Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke with reporters ahead of the teams' first day of training camp on Wednesday, with their schedule indicating that they'll be beginning full practices on August 2. That's when the team is hosting their "Back Together" weekend for fans, and when they'll be opening up practice to the public for the first time this offseason.
Campbell, who has been pretty mum on the injury front in regards to their safety room, offered some insight into the timeline for both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch ahead of camp. Additionally, he gave reporters an idea of when to expect back Christian Izien, Christian Mahogany, and Tyler Conklin, with all three appearing on the NFI (non-football injury list for Mahogany and Conklin, illness for Izien).
Everything Campbell covered in latest availability ahead of training camp
1. Updates on Joseph, Branch
It sounds like Branch might be the player to really monitor headed into training camp, with the safety's next steps in his recovery from a torn Achilles being getting back on the field and participating in full practices.
Campbell told reporters that he anticipates Branch's return to practice by the end of September, which could be good news if you're hoping to see him back on the field following the first four games of the year.
"He's doing well. Obviously PUP. There's no setbacks, taking it as it comes. And, we'll see. I'm sure late training camp, maybe early September he can start practicing. We'll see. But, he's doing well," said Campbell.
As for Joseph, things sounded a little murkier. We still don't really know what his knee injury is, exactly, but it sounds like it is still preventing him from participating in full practices as training camp takes off. Campbell noted that in the next 2-3 weeks, Joseph may be able to begin work on changing directions on the field and running, which is a good sign if he actually does meet that milestone.
2. Plan at the nickel
While Ennis Rakestraw Jr. might've been seen as a potential contender at the nickel spot headed into 2026, it sounds like that is not the plan for the embattled cornerback as we head into training camp.
Campbell noted that Rakestraw will be taking snaps mostly at outside corner alongside D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, while newcomers Roger McCreary and Keith Abney II will be getting most of their work in at nickel back. Rakestraw will get some, not most, of his naps at nickel, though.
3. Latest on Active/NFI designated players
On Tuesday afternoon, the team announced that Christian Izien had been designated as active/non-football illness, while Mahogany and Conklin received active/non-football injury designations. The team also released defensive tackle Jay Tufele, opening the door even more for more competition at their open nose tackle spot.
READ MORE: Training camp battle could heat up quickly with latest Christian Mahogany news
Campbell told reporters that Izien and Mahogany should be back by the end of this week, with Izien battling the flu and Mahogany dealing with a minor injury that shouldn't set him back a ton. That's great news for Mahogany, who is in the midst of a major left guard battle in camp this year.
As for Conklin, Campbell noted that he might be back in the next two weeks or so as he's dealing with a calf issue. That is also notable as the Lions have a bit of a TE2 competition going on in camp between him and Brock Wright.
4. Overly confident in Lions' new-look offensive line
Campbell told reporters that he anticipates that this year's offensive line will be far and away much improved compared to their 2025 output.
"...we really like the guys in the room, and we feel like it's a good veteran group in some areas. But, young guys that are unknown, that are unproven, they've got an opportunity. So yeah, I feel like what comes out of that room, those five, is gonna be better than what we had last year. It's gonna be an upgrade, and not just a little."
They've got health on their side headed into camp, including at center, right tackle, left tackle, and right guard, but have a major battle brewing at left guard. That's far from a bad thing, though - you want iron to sharpen iron for this line to actually see improvement in 2026. So, Campbell could be onto something in regards to this room being a lot better in 2026.
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