2025 Detroit Lions training camp: Latest intel, updates

By / August 1, 2025

  • Eric WoodyardJul 31, 2025, 09:00 PM ET

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      Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: “Wasted,” “Ethan’s Talent Search” and “All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story”. He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.

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. How is quarterback Jared Goff looking? 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.

Camp updates for all 32 teams

Latest Lions news

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 1989-98.

“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.”

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.”

More:

  • 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.”

More:

  • 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.

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.”

More:

  • 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.

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.”

More:

  • 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.

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.”

More:

  • 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.

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.”

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