Rookies, quarterbacks and injured players reported to Detroit Lions training camp on Saturday or Sunday, the veterans will all be at Allen Park by Tuesday and the first camp practice is expected to be Wednesday. But there was some business regarding some injured players ahead of camp starting, and on Sunday the Lions announced four moves.
Defensive back Brian Branch, edge rusher Marcus Davenport and defensive tackle DJ Reader have been placed on the Active/PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, and rookie offensive lineman Giovanni Manu has been placed on the Active/NFI (Non-Football Injury) list.
#Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 21, 2024
Placed DB Brian Branch, OLB Marcus Davenport, and DL DJ Reader on Active/PUP
Placed OL Giovanni Manu on Active/NFI
Lions place Brian Branch, DJ Reader, Marcus Davenport on PUP list
Branch had surgery on his left ankle earlier this offseason, which was not not known before he caused a bit of a stir upon being spotted at April's draft in a walking boot. Reader is coming off a torn quad tendon he suffered late last season playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. As the Lions parted ways after OTAs, Dan Campbell acknowledged Reader may not be ready for Day 1 of camp.
Davenport also did not take the field for the offseason program, as he apparently continues to deal with an ankle issue that cost him all but four games with the Minnesota Vikings last season. That has to be cause for some concern, this far removed from the injury.
The surprising addition to the Lions' injury lists to start training camp is Manu, since he participated in OTAs without apparent limitation. The "non-football injury" designation means his injury happened away from the facility, or is lingering from college last season.
It's important to note that players can come off the Active/PUP or Active/NFI lists at any time during camp. It could be days, it could weeks, but there's no strict timetable. Once training camp opens no players can be placed on those lists, so it's possible as more Lions players report these lists get longer.
If a player remains on the PUP or NFI list when the regular season begins, teams can activate them, trade/release them or place them on the reserve/PUP or reserve/NFI list. The last option means a player will miss a minimum of four games.