News Lions Team Notes

[Detroit Lions]

Can you guess this Lions running back in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Lions player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Pride of Detroit in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Pride of Detroit in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

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Saturday, May 17, 2025
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Pride of Detroit in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Lions player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/5/18/24432488/sb-nation-lions-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Detroit Lions]

Why OL coach Hank Fraley chose to return to Detroit Lions

Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley was a finalist for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator job, but he explained why coming back to Detroit was the right move.

This offseason, the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff was picked apart by other teams, but one critical coach opted to stay with the team despite opportunities elsewhere.

Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley interviewed several times for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator job, but ultimately returned to Detroit—and got a nice little promotion along the way by adding run game coordinator to his title. That said, Fraley said the opportunity in Seattle was a good learning experience.

“I think everything you do in life, you’re always learning from something and trying to get better at it,” Fraley said last week. “It was a great opportunity to at least look at and learn from. You never want to take things for granted. I just want to be the best O-line coach I can be, to be honest. To be the best coach, it’s like being the best dad, the best husband. It was an honor for somebody to call and reach out, and it was a great experience.”

It’s unclear if Fraley was ever offered the job, but he made one thing extremely clear: returning to Detroit was no consolation prize for the 13-year coaching veteran.

“I’m very glad I’m back here because this is where I wanted to be with my family. We’ve got stuff special here, I’ve got a special room,” Fraley said.

The importance of Fraley to Detroit’s offensive line cannot be overstated. Not only has Detroit’s offensive line been their biggest strength during their franchise turnaround, but when the topic of Fraley potentially taking a job elsewhere came up, Lions All-Pro offensive linemen Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow both joked that they rely on Fraley so much that they would sabotage his efforts to leave.

“I haven’t played in this league without Hank and I don’t plan on doing it. I’ll sabