ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is urging patience as the team kicks off its organized team activities, stressing that spring practices are about development and communication, not determining who starts in the fall.
“This time of year is about communication, man,” Campbell said after the Lions’ third OTA practice Friday (May 29). “Working your craft, getting better at what you do, and then learning to work with the guy next to you. Nobody’s going to win a job in the spring.”
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Campbell cautioned against drawing conclusions from the limited-contact workouts, which have featured walkthroughs, jog-throughs, and seven-on-seven drills. He said no player will earn a roster spot or starting role based on May practices.
Injuries, Sewell transition headline early updates
On the injury front, Campbell said safety Kerby Joseph, defensive back Brian Branch, and tight end Sam LaPorta are all making progress in their recoveries.
Campbell emphasized there is no rush to return any of them to the field.
“The most important thing is to continue to let them improve, rehab, all that,” Campbell said. “That’ll take precedence right now.”
Campbell also confirmed offensive lineman Penei Sewell has shifted to the left side during offseason work.
He expects the transition to be smooth, given Sewell’s experience at left tackle.
“It’ll be like riding a bike for him,” Campbell said. “That’s muscle memory. He’s played left before. He’ll do whatever we ask him to do.”
Campbell praised Sewell’s versatility, calling the All-Pro lineman a rare combination of talent, athleticism, and work ethic capable of excelling in multiple roles.
‘New season, new year’ mentality drives Lions’ offseason
With several new faces on the roster, Campbell said the organization is focused on evolving rather than simply replicating past success.
“When you’ve been able to hold a group together for a significant amount of time, and then you don’t get the results that you want, it’s probably time to shake it up a little bit,” Campbell said. “This is a new season. It’s a new year.”
Campbell said the Lions conducted a thorough organizational review following the 2024 season and are working to return to a more focused, businesslike approach.
“Let’s get back to the business of what it is,” Campbell said. “It’s about football first and foremost, and it’s about the guy next to you.”
Competition level expected to be highest yet
While Campbell declined to single out standout performers from the first week of OTAs, he expressed confidence in the team’s overall depth and predicted this will be Detroit’s most competitive offseason yet.
“This will be the most competition we’ve had, in my opinion,” Campbell said. “Top-tier competition. This is going to be good across the board.”
Campbell also praised several newcomers along the offensive line, but was quick to temper any early excitement.
“I’m done with the hype of the pajama party in May,” Campbell said with a smile. “We’ll find out in training camp who’s who.”
The Lions will continue offseason workouts through June before reporting for training camp in late July as they prepare for the 2026 season with championship aspirations.
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