Pads come on Monday, but Sunday’s practice delivered plenty of headlines—from Devin White’s debut to new injuries and Jameson Williams’ confident message.
Day 4 of Detroit Lions training camp is officially in the books. Here’s a roundup of the biggest storylines, injury updates and takeaways from Sunday’s practice based on observations from beat reporters, media availability and practice footage.
The Lions’ newest addition, linebacker Devin White, made his first appearance with the team after signing earlier this week.
White revealed he spoke with Detroit during free agency before ultimately signing elsewhere.
“Coming off last season, losing season. That was like, first time ever. I ain’t never had a losing season in my career,” White said.
“You gotta work hard to be able to win, so I knew this was a hard-working, winning organization. I felt like it was the right fit.”
White is expected to compete for a backup linebacker role as he works his way into the defense.
Despite rookie Jimmy Rolder suffering a leg injury Friday, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said he still expects the fourth-round pick to contribute at some point this season.
With the Lions scheduled to put on pads for the first time Monday, no player appears more excited than Jameson Williams. When asked about the first padded practice, Williams simply responded, “Watch me.”
Williams has been one of the standout performers through the first week of camp as he enters his fifth NFL season after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
There was also positive news regarding defensive tackle Alim McNeill. After leaving Friday’s practice to be evaluated for a neck injury, McNeill explained Sunday that he was kicked in the head and simply needed an evaluation.
Two more players left Sunday’s practice to be evaluated for injuries:
* TE Miles Kitselman (leg)
* DE Derrick Moore (groin)
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs remained out of practice as he continues waiting for a new contract, although Sunday marked the first time he was seen on the practice field with the team during camp.
Williams was asked whether he had any advice for Gibbs during the contract process.
“Any advice? I don’t know. We’re probably in two different situations,” Williams said. “His is different. He’s like the best player in the NFL.
“He’s the best of the best. Hopefully, coming up, we get to see my boy get something done so he can be back out here with us. I know what he can do for us.”
Defensive back Christian Izien made his training camp debut after missing the first week with the flu.
After one week of camp, the Lions’ injury list continues to grow.
Players still on the physically unable to perform list include Tyler Conklin, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
Offensive tackle Giovanni Manu remains on the non-football injury list after suffering an injury before training camp began.
Guard Ben Bartch also remains sidelined, although the team has not disclosed the reason. Bartch has yet to participate in team drills as Detroit eases him back from last year’s injury. On Sunday, he spent only a brief period on the practice field working with a trainer while Juice Scruggs handled most of the first-team reps at left guard.
Payton Turner also remains out with a back injury.
Although not injured, Gibbs continues to sit out while awaiting a new contract.
The injury bug has continued to slow the rookies. First-round pick Blake Miller was limited to walkthroughs Sunday and did not participate in team drills or one-on-one periods.
One of the more interesting comments from the day came from Kelvin Sheppard when he was asked about former Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold.
“He had No. 1 corner potential, but it’s still untapped. I’ll leave it at that,” Sheppard said.
The comment suggested Sheppard still believes in Arnold’s talent, though it remains unclear how much influence he had in the decision to move on from the young cornerback.
