injury late last season and did not lock down the role, and both Juice Scruggs and Ben Bartch will push him in a true competition. Mahogany has flashed the ability to be an effective NFL starter, but it will take more consistent performance and health to lock up the starting job in 2026. Newcomers Juice Scruggs and Ben Bartch are more experienced and also bring more positional versatility to the Lions' den. Then there are some wild cards who could also enter the mix, though more likely as reserve options than as true threats to be the Week 1 starter at left guard. Those include Miles Frazier and Giovanni Manu, as well as veteran Colby Sorsdal, who missed all of 2025 with an injury but took lots of reps in minicamp. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionstrainingcamp #christianmahogany #juicescruggs #benbartch #leftguardcompetition #passprotectionvspressure #dancampbellstandard #sixsacksallowed #27pressures #pass-blockingefficiency95.8 #run-blockgrade91.1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions have the top-end talent to win a championship. PFSN's Top 100 lists seven Lions, with offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. Health, execution, and timely plays must now match that talent. How many Lions made PFSN's Top 100, and who headlines it? Seven Detroit Lions made the list, led by offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 4 as OT1, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at 12, running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 18, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown at 20. That is four Lions in the top 20. Quarterback Jared Goff is No. 53 and QB10, tight end Sam LaPorta is No. 87, and linebacker Jack Campbell is No. 95 as LB4. As Jeff Risdon noted, PFN's linebacker impact score had Jack Campbell No. 1 among linebackers in 2025. PFSN also notes Sam LaPorta missed eight games in 2025, yet his 54.3 receiving yards per game was his best per-game mark since his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2023. Why is left vs right tackle value overblown? Jeff Risdon emphasized that while Penei Sewell is moving to left tackle, elite edges attack both sides. Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T. J. Watt rarely rushes against left tackles, Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson often works over right tackles, and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett moves around. Does star power alone win the Super Bowl? No. Team health, execution, and key plays matter more than raw star counts. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks and the Super Bowl runner-up New England Patriots were not among the most represented teams on the Top 100 list. Seattle's core callouts on PFSN included wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, and quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 71 as QB12. They won with health and timely defense. Detroit's takeaway is clear, as Risdon said, talent is there, but game-deciding plays must follow. What do the rankings say about quarterback Jared Goff and Detroit's offense? Quarterback Jared Goff at No. 53 and QB10 confirms he is not holding the Detroit Lions back. As Jeff Risdon stated, Goff is very good at what he is asked to do. Detroit does not ask him to run RPOs or fire frequent tight-window throws, and within that structure he wins. Risdon added that if the Seattle Seahawks can win with quarterback Sam Darnold and that supporting cast, the Lions can finish the job with Jared Goff. The ranking validates Detroit's approach, provided the offense sustains health and situational precision. How do the Lions stack up against the NFC North? Detroit leads the division with seven Top 100 players. Green Bay has four, Chicago has three, and Minnesota has two, reinforcing that the Lions possess the division's deepest top-end core. Green Bay's notables include quarterback Jordan Love at No. 34 as QB8, offensive tackle Zach Tom at No. 57 as OT7, and safety Xavier McKinney at No. 67 as S4. Chicago's trio features offensive tackle Darnell Wright as the top Bear, guard Joe Thuney at No. 65 as OG3, and quarterback Caleb Williams at QB15. Minnesota's two are wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 16 as WR4 and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel at No. 99 as Edge12. As Risdon concluded, Detroit's talent is real, now the execution must be too. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #aidanhutchinson #jahmyrgibbs #amon-rast.brown #jaredgoff #samlaporta #jackcampbell #samdarnold #leonardwilliams #jacksonsmith-njigba #jordanlove #zachtom #xaviermckinney #darnellwright #justinjefferson #pfsntop100 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Lions Prepping For Camp The quietest part of the NFL calendar rarely stays quiet for long. With training camp roughly 10 days away, the Detroit Lions have entered the final stretch before the real evaluations begin. The roster is largely set, the offseason program is complete, and every conversation now shifts toward one question: what are we about to learn once the pads come on? On this week's Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris and Jeff Risdon look ahead to one of the most important training camps