ALLEN PARK, Mich. – The Detroit Lions reached a milestone Monday as players put on pads for the first time in training camp, and coach Dan Campbell said the next several practices will play a major role in shaping the team’s roster.
After four practices without full contact, Campbell said the intensity will increase dramatically as the Lions evaluate position battles and young players.
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“We’re about to get four really, really good days of pads,” Campbell said. “By the end of this week, this roster will begin to separate itself.”
The Lions shortened Monday’s practice after an extended red-zone session Sunday, but Campbell expects the physical workouts to provide a clearer picture of where players stand.
Rookie injury updates
Campbell said rookie offensive tackle Blake Miller is expected to participate after the team limited his workload Sunday as a precaution.
Former Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore is expected to miss seven to 10 days with what Campbell described as a minor hamstring strain, while rookie Jimmy Rolder and rookie tight end Miles Kitselman will be sidelined longer.
Campbell stressed that none of the injuries are believed to be season-ending but acknowledged the lost practice time is significant for first-year players.
“These reps are valuable,” Campbell said. “You miss valuable time, but it also is what it is.”
Right tackle competition begins
With pads on for the first time, Campbell said the competition at right tackle officially enters its most important phase.
Miller has taken most of the first-team reps when healthy, but veteran Larry Borom remains firmly in the mix.
“Anybody’s got a shot,” Campbell said. “Now the pads are on.”
Campbell also praised rookie Miles Frazier for his versatility, noting he has worked at both guard spots and both tackle positions after playing multiple roles at LSU.
“Our eyes are open for him, too,” Campbell said. “Don’t sleep on him.”
Competition heats up in the secondary
Campbell highlighted an increasingly competitive battle among the team’s cornerbacks.
He praised Rock Ya-Sin’s consistency while noting rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. continues to show improvement despite expected rookie inconsistencies.
Campbell also singled out Nick Whiteside, saying the young defensive back has made plays in every practice on both defense and special teams.
“There has not been a day yet where he has not made plays,” Campbell said. “This is about to get interesting.”
Veteran cornerback Khalil Dorsey also drew praise from Campbell for his early camp performance.
Jahmyr Gibbs hold in
Campbell said it was encouraging to see running back Jahmyr Gibbs back on the practice field supporting his teammates, even in a limited capacity.
Gibbs, who has remained around the team during training camp, was on the field with teammates, something Campbell said carries value for the locker room.
“I think it’s good to see,” Campbell said. “He got a little work inside and to be able to come out and be around the guys. I think that’s always going to be important.”
Campbell emphasized that Gibbs remains an important part of the organization, regardless of his current workload.
“Look, he’s still part of us, and the guys, our players, love him,” Campbell said. “We love him, and he’s a part of what we do. So, yeah, it’s always good to see him.”
The Lions continue training camp this week as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season, with Gibbs’ return to full participation remaining a storyline to watch as he awaits a new deal.
Cedrick Wilson impressing
Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. has quickly made an impression after joining Detroit.
Campbell praised the veteran’s route running, body control and professionalism while pointing to his contributions on special teams.
“There’s nothing better than true pros,” Campbell said. “They know how to go about their business. They come in here, they compete, they’re not entitled. They just go work.”
Campbell added Wilson’s instincts and versatility could make him valuable in multiple special teams roles.
Situational work remains emphasis
Campbell said Detroit continues emphasizing game-management scenarios, including end-of-half, end-of-game and four-minute situations.
The Lions recently simulated late-game situations with offenses attempting to protect leads and defenses trying to force stops, exercises Campbell believes are critical for preparing players for pressure moments during the regular season.
“We’ll always continue to do that,” Campbell said. “You just put your players in pressure positions and make them play.”
Fourth-down situations also remain a staple of Detroit’s practices.
New quarterback settling in
Campbell said quarterback Cade Mays continues adjusting well after joining the organization.
Campbell acknowledged the Lions’ offensive system places significant mental demands on a new quarterback but believes Mays has improved each day while becoming more comfortable with protections, pre-snap adjustments and the team’s offensive terminology.
“We’re throwing a lot at him,” Campbell said. “But I feel like he’s handling it well. Every day he gets more and more comfortable. I think he’s a good fit for us.”
As the Lions begin full-contact practices, Campbell expects performances over the next several days to have a major impact on depth chart decisions ahead of the preseason.