ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell liked what he saw from his defensive line during the team’s first padded practice, but Tuesday’s sixth day of training camp also brought another round of injury updates.
Campbell said running back Sione Vaki will miss time after suffering a broken nose and an eye injury during Monday’s practice.
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“It’s just one of those freak things,” Campbell said. “Somehow a hand gets through the face mask. We’re hopeful his vision should be OK. He’s just going to need a minute here.”
Campbell also announced tight end Anthony Firkser has a fractured fibula and will be sidelined, while wide receiver Lawrence Keys is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Tight end Zach Horton returned to practice.
Despite the injuries, Campbell praised the intensity of Detroit’s first practice in pads.
“I thought it was competitive,” Campbell said. “I thought the D-line came off the ball. They looked like they took the sled work to team, and that was good to see.”
The Lions increased the physicality Monday, and Campbell expects an even more competitive session as the offense adjusts.
“When you put the pads on, it makes it real,” Campbell said. “You think you’re playing low until you’ve got somebody on you. Today you’re going to see guys play lower, and then the D-line’s going to have to get under them. That’s how you get better.”
Campbell said he appreciated the controlled aggression.
“I love the violence of it,” Campbell said. “I thought they were aggressive, but I thought we were smart too.”
Opportunity in the backfield
With star running back Jahmyr Gibbs continuing his contract holdout, Campbell said reserve running backs are getting valuable opportunities.
Jacob Saylors, who spent last season learning the offense and contributing on special teams, has stood out early in camp.
“He’s been in our system now,” Campbell said. “He knows why we’re doing what we’re doing. He looks much more comfortable, and he’s got ability.”
Campbell also praised rookie Jabari Small for his work on offense and special teams.
“He’s low to the ground, strong, quick laterally,” Campbell said. “Guys are going to get a pretty good look here.”
Asked whether Atlanta’s extension for Bijan Robinson could help move Gibbs’ negotiations along, Campbell said he hopes so but isn’t reading too much into it.
“It’s certainly not going to hurt,” Campbell said. “I’m anxious to get Gibbs back out there. Every day that goes by, that’s another day you feel like you miss with him.”
Young players making strides
Campbell singled out second-year offensive lineman Tate Ratledge for arriving at camp in excellent condition after a productive offseason.
“He came back in great shape,” Campbell said. “His attitude is right. You can tell he came in saying, ‘I want to be much better than I was last year.’”
Veteran receiver Greg Dortch has also impressed Campbell with his movement skills.
“It’s even better than I thought,” Campbell said. “Every day he gets a little bit better and learns how we do things.”
New signee in Super Bowl-winning linebacker Devin White flashed during his first padded practice with the defense.
“There were a couple of ‘wow’ plays,” Campbell said. “He can still run. We just need to keep working him into practice and be smart with him.”
Growth expected from Isaac TeSlaa
Campbell said wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa’s development goes beyond making spectacular catches.
“It can’t just be down the field, one-handed catches,” Campbell said. “He’s got to expand his route tree. We think this guy can run the tree, and now it’s about continuing to grow.”
Campbell acknowledged TeSlaa is working through the normal adjustments young receivers face with route-running technique but expressed confidence in his progress.
“The guy works his tail off,” Campbell said. “That’s what practice is about.”