of the Dan Campbell era. From position battles to injury updates, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating the running back room, there is no shortage of storylines despite the lack of football on the field. The Camp Battles That Will Shape the 2026 Season Training camp is where optimism meets reality, and the Lions have several competitions that will define the opening 53-man roster. The first battle begins at right tackle. Rookie first-round pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom split first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp, making this one of the premier competitions to watch when camp opens. The secondary remains another major storyline following the departure of Terrion Arnold. Detroit must identify who will emerge opposite D.J. Reed, with Rock Ya-Sin and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. expected to receive every opportunity to claim the job. Replacing Arnold is not simply about finding another starter. It is about rebuilding depth in a room that suddenly looks much different than it did just a few months ago. Running back is another fascinating discussion. Jahmyr Gibbs is unquestionably the featured back, but is Isiah Pacheco enough as RB2? His experience, physical running style, and pass protection bring value, but Sione Vaki continues to develop, making this a storyline worth following throughout camp. Is Kerby Joseph Ready and How Confident Should We Be? Perhaps no player carries more intrigue entering camp than Kerby Joseph. The All-Pro safety remains one of Detroit's most important defensive players, but his recovery from a knee injury leaves legitimate questions. Training camp should finally provide answers about both his availability and effectiveness. His availability could shape the entire defense. Fortunately, Brad Holmes added veteran depth at safety, giving Detroit more flexibility than it had a year ago, but everyone understands this defense is better when Joseph is healthy. That naturally leads to the biggest discussion of the episode. How confident should Lions fans be? The roster still has one of the NFL's strongest offensive cores. Jared Goff is surrounded by elite skill talent, the offensive line remains among the league's best, and the coaching staff has built a culture capable of competing with anyone. The questions largely reside on defense, where health, youth, and replacing Terrion Arnold all become part of the equation. Training camp is where those answers begin to emerge. Join Chris and Jeff Risdon on the Detroit Lions Podcast as they prepare you for everything to watch over the coming weeks. From the biggest roster battles to Kerby Joseph's health, from replacing Terrion Arnold to evaluating Isiah Pacheco's role, this is your complete guide to the storylines that will define Detroit's 2026 training camp. #DetroitLions, #Lions, #DetroitLionsPodcast, #OnePride, #TrainingCamp, #KerbyJoseph, #TerrionArnold, #BradHolmes, #DanCampbell, #JaredGoff, #NFLTrainingCamp, #LionsRoster, #DetroitVsEverybody, #IsiahPacheco, #NFLNews #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #detroitlionstrainingcamp #detroitlionsnews #bradholmes #dancampbell #jaredgoff #kerbyjoseph #terrionarnoldupdate #terrionarnoldwaived #isiahpacheco #detroitlionsroster #detroitlionssecondary #lionsrosterconcerns #nfltrainingcamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Detroit Lions defense in 2025 was not bad, it was untimely. They ranked 22nd in scoring defense but finished 17th in yards allowed per game and ninth on third downs, and Pro Football Focus graded them as a top-five defense overall. The real issue was explosive plays and situational lapses at key moments. Was the Detroit Lions defense actually bad in 2025? No. The unit performed better than its reputation. As Jeff Risdon noted, the Lions were 22nd in points allowed, 17th in yards per game at 332.8, and middle of the pack at 5.4 yards per play. Crucially, they allowed a 36.9 percent third-down conversion rate, which ranked ninth, while the offense converted 38.8 percent, 19th. That disconnect fuels the perception. The defense was on the field in tough spots and failed at the worst times, which is different from being bad snap-to-snap. Which numbers explain the gap between strong grades and points allowed? Excellent. PFF's cumulative defensive grade for Detroit was 81.8, fifth overall, with a 78.5 run defense grade that ranked fourth. Tackling graded at 74.9, second behind the Green Bay Packers. The pass rush ranked fifth, and pressure rate ranked fourth, with help from Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Coverage graded 74.1, tenth. Raw team data backs several strengths: Detroit allowed the sixth-lowest completion rate at 61.6 percent, averaged 7.3 yards per pass allowed which ranked 23rd, and posted an 8.11 percent sack rate, eighth. Special teams graded sixth. The defense simply surrendered too many explosive plays and got burned by short fields when the offense failed on third and fourth downs. Those two factors drove points more than down-to-down quality. What must change in 2026 to turn solid metrics into stops? Cut the explosives and win the pivotal snaps. That means finishing drives with takeaways or stops on third and manageable, and protecting field position instead of gifting short fields. As Jeff Risdon theorized, using more zone coverage and replacing some base 4-3 snaps with extra defensive backs or an additional lineman instead of a linebacker can specifically help in coverage. He also noted using the punter a little more in marginal situations to avoid feeding opponents favorable field position. Turnovers and situational management Risdon's Houston analogy underscores it: clean up turnover differential and third-down execution and a defense that already grades well turns those metrics into points prevented. Do the Lions have the personnel to fix it? Yes. Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson closed strong after a slump and remains the headliner up front. Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell delivered impact against the run, and the interior pairing of Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams should be a strong one-two punch. Depth has improved in the secondary, though, as Jeff Risdon cautioned, safety Brian Branch and safety Kerby Joseph entering the start of the year is not optimal. Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone's role can flex within sub-packages to prioritize coverage matchups. Bottom line, as Risdon put it, the defense was unfortunate and untimely in 2025, and those are correctable issues. He's over the 10.5 win total. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #lionsdefense #nflstatistics #pff #pffranking #pffgrades #aidanhutchinson #jackcampbell #alimmcneill #tyleikwilliams #brianbranch #kirbyjoseph #alexanzalone #profootballfocus #losangelesrams #seattleseahawks #greenbaypackers #passrush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penei Sewell is an elite NFL offensive tackle, not the 10th-best, as ESPN pundit Mike Clay ranked him. He finished third in pass protection efficiency at 98.2 with only two sacks, six hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures allowed, plus a 95.1 overall and 96.7 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Is ESPN underrating Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell? Yes. Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell ranks among the NFL's best, not 10th. As Jeff Risdon noted, Pro Football Focus graded Sewell at 95.1 overall with a 96.7 run blocking grade, and he allowed just two sacks, six quarterback hits, 11 hurries, and 19 total pressures in 2025. Those results track with a 98.2 pass protection efficiency, which placed him third among qualifying tackles. ESPN's ranking leans on a proprietary pass block win rate and on the note that Sewell is moving sides. Risdon acknowledged that switching from right tackle to left tackle is a fair consideration, but he emphasized Sewell has played left tackle in the NFL and handled it well. Every visible performance marker says he belongs at the top tier. Does pass block win rate measure what matters in protection? No. What matters is not losing, and Sewell rarely loses. As Jeff Risdon said, the ESPN metric is subjective and measures “wins,” while pass protection success is about preventing losses. Sewell's 98.2 efficiency shows he prevents losses as well as almost anyone, backed by only 19 total pressures conceded across a 50 percent of 1,294 snaps qualifier pool. Context also matters. Protection can change based on a tight end's alignment, the guard inside, or compensating for interior issues. Risdon pointed out that Detroit often had to shade inside last year because the center struggled, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is not mobile under quick pressure. That reality affects how any tackle is scored snap to snap. How should fans view the Detroit Lions offensive line at 19th? As conservative. The unit projects better than 19th even with moving parts. Risdon accepted ESPN's 19th as a defensible output for a formula, noting the Lions have starters at three new positions, but he stated Detroit will outperform that slot. Continuity takes time, but the cornerstone is overwhelming. Sewell's dominance stabilizes the front, and Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley can lean on elite edge play while integrating the new starters. That foundation raises the floor and the ceiling for the group. What do the comps say about other top NFL tackles? They reinforce Sewell's standing. In pass protection efficiency, Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garrett Bolles ranked first and New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas second, with Sewell third at 98.2. Pro Football Focus also showed Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs at 92.7 overall, while Sewell's pass protection grade of 80.3 matched San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams and topped San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz. Risdon added that Sewell's pressure totals were equivalent with Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright, and he flagged Detroit Lions offensive tackle Larry Borom appearing in the top 10 for pass rush efficiency as an encouraging pickup. The eye test and the data converge on the same conclusion: Sewell is elite, and Detroit's line trends up from a formulaic 19th. