The Detroit Lions had zero joint practices over the summer for the first time in the Dan Campbell era. With the amount of injuries the Lions have sustained the past two seasons, it was probably the right move.
Injuries aren't the only thing to worry about during a joint practice, as several players get into fights every year. The positive side of joint practices is the chance for teams to see what their starters look like against other starters in a 'controlled' environment. Nonetheless, Campbell decided not to risk it this season.
Dan Campbell on why the Lions have zero joint practices in 2026
Campbell is confident the Lions can give themselves game-like looks in practice without the help of another team.
"I feel really good about that with where we're at right now," Campbell said. "I think what you get is you do get different types of players, different skillsets, very good players. Like Houston, for example, man, you got (Texans EDGE) Will Anderson coming in here. That's awesome. That's a different guy who's an elite player."
The Lions have five players named in the NFL's Top 100 as of August 18: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (No. 22), EDGE Aidan Hutchinson (No. 30), QB Jared Goff (No. 33), OT Penei Sewell (No. 37) and LB Jack Campbell (No. 88). RB Jahmyr Gibbs has a chance to be named the league's best player, and should be a lock to be ranked in the top five.
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Campbell said he didn't schedule any joint practices because the Lions have enough firepower already in-house.
"Sewell and Hutch go against each other every day. I mean, tell me what's going to be better," Campbell said. "You're just talking about the competition of it and those guys working their craft against each other. Alim McNeill over there. (Tate) Ratledge is an up and coming player. You got (Gibbs) out of the backfield, you’ve got to cover him. Jack Campbell at MIKE (provides) pressure, coverage, all these things, man. St. Brown, Jamo (Jameson Williams). I think we've got pretty good competition here."
Unfortunately, staying out of joint practices doesn't mean the Lions are fully healthy. Newly-signed center Cade Mays fractured a bone in his wrist and is expected to miss 8-10 weeks, per NFL Network. The Lions are looking to Tate Ratledge to fill the void, with Juice Scruggs also getting some reps at center. Even with the Mays injury, the Lions are likely in a better spot than they would have been if they played in joint practices.
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