D.J. Reed had to get stem cell treatment for a hamstring injury that was a lot worse than we initially thought. Terrion Arnold didn't fully participate in minicamp as he continue to ramp back up into action following shoulder surgery. And, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. remains the biggest "what if?" for the Detroit Lions in recent draft memory.
Oh, and both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch - the Lions' top safeties - don't seem like they'll be ready to play early on this season, and with Joseph, he just may not play, period.
These are not the things you want to hear about Detroit's secondary after minicamp has wrapped and we look ahead to training camp in July. But, it's the reality of Kelvin Sheppard's situation in his second year as the teams' defensive coordinator.
While the team did their best to add meaningful depth to their cornerback and safety rooms this offseason, their starting depth remains a huge concern. Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame agrees wholeheartedly with that assessment, as he named the Lions' secondary as a position group "in flux" following OTAs and minicamp.
"In December, Branch sustained a torn Achilles against the Cowboys and isn’t expected to be back until deep into the season. Meanwhile, Joseph has a chronic knee injury, leaving Detroit with an uncertain timeline for his return. Given the uncertainty surrounding its two biggest stars, the secondary needs unexpected contributors."
Lions' secondary could make or break Super Bowl pursuit
As Verderame added in his section on the Lions, the team did do a good job of adding veterans to the roster to help replace Branch and Joseph in the starting lineup. Chuck Clark and Christian Izien figure to get starters snaps at safety, in addition to Avonte Maddox, but their workload is about to be humongous as the team awaits good health for both Branch and Joseph.
"The good news for Detroit?," wrote Verderame, "The group might have time to gel. The Lions won’t face a 4,000-yard passer from last season until Week 10 when they face Drake Maye and the Patriots."
READ MORE: 2 winners (and 2 losers) from Lions minicamp that could shake up depth chart
Outside of safety, though, the Lions also have stuff to figure out at cornerback. Arnold and Reed have to step it up after a lukewarm 2025 season, although injuries hampered both defensive backs. Reed, specifically, is expected to bounce back as he's one of the teams' biggest free agency gets in recent years, and he has to live up to his deal. He risks some serious vitriol from Lions fans if he doesn't.
With Arnold, perhaps the added competition and pressure from players like Rock Ya-Sin, Keith Abney II, Roger McCreary, and others will sharpen his skills ahead of this season. He could be on the chopping block if he can't live up to his first-round pedigree.
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