The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Detroit Lions camp is taking place in Allen Park, Mich., 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. Can Dan Campbell & Co. get Detroit back in the playoffs in 2026? Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Dive in to all the updates and be sure to check back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins Aug. 13.
Camp updates for all 32 NFL teams
Latest news from Lions camp
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is currently away from the team while dealing with a personal issue.
But his rehab process for his knee injury is coming along "very well," according to head coach Dan Campbell.
It's still unlikely that Joseph will be back ahead of Week 1, but the Lions envision him returning around the same time as Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch, who is also coming off a season-ending Achilles injury in 2025, for practices in late training camp or possibly early September.
"And Branch is doing well, too," Campbell said ahead of Tuesday's practice. "So, those guys, we're talking about on down the road, the season's already begun. But I like where Kerby's at."
Other observations:
Newly signed Lions QB Joshua Dobbs participated in his first full practice after being signed on Monday. Dobbs has begun his second stint with the Lions. He was previously on Detroit's practice squad in 2022 and felt comfortable returning to the team's facility. "It felt really good. A lot of familiar faces. Some change but not much so I've really enjoyed that," Dobbs said following Tuesday's practice. "Just being able to kind of at least know where everything is, as you get your feet under you to get ready to practice."
The Lions will be sporting their new Rivalries uniforms against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 on Nov. 1.
Monday, Aug. 10
Veteran OL Cade Mays suffered a wrist injury that is expected to sideline him for 8-10 weeks. In his absence, Seth McLaughlin took first-team reps at center, where he battled against former Ohio State teammate Tyleik Williams and DT Alim McNeill during Monday's practice. OL Michael Niese took the bulk of the second team reps at center as Detroit tries to identify the best starting unit ahead of the regular season.
"I'm taking it one practice at a time, getting better," McLaughlin said. "With practice, it's (Day) 11 at camp and you're not who you wanna be on the first day of the regular season so there's a long way to go to keep getting better."
Prior to Monday's practice, Lions QB Jared Goff didn't have many reps with McLaughlin, but has been impressed with him so far as he continues to adjust to the role. Throughout OTAs and the offseason, Goff mainly worked with Mays and veteran OL Juice Scruggs, who is also expected to be in the mix for the starting role once he returns from a soft tissue injury that has kept him out.
"He did a good job. He really did," Goff said of McLaughlin. "He stepped in there. He had good authority with his calls. He was sharp. He was decisive. I think that's all you can ask for."
Sunday, Aug. 9
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff, and most of the starters, will not play in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals this week but could see some action against Washington on Aug. 22, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Undrafted rookie QB Lions Luke Altmyer will now continue in the QB2 role behind Goff and is expected to take heavy snaps on Thursday, but Detroit will likely be adding another veteran QB for depth purposes as early as this week after Teddy Bridgewater decided to step away from the team. Altmyer says he's "excited" for the opportunity ahead.
"I've played at a high level with the Big Ten and I've played in football games but it's a different level and I think that's the challenge is can you maintain emotions because it can get you really high and really excited," Altmyer said after Sunday's practice. "But, trusting my abilities, trusting my preparation, trusting my teammates. I think that's the word trust."
Other observations:
Lions veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater has decided to step away from the team amid training camp and was officially placed on the reserved/retired list ahead of Sunday's practice. Campbell says he will be "missed" but this retirement could be for good.
Lions HC Dan Campbell and his wife Holly attended the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton to support legendary New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees on Saturday on an off day. Campbell was an assistant/tight ends coach in New Orleans from 2016-20 and signed with the Saints as a player in 2009. "It was a reminder. It was refreshing just to be able to stand in the presence of greatness with those guys," Campbell said.
The Lions signed CB Ryan Cooper and LB Amen Ogbongbemiga and waived TE Nick Muse.
Friday, Aug. 7
The connection between Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown was on display as St. Brown scored a touchdown in Friday's scrimmage off a slant at the goal line through tight coverage. St. Brown had a two-point conversion while also converting multiple fourth downs on a monster day in which his playmaking was consistently on display. WRs coach Scottie Montgomery credits Goff and St. Brown's friendship as the driving force of their on-field chemistry.
"These guys, their timing is correct, but their off-the-field relationship also gives us an opportunity that a lot of people don't have," Montgomery said. "The communication between the two of them is probably what makes them as consistent as they are. There's certain things and there's nonverbal communication that happened between them now because of where we are in the offense, where they are in their relationship away from the building."
More observations:
After signing a record three-year extension on Thursday, RB Jahmyr Gibbs was on the field and in uniform for the second straight day of practice but didn't participate in full team drills. "This process has been extremely stressful. I just wanted to play ball," Gibbs said. "I missed being out there with my teammates and coaches and it's just fun being out there now with my pads and stuff on. It just feels a lot better."
Detroit rapper Sada Baby and popular comedian Haha Davis were both in attendance for Friday's practice, sharing their excitement for the upcoming season while mingling with fans. "When you go 15-2 and reach the NFC Championship, at some point it has to go down and this is the year," Haha Davis said. "I really believe that."