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #peneisewell #espntackleranking #profootballfocus #darnellwright #pff #olrankings #lionsoffensiveline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Daily DLP welcomes Bish and Brown co-host Russ Brown to the latest episode. The show focuses on some of the recent Lions developments, including the team's dismissal of cornerback Terrion Arnold. Brown argued that Detroit can evaluate and win with the corners on hand while focusing entirely on football. Are the Detroit Lions better without Terrion Arnold? Yes. The roster and locker room benefit from removing a high-profile distraction and empowering the rest of the room. Detroit Lions cornerback DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw and Keith Abney give the staff multiple perimeter options. Brown framed it plainly, the team has enough depth to stay afloat and can use the season to see exactly what it has in Rakestraw and Abney while Reed takes the CB1 role. He also noted the waiver reality and that the issue is no longer inside the building. Jeff Risdon added he expects a massive suspension and reminded listeners no team claimed Arnold. Training camp opens July 25, so the team's clean slate at corner arrives at the right time. Who wins the Lions offensive line battles at right tackle and left guard? Right tackle is settled, left guard is a true competition. Detroit Lions right tackle Blake Miller starts immediately. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Krish Mahogany and Detroit Lions guard Miller Frasier headline the race with Detroit Lions guard Ben Bartch in the mix. Brown called Miller plug and play and said he has no doubt Miller will be the starting right tackle. He labeled left guard the bigger question, with the cream rising between Mahogany and Frasier. The hosts praised the front office for taking two interior swings and set the expectation that this group is better than a year ago. How explosive is Detroit's passing attack in 2026? It is elite, and it will be featured. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is a set-and-forget chain-mover, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams adds vertical thunder. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta's health is trending up, and Detroit Lions running back Jameer Gibbs remains a centerpiece. Brown told friends to draft St. Brown without hesitation because he wins every down and distance. He described Williams as a modern home-run threat who can get to roughly 60 catches and 1,000 yards with schemed touches. With Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka providing fresh eyes, as Jeff Risdon put it, the offense should clean the meat off the bone that was left last year. Did Detroit do enough in the middle of the defense, and what about specialists? Yes on the trenches, and no issue on specialists. Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ali McNeil pairs with Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ty II Williams to anchor inside, while Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gil Howard brings first-step juice as a late-round addition. Brown outlined how Reader's exit was expected short term and emphasized Williams' faster play and McNeil's reset year. Risdon, after seeing Gil Howard up close, said his physical presence impressed and that pads will tell the rest. What about the specialists? There is no mistake in having no camp challengers. Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates are established, and Detroit Lions long snapper Hatton is working under former long snapper and current staffer Don Muhlbach. Brown said the Lions would add competition if needed. Risdon called Fox unreal at minicamp, a reminder that this NFL unit is set. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #djreed #ennisrakestraw #keithabney #terrionarnold #legaldistraction #cb1role #righttackleblakemiller #leftguardcompetition #krishmahogany #millerfrasier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colby Sorsdal makes the Detroit Lions 53-man roster as a reserve guard in Jeff Risdon's current projection. His roster case centers on a cleaner guard fit, size and strength, and a depth chart that now places other tackles ahead of him. Spring reps and versatility keep him in the fight. Is Colby Sorsdal on track to make the 53-man roster? Yes, Jeff Risdon currently has Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal on the final 53, in pencil, as a reserve interior option. As Jeff Risdon noted, Sorsdal drew meaningful spring reps and remains in the core group competing for backup jobs. Risdon emphasized that Sorsdal missed last season after a preseason injury against Atlanta led to an injured reserve stint. The perception that he was gone lingered because of the waiver process, but he reverted and remained with Detroit. With renewed health and visible work in the spring, he reenters a crowded battle for reserve offensive line roles. What role best fits Colby Sorsdal in Detroit? Guard, not tackle. Sorsdal's body type, power and grip strength translate inside, and the tackle depth ahead of him reduces the need to keep him outside. As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal played 94 snaps at left guard out of 253 total regular season snaps, the only regular season action of his career to date. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell's staff has seen him at both guard spots, and his pass-protection challenges on the edge, specifically against quick inside counters that tested his foot reset and weight transfer, point to a cleaner projection at guard. The ask now is to channel his upper-body strength, anchor and hand usage in tighter spaces while sharpening the footwork that stalled him at right tackle. How crowded is the Lions' reserve offensive line competition? Very crowded, and it shapes Sorsdal's lane. Detroit Lions tackle Larry Borom upgrades the OT3 spot, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Blake Miller was drafted to play early, and Detroit Lions tackle Devin Cochran brings length. That stack narrows Sorsdal's tackle path and pushes him to guard. Inside, Detroit Lions interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is part of the mix, Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier is being sorted among positions, and Detroit Lions center Seth McLaughlin is competing for depth. At left guard, Detroit Lions guard Christian Mahogany is the presumptive winner per Risdon, with Juice Scruggs his top challenger. Within that framework, Sorsdal's clearest route is becoming the best reserve right guard who can also cover emergency snaps elsewhere. What did Dan Campbell say about Sorsdal's opportunity? Dan Campbell underscored open competition and Sorsdal's chance to earn it. Campbell said the staff's eyes are open every year, Sorsdal is coming back from injury and doing a good job, and pads will tell more. He added that players get overlooked, then gain confidence, make plays and earn roles, and that Sorsdal has an opportunity. That aligns with Risdon's view: if the Detroit Lions keep him focused at one spot and he stacks solid padded practices and preseason tape, Sorsdal validates a reserve guard role on the 53. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #colbysorsdal #larryborom #juicescruggs #blakemiller #milesfrazier #devincochran #sethmclaughlin #christianmahogany #dancampbell #jeffrisdon #detroitlionsoffensiveline #rightguardcompetition #trainingcamp #preseasongamevsatlanta #53-manroster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slot-Only Profile in a Crowded Detroit Lions Room The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on Dominic Lovett, No. 19, and his roster odds as training camp nears. The NFL squeezes slot receivers who lack a clear special teams role, and Lovett sits right in that pinch point. He is listed at 5-10, 185 and profiles as a slot-only receiver. At Georgia, his routes rarely stretched beyond 8 to 10 yards. The usage leaned horizontal. Quick slants. Hitches. Get it out, make the first tackler miss. He has speed, but the vertical element was not a staple of his tape. The top of the Detroit Lions depth chart leaves little room. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa define the top three. The club added Greg Dortch, who is smaller than Lovett and brings elite yards-after-catch production. Dortch owned minicamp. He was open, quickly and often. That is not how Lovett's spring looked. Special Teams Will Decide It Lovett's path is special teams. As a rookie, he logged snaps in most games but was a regular on those units only from Weeks 4 to 8, which included the bye. He logged no return action. In camp, he was not near the top of the returner reps. He did not record a special teams tackle. He is not noted for blocking. The evaluation lands near baseline, which means no real positive spikes. The drops remain an issue. In minicamp, Lovett put two easy throws on the ground. One came when he tried to run before the catch. Another was a low ball he did not dig out. That tracked with college scouting reports on his hands. Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy offers physical play, nuanced routes, and trust from Jared Goff. Kennedy blocks, arrives on time in his spots, and catches what is thrown. If the decision is Lovett or Kennedy for the same role, Kennedy holds the edge. Where He Sits Entering Camp Realistically, Lovett is battling for wide receiver five or wide receiver six if the Lions keep six. The competition includes Kennedy, Tarek Black, Malik Cunningham, and a wave of former UFL guys. Jackson Meeks is trending more toward an undersized tight end role than a true wideout. Dortch is locked as WR4. On the current board, Lovett trails Cunningham and Kennedy and likely at least one of the UFL additions, such as Black. The episode framed a clear outcome set. If Lovett pops on special teams as a returner, blocker, or in gunning duties, he can change the conversation in Detroit. If not, he projects outside the 53 and likely clears waivers. In a crowded NFL receiver room, every rep will matter. For Lovett, the Detroit Lions Podcast made it plain: special teams is not a bonus. It is the job interview. #detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #dominiclovett #gregdortch #amon-rast.brown #jamesonwilliams #isaacteslaa #tomkennedy #tarekblack #malikcunningham #ennisrakestraw #giovannimanu #davefipp #jaredgoff #slotonlyreceiver #widereceiversix #specialteams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices