Training camps have kicked off around the NFL, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Detroit Lions' camp is taking place in Allen Park, Michigan and Lions reporter Eric Woodyard has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Lions camp. We will update this file often with the latest updates. Are the Lions ready to grapple with another season of overcoming playoff demons? Who are the breakouts to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Let's get into it all, and be sure to keep checking back for more information.
Latest Lions news
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Initially, Lions coach Dan Campbell was considering playing all his rookies throughout preseason. However, Campbell remains unsure if first-round pick Tyleik Williams and second-round offensive lineman Tate Ratledge will suit up for the second preseason game at Atlanta on Friday. The first-year players also didn't play in the Lions' Hall of Fame Game versus the Los Angeles Chargers last week but are expected to contribute significantly right away during the regular season.
"Yeah, I'm thinking about that," Campbell said. "I would like to get them going this game, but I'm not 100% set on that yet."
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Former Lions star Ndamukong Suh returned to the Lions practice facility for media obligations. It was his first time back since his departure in 2014. Suh was drafted No. 2 by the Lions in 2010 and announced his retirement in July.
After practice, Lions safety Kerby Joseph broke out his customized interception championship belt, which he said was a gift from his agent. He led the league with nine interceptions in 2024.
Lions rookie receiver Dominic Lovett left Monday's practice early to be evaluated for an abdominal injury. Campbell says he could miss 10 days. "I mean, it's just going to take a minute," Campbell said.
#Lions S Kerby Joseph has an interception championship belt. Says he got it from his agent. pic.twitter.com/ILLPV5ZHAu
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 6, 2025
Camp recap: Who has been your standout performer of camp?
DE Aidan Hutchinson. New Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard says Hutchinson, despite coming off a season-ending leg injury, looks like a better player than last year, and so far, Sheppard is right.
Hutchinson has moved with no restrictions and has been dominant throughout camp. During the first scrimmage he logged three sacks and a pressure -- all on third down -- as he continues to play with an edge.
"I can't wait. Camp is always a grind, so on these hard days you look forward to September and we're opening up at Green Bay so that's kind of the thought pattern," Hutchinson said. "Everything is to be ready for that game."
Camp recap: What is the biggest question to answer for your team in preseason games?
The battle for QB2. Although veteran Jared Goff is the starter, Detroit must sort out its backup situation throughout preseason action with many of the starters not suiting up.
Campbell announced that Hendon Hooker will start in the second game against Atlanta, while Kyle Allen will play in the second half. In the Hall of Fame Game loss to the Chargers, Detroit finished with five turnovers as Allen threw two interceptions and Hooker tossed one. Neither QB has taken control throughout camp as Hooker said afterward that he was "very disappointed" with the sloppy showing.
"I can tell both of those guys are -- it goes without saying, they're frustrated with the way that went, and they both want to improve and get better, and they will," Campbell said.
Monday, Aug. 4
Detroit held its first "night practice" of training camp, which began at 6 p.m. ET ahead of the Lions' second preseason game on Friday in Atlanta. Lions coach Dan Campbell likes to change up practice times at least once during camp to break up the monotony a little bit.
"And then it's, as to what our schedule has been over the last two to three years, you don't know when you're playing," Campbell said. "You're playing in the afternoon, you're playing at night, you're playing five days away, four days away, six days, seven across. So, it's just how do we mix up things a little bit and get them used to a little bit of the chaos in a good way."
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The Lions signed CB Luq Barcoo.
Detroit placed rookie safety Dan Jackson on injured reserve, waived/injured RB Kye Robichaux and signed CB D.J. Miller. Miller most recently played for the UFL's Michigan Panthers. In 10 regular season games, Miller had 35 tackles and nine pass breakups to go with a pair of interceptions.
Sunday, Aug. 3
The Lions returned to practice early Sunday morning after Thursday's 34-7 preseason loss to the Chargers in the Hall of Fame game, which included five turnovers.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker is expected to start the second preseason game against Atlanta on Friday, while Kyle Allen, who threw two interceptions versus the Chargers, will play the second half. Hooker admitted that he was "very disappointed" in himself after the first game, but he's looking to bounce back and secure the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff.
Lions OT Taylor Decker (shoulder) took part in the individual portion of practice for the first time this training camp. Meanwhile, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said veteran OT Dan Skipper will "be down for about a week" after suffering an ankle injury during the Hall of Fame game.
Skipper left the locker room in a walking boot after the injury, but it shouldn't be anything long term. "He's going to need to lay off of it for a little bit here," Campbell said.
CB Terrion Arnold will also be down for a little bit with a hamstring injury, although Campbell said it's not major. "This is a low grade, but we're trying to be smart with it," Campbell added. The Lions are hoping to have Arnold back at practice by the middle of the week.
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Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph returned after missing three consecutive practices due to "knee irritation."
