The Lions added reinforcements, received a major update on Jahmyr Gibbs’ contract talks, and saw several players shine during Tuesday’s practice.
The Detroit Lions continued making roster moves Tuesday as training camp rolls on.
After injuries to tight end Anthony Firkser, who suffered a broken fibula, and running back Sione Vaki, who broke his nose, Detroit added reinforcements by re-signing tight end Zach Horton and signing running back Raheem Blackshear. Horton was previously released to make room for Firkser before returning to the roster.
Both additions appear to be depth moves for training camp, especially Blackshear, with Jahmyr Gibbs still holding in while awaiting a contract extension and remaining out of practice.
A new deal for Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson could also help move negotiations along. Robinson signed a three-year extension worth up to $75 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal includes a record $51 million guaranteed, with $37 million paid at signing.
Gibbs is now expected to surpass those figures and become the league’s highest-paid running back. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged Robinson’s extension could help speed up negotiations, saying it “certainly isn’t going to hurt” the process.
Blackshear spent his first three NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers, appearing in 41 games with two starts. During that span, he rushed 52 times for 203 yards and three touchdowns. To make room for Blackshear, Detroit waived wide receiver Lawrence Keys.
The Lions also had another injury scare during Tuesday’s practice. Linebacker Derrick Barnes briefly left the field but was not included on the post-practice injury report. Barnes said as he came off the field that it was “just a little bit” of a knee issue and that he expects to be fine.
Barnes joins a growing list of banged-up Detroit linebackers. Rookie Jimmy Rolder has already been sidelined, while Malcolm Rodriguez exited Tuesday’s practice with an ankle injury.
With several linebackers unavailable, Damone Clark continued to impress. Clark intercepted Teddy Bridgewater during practice on Monday and showcased the speed that has stood out throughout camp. During a situational drill, he quickly closed on a curl route to Greg Dortch and made the tackle a yard short of the sticks, forcing a fourth-and-1.
Away from the practice field, offensive tackle Penei Sewell checked in at No. 37 on the NFL Top 100 list, which is voted on by the players. The ranking came as a surprise considering Sewell finished No. 13 a year ago after earning his third consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection.
Several Lions stars have yet to appear on the list, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all of whom are expected to land inside the top 30.
One player who continues to turn heads at camp is defensive tackle Alim McNeill. McNeill has consistently battled second year guard Tate Ratledge throughout camp, and Ratledge has noticed a major difference from last season.
“What I saw from him last year in practice, he’s a completely different player now.” — Tate Ratledge on facing a healthy Alim McNeill during training camp.
Another training camp standout has been cornerback Nick Whiteside, who faced one of his toughest tests by lining up against Amon-Ra St. Brown. Whiteside stayed with the All-Pro receiver for most of the rep, but St. Brown created late separation before elevating to high-point the football over Whiteside for the completion.
Tight end Sam LaPorta also appears to be rounding back into form after offseason back surgery to repair a herniated disc. The Lions have gradually increased his workload throughout camp, but Tuesday was arguably his best practice yet.
LaPorta first beat Chuck Clark for a short gain before breaking free for a 30-yard reception later in practice. He capped off a 55-yard touchdown drive by hauling in an impressive scoring catch over DJ Reed, another encouraging sign that he is returning to his Pro Bowl form.
The Lions will have Wednesday off before returning to the practice field Thursday as training camp continues.