The Lions are signing veteran DT Ben Stille to a one-year deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Detroit has waived injured CB De'Shawn Rucker.
Thursday, Aug. 6
The Lions held a 2 ½-hour practice session in humid conditions. All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell wasn't pleased with the performance of the defense during red-zone drills and was brutally honest in his assessment. He also took accountability for his "fair share of mess ups" as they're looking to improve to reach their standard ahead of Week 1.
"Not very good. I'll be completely honest with you," Campbell said. "What caused it? I feel like there's obviously communication and technique. It's really simple. Like football is simple, but it's hard to do. It's easy to talk about and hard to do."
Campbell feels they will continue to get better.
More conversation:
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs returned to practice, taking part in the walkthrough portion and stretches for the first time all training camp, before working on the side with a team trainer. However, he didn't participate in any individual drills during the session as he seeks a new deal. A crowd of media members swarmed Gibbs as he strolled off the practice field to enter the locker room after signing autographs, but he carefully avoided reporters and flashed a thumbs-up sign to the group after being asked if he was close to reaching a contract extension soon.
CB De'Shawn Rucker (ankle) and DT Mekhi Wingo (groin) left practice early to be evaluated for potential injuries. Several other players were limited due to cramping from the heat on a humid day.
The Lions placed TE Miles Kitselman on reserve/injured and signed WR Tarik Black.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs gave a thumbs up when asked by @davebirkett if the deal was close after today's #Lions practice. pic.twitter.com/MFqt17K5fT
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 6, 2026
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Tuesday marked Day 2 of padded practices and veteran LB Devin White continued to get acclimated to the defense alongside guys like All-Pro Jack Campbell. White was signed as a free agent on Aug. 1 to add depth after rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder went down with a hamstring injury earlier in camp. He has received limited reps in practices so far but has been doing additional conditioning drills on the side with trainers to keep in shape. "Right now, they've got a plan for me and I'm trusting in the plan," White said. "So, whenever they're ready for me to stop doing reps on the side, running and getting more reps in the team period, I'm going to be ready for it."
More observations:
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs missed his sixth straight practice as his hold-in for a contract extension continues but was on the field watching. Ahead of Tuesday's practice, the Atlanta Falcons reached a record-setting three-year extension with RB Bijan Robinson worth up to $75 million, which now likely sets the stage for Gibbs to reach an extension soon. Campbell feels it's "certainly not gonna hurt" with the process of negotiating. "It's not gonna hurt. But we'll see. Look, I'm anxious to get Gibbs back out there," Campbell said. "Every day that goes by, that's another day that you feel like you miss with him and getting him out there with the guys and him doing his part. But there again, it'll get done when it gets done."
LB Malcolm Rodriguez left practice early to be evaluated for an ankle injury.
The Lions have placed TE Anthony Firkser on injured reserve list and signed TE Zach Horton. Firkser will miss time with a fractured fibula after being carted off the field in practice on Monday.
Lions RB Sione Vaki missed Tuesday's practice after getting poked in the eye and suffering a broken nose during a freak accident at practice Monday, according to Campbell. Vaki will also miss time. "We think he'll be OK," Campbell said. "He's just gonna need a minute here. It's just one of those freak things. Somehow a hand gets through the face mask. It was unbelievable."
#Lions HC Dan Campbell reacts to RB Bijan Robinson's record-breaking extension and what it means to finalize a deal with Jahmyr Gibbs: "it's certainly not gonna hurt. But we'll see."
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) August 4, 2026
Campbell says he's "anxious to get Gibbs back out there" as he continues to miss practice. pic.twitter.com/5c6mqZxTsZ
Monday, Aug. 3
The Lions started padded practices on Monday for the first time in training camp. Head coach Dan Campbell anticipated the intensity increasing with pads on. That sentiment proved correct as players showed more aggression in training for Day 5.
"I told the players last night that by the end of this week, this roster will begin to separate itself," Campbell said. "This is where we'll find out. We're about to get four really, really good days of pads, and this is Day 1 just to kind of break them in for the other three."
More observations:
Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed his fifth consecutive practice as his hold-in continues while looking to reach a new deal. However, he was spotted roaming the sidelines for the second straight day, chatting with teammates Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Jared Goff on the sidelines. "I think it's good to see. He got a little work inside and to be able to come out and be around the guys, I think that's always gonna be important," Campbell said of Gibbs. "Look, he's still part of us and our players love him. We love him and he's a part of what we do, so it's always good to see him."
Injured Lions safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) were both spotted doing individual rehab/conditioning drills on the side with trainers during practice.
Lions rookie LB Jimmy Rolder (hamstring) will be "out for a while," but Campbell says it's not a season-ending injury.
Lions rookie edge Derrick Moore is expected to miss 7-10 days with a "minor strain" in his groin.
The Lions signed TE Nick Muse and released WR Tarik Black.
Sunday, Aug. 2
The Lions signed free agent linebacker Devin White to add depth after rookie Jimmy Rolder exited Friday's practice early with a leg injury. Rolder, a fourth-round selection out of Michigan, was off to promising start but could miss some time. Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard still feels Rolder will "absolutely" contribute this season, but the defense could also benefit from White's veteran presence.
"The urgency's real this year. It's not just lip service," Sheppard said ahead of Sunday's practice. "And, that's what we did. The front office and Dan do a great job going out and it's nonstop. It's always evolving. How can we get better? How can we improve?
"And like I said, it's not just, 'Oh, go out and get this flash guy.' No. How can we improve the competitive depth situation right now as far as training camp is concerned? And, Devin definitely does that with his championship pedigree."
From Back Together Weekend from Detroit: #Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is on the field - watching, not practicing - as he awaits a new deal in a fervent RB market. pic.twitter.com/I5zF0UlYGE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2026
More observations:
DT Alim McNeill returned to practice after leaving early on Friday to be evaluated for a neck injury.
TE Miles Kitselman (leg) and DE Derrick Moore (groin) left practice to be evaluated for their injuries.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs missed his fourth consecutive practice as he awaits a new deal but was spotted outside with the team for the first time since camp started. Lions WR Jameson Williams described Gibbs as "the best of the best" following practice as they were spotted communicating in between on-field drills. Williams feels Gibbs should be the NFL's highest-paid running back. "I wouldn't even say look at the stats, look at the film," Williams said. "Nobody close. He's the best."
Friday, July 31
Although it's unclear on when Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph will be back, he remains "super optimistic" that he can return to the field early in the season as he continues to deal with a knee injury that sidelined him for the last 11 games of the 2025 season.
"I never gave up," Joseph said. "All I do is work. If you see me outside, I'm working."
This offseason, Joseph has continued to train in hopes of returning sooner than later. For that, Joseph, who said he was baptized in late May, is relying on his faith which he said has changed his perspective on life and football.
"I had told y'all, I didn't need to do nothing else, nothing more. I just needed to strengthen my relationship with God because God is going to take care of the rest."
Joseph has been at training camp practices but the Lions have given no timeline for when he'll be back.
Also, Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed his third day of practice as the apparent hold-in continues while seeking a new deal.
Head coach Dan Campbell mentioned earlier this week that Gibbs was dealing with a "little bit of a back" issue during conditioning tests but clarified that it's nothing to worry about ahead of Friday's session.
"No, I don't think it's severe," Campbell said. Gibbs has continued to communicate with teammates, such as wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. He is also showing up to the team facility although he's not practicing as players understand the significance of his move, which hasn't been a disruption so far.
"Obviously, we're missing one of our best players on offense, which sucks, but he's still in the building," St. Brown said. "He's still at all the meetings and everything. So, I think that the players understand what's going on. Everyone kind of gets it. It's part of this business, but we're still out there practicing, doing our thing."
More observations:
Linebacker Jimmy Rolder (leg) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (neck) left practice early on Friday to be evaluated for potential injuries.
The Lions have signed signed veteran TE Anthony Firkser and waived TE Zach Horton.
After missing the first two days with an undisclosed injury, Lions OL Christian Mahogany returned to practice with family and friends in attendance.
Thursday, July 30
Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed his second straight day of practice as the apparent hold-in continues until he reaches a new contract extension. Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation ahead of Thursday's practice, saying that he's "not even sweating it" as both sides are working to secure a long-term deal. Gibbs did complete a conditioning test on Wednesday in which Campbell said he "had a little bit of a back" issue so it's unclear at the moment on if he'll start practicing right away once he inks a new deal.
"Listen, I'll just leave it at this. You guys know how I feel, how we feel about Gibbs, and what the team feels about him, and I'll leave it at that," Campbell said. "Listen, all the other stuff, my job is to coach who's out there right now and I love the kid, but man, I've got a team to coach right now.
"And listen, whenever all this at some point here, it'll get done, it's going to get done. I'm not even sweating it."
Lions OL Giovanni Manu was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list following Wednesday's practice after an undisclosed injury was discovered that was nagging him over the summer. Campbell says he is expected to miss 12-14 weeks.
Wednesday, July 29
Head coach Dan Campbell said he doesn't anticipate All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph returning for Week 1 versus the New Orleans Saints. The team recently placed him on the active/PUP list as he continues to deal with a knee injury. Joseph was ruled out with a chronic knee injury and missed the final 11 games of the 2025 season. However, Campbell says Joseph has continued to progress in his recovery and is now able to run on the ground and participate in change of direction exercises, but there is "still an unknown" on his official return date.
"To me, if we got him back for the first game, that would be a bonus," Campbell said of Joseph. "That would be a like, 'Whoa, OK.' I don't expect that. I'm not looking for that."
The Lions also placed Pro Bowl DB Brian Branch on the active/PUP list on July 26 as he battles back from a torn achilles. Campbell anticipates him rejoining the team for practices during late training camp or early September. "There is no setbacks," Campbell said of Branch. "Take it as it comes and we'll see."
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs did not practice today after having conversations during the off-season about a potential long-term contract. Ahead of Wednesday's practice, Campbell acknowledged that "this is both sides working through something and we'll take it as it comes, but that's where it is."