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left practice early to be evaluated for a shoulder injury.
S Dan Jackson left practice early to be evaluated for a leg injury.
The Lions waived DL Raequan Williams and signed OL Justin Herron.
Thursday, July 31
Lions great Barry Sanders was in attendance, visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum ahead of Thursday's Hall of Fame game between the Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sanders called it a "treat" to see the Lions in Canton and said it reminded him of a home game, with so many Lions fans in attendance. Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 after a legendary career from 1989 to 1998.
"We feel like it's gonna be another great year," Sanders told ESPN. "We know it's so much left for this team to accomplish, and it gets started tonight, so let's enjoy the ride."
Ran into a 🐐 in the HOF building. #Lions great Barry Sanders is in town to support Detroit for what he said feels like a home game.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 31, 2025
"We feel like it's gonna be another great year," @BarrySanders said. "We know it's so much left for this team to accomplish." pic.twitter.com/vvTjEoZwFz
Tuesday, July 29
The Lions held their first scrimmage of training camp focusing on the players who won't be part of the upcoming Hall of Fame preseason game on Thursday. It's unlikely that Detroit will play any of its big-name starters against the Chargers or top rookies OL Tate Ratledge and DL Tyleik Williams, but the two first-year players could very well suit up for the Atlanta preseason game on Aug. 8, according to Lions coach Dan Campbell.
Williams also experienced his welcome-to-the-NFL moment today while being matched with Ratledge. "He got me pretty good today for sure," Williams said of the play. "It was a long drive, and he just came off the ball and he hit me. So, irons sharpen irons so we're gonna have a lot of good plays."
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Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson continued to look solid in his return from the last year's season-ending leg injury with three sacks and a pressure -- all on third down.
The Lions waived/injured tight end Luke Deal and signed former UFL RB Jacob Saylors. Detroit also signed CB Nick Whiteside II, another UFL product, on Monday. Last week, Campbell said he is open to the NFL adopting the UFL as a farm system: "I think it would be great."
All-Pro S Kerby Joseph missed his third consecutive practice due to "knee irritation," but they're hoping to get him back Saturday, according to Campbell.
CB Terrion Arnold left practice early and is being evaluated for a hamstring injury.
Monday, July 28
New Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton addressed the media for the first time during training camp, stating that he feels no pressure following former OC Ben Johnson, who is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, in the role. In Johnson's three seasons as the Lions offensive coordinator from 2022-24, Detroit led the NFL in points per game (29.0). Last season, Detroit also averaged a league-high 33.2. Morton was previously on the Lions' coaching staff in 2022 as a senior offensive assistant, so a lot of the players are already familiar with him, which they say is helpful.
"This is my 27th year so you should always feel pressure, but I don't feel anxious or anything like that. I feel very confident," Morton said. "So, we will see how this goes. We're still in the process of all learning each other."
Former Raiders and Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden, who was decked out in team gear, was also in attendance for Monday's practice. He was spotted talking on the sidelines with GM Brad Holmes. Gruden has been a mentor to Morton and continues to be a big influence on his coaching style.
"He is a hard-working guy. For all the Detroit fans, what you don't see is the work ethic that you're getting. This guy is nuts," Gruden said of Morton. "People thought I was nuts. This guy is freakin' nuts, man. He loves it. He's a creative guy. He's a great competitor and I can't wait to see the Lions open up the season."
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Lions safety Kerby Joseph missed his second straight practice today. CB Amik Robertson also didn't participate.
Players removed their pads midway through today's session in mostly sunny, 84-degree weather. After practice, multiple players confirmed that head coach Dan Campbell anticipates more live action on Tuesday, and he was looking to preserve their bodies in the sun.
Jon Gruden here at the #Lions practice today in team gear. Says he still has the coaching bug and likes to see how Dan Campbell and the team operates in practice. pic.twitter.com/Cg3LY9xvg8
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 28, 2025
Saturday, July 26
Practice ended early after an impressive 29-yard touchdown catch by rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa from quarterback Hendon Hooker with the second unit. TeSlaa's consistency has been up and down throughout camp, but the daily repetition has helped him transition as he's battling through knee pain.
"I would say I try my best not to let my knee deter me at all. It hurts a little bit, but I guarantee out of everyone that's out on the field right now, that someone's dealing with something pain wise," he said. "That's just how the game of football is, so maybe mine's a little more noticeable, but for me it's just trying to grind through it and just focus on the things I need to focus on."
After practice, TeSlaa, who was drafted No. 70 overall in April, was spotted putting in extra work on the Jugs machine alongside veteran receiver Tim Patrick. Coach Dan Campbell thinks the first-year players, including TeSlaa and receiver Dominic Lovett, could benefit from the live action as the Lions approach the Hall of Fame game against the Chargers on July 31.
