Training camp is officially over, but the Lions still have plenty of questions to answer. Injuries, roster moves and the preseason finale could have a major impact on Detroit’s final roster.
With the final day of training camp concluding today, the Detroit Lions have provided plenty of news and updates over Dan Campbell’s most recent press conferences with the media.
With the regular season quickly approaching, here are the biggest headlines from around Allen Park.
Lions Place Payton Turner on IR, Sign DB Eric Scott
The Lions placed EDGE Payton Turner on Reserve/Injured and signed defensive back Eric Scott.
Turner, a former 2021 first-round pick, was signed by Detroit this offseason with hopes that he could stay healthy and contribute to the defense. Unfortunately, injuries have continued to be an issue throughout his career, and this season appears to be no different.
Campbell Provides Updates on Several Injured Players
Campbell was asked about several injured players, including Brian Branch, Cade Mays and Kerby Joseph, but he was unable to provide definitive updates on their respective statuses.
Campbell did provide an update on running back Isaiah Pacheco, saying his MCL is feeling good but that Pacheco has since developed a new back injury.
The Lions released wide receiver Cedrick Wilson with an injury settlement.
The move gives Wilson an opportunity to potentially return to Detroit later this season without requiring the Lions to use one of their limited IR-return designations on him.
Derrick Moore, Ahmed Hassanein Miss Practice
Second-round rookie EDGE Derrick Moore did not practice Wednesday, nor did sixth-round second year EDGE Ahmed Hassanein.
Campbell did not appear overly concerned about Hassanein’s injury, but was held out of practice.
Moore, however, is expected to miss some time. Campbell said Moore could potentially return next week.
That is unfortunate for Moore, who looked impressive in his first preseason game and now appears unlikely to play in Detroit’s second preseason game before the regular season begins.
Christian Izien Could Miss Week 1
The Lions also received some concerning news regarding defensive back Christian Izien, who is dealing with an undisclosed injury.
Campbell said Izien could potentially miss Week 1, although the injury is not expected to be long-term.
Sam LaPorta and Ben Bartch Return to Practice
There was some positive news on the injury front, as tight end Sam LaPorta and offensive lineman Ben Bartch both returned to practice Tuesday.
LaPorta’s return is particularly encouraging. His hip injury initially created some uncertainty about his availability for Week 1, but his return to practice appears to put him back on track to begin the season.
Campbell Defends Decision Not to Hold Joint Practices
Campbell also discussed Detroit’s decision not to participate in joint practices this summer.
He said he believes the decision was right for the Lions this year, although the team remains open to participating in joint practices in the future if they find the right partner.
Several teams around the league have dealt with injuries during joint practices this summer, something that likely played a role in Detroit’s decision.
Training Camp Comes to an End
Campbell said he has really enjoyed the competition and work the Lions got throughout training camp.
The focus, he said, was ultimately on getting better against themselves and creating competition within the roster.
Now, training camp is officially over.
The Lions will play their final preseason game Saturday before the team faces its first major roster deadline. Initial roster cuts are due Sunday at 6 p.m.
That creates an interesting situation for Detroit, as the Lions will have to make their initial cuts just hours after their final preseason game. That could make it especially difficult for players on the roster bubble to make one final impression before decisions are made.
With the regular season approaching, the Lions’ roster is beginning to take shape and for several players, Saturday’s preseason finale could be their final opportunity to prove they belong.