"Well, I think all of those guys need to play in game, or games. So, I think our young guys are going to - I see them playing in this game," Campbell said. "Now, am I going to say that it's written in stone right now? No, I'm not. But I think I'd like to play those guys. That's the good news. We got four games here starting with the Hall of Fame to get them some reps, so that'll be the plan."
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Cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver left practice early and is being evaluated for a hamstring injury.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone (hamstring) practiced for the first time this summer. He admitted to being "disappointed" in how his contract negotiations have gone this offseason but didn't offer any updates in the process. "I'm not gonna say anything about that," he said.
#Lions rookie Isaac TeSlaa getting in extra work on the JUGs machine after practice. pic.twitter.com/81o7IMIPyY
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 26, 2025
Friday, July 25
The Lions started padded practices for the first time today, which head coach Dan Campbell described as the part where "the real evaluation takes place."
Cornerback Terrion Arnold (leg) and linebacker Derrick Barnes (hand) both returned to practice after leaving early on Thursday. After a couple of heated practices in which Campbell had to briefly intervene and calm things down, that wasn't the case Friday as players were much more disciplined -- but no less energetic -- with the pads on.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams was fired up from the start, even throwing the ball in the air to celebrate after a couple of big catches in team drills. Williams and Goff are still working through a few finer points to better get in sync before the season, but they're anticipating another big year for Williams in Year 4. Goff was also spotted putting in extra work on routes with WR Amon-Ra St. Brown after practice as fans stood around on Family & Friends Day.
"We're just always working. I don't know if it's one thing or another," Goff said of Williams. "I think he's come so far in the last year or so, it's been fun to see it. I'm working on stuff with him just like I'm working on stuff with St. Brown, (Sam) LaPorta... it's all the same. It's fun to see him grow and mature and become this guy that we're excited about what he's gonna do this year."
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Lions LB Alex Anzalone (hamstring) still hasn't practiced after admitting that he's disappointed with contract negotiations with the organization. Campbell says there's no "animosity" as talks have continued and feels they're going to "be good" because they need him on the defense.
#Lions stars Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff putting in a little extra work after practice. pic.twitter.com/ZqfRvk2Yj4
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 25, 2025
Thursday, July 24
Players brought the heat. On an 88-degree day, there wasn't any shortage of intensity today at the Meijer Performance Center. In fact, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stopped practice again for roughly five minutes to share a message with the team on keeping their cool after another day marked by its physicality at Lions camp. Campbell pulled the group together in the center of the field for the second time this week to remind them to tone it down a bit, as Lions general manager Brad Holmes and team owner Sheila Ford Hamp looked on while in attendance.
There were at least four scuffles during today's feisty session, highlighted by All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive back Brian Branch -- who had to be separated on a couple of different instances. Defensive lineman Brodric Martin and offensive lineman Giovanni Manu were also involved in a dustup as the team prepares for its first set of padded practices on Friday. Rookie OL Tate Ratledge, who is fighting for a starting role, wasn't intimidated by the heated practice even in his first training camp, though.
"That's a throwback to Georgia. That was everyday with [Georgia] coach [Kirby] Smart having to wind us down," Ratledge said. "We got after it, so I love seeing that. It's like what I'm used to."
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Veteran LB Derrick Barnes left practice early and is being evaluated for a hand injury.
Second-year CB Terrion Arnold also left practice early to be evaluated for a leg injury.
#Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard says Aidan Hutchinson is a "better player than last year" even coming off his season-ending leg injury. He sees an All-Pro level season ahead for Hutch. pic.twitter.com/BkZwZ9cvBP
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 24, 2025
Tuesday, July 22
It's Day 3 of training camp and the Lions won't begin padded practices until Friday. However, head coach Dan Campbell stopped practice during a team period due to the physical nature and urged the team to tone it down. Safety Morice Norris was also removed from practice after a hard hit.
RB Sione Vaki (hamstring) and DL Roy Lopez were both held out of Tuesday's practice after Lopez had his foot stepped on with a cleat during Monday's session.
The Lions continue to manage injuries as five players are on the Active/PUP list, including veteran tackle Taylor Decker, who is projected to return after the Lions' Hall of Fame game versus the Los Angeles Chargers on July 31.
Rookie offensive lineman Miles Frazier is also dealing with a knee injury that'll keep him out until September or October, according to Campbell, while LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) is progressing but won't likely return until October. Second-year DL Mekhi Wingo (knee) could also return in September while veteran CB Khalil Dorsey (leg) could return by the end of training camp.
DL Brodric Martin left practice early and was being evaluated for a foot injury.
OL Jamarco Jones also left early due to cramping.
Campbell on the return of star edge Aidan Hutchinson: "Anytime you see one of your guys that you know what he brings to your team, you know what he brings on the field ... the production, the energy, the violence. It does give you a little boost, a little lift. For me, it's just good to see his confidence back in himself. That feels good to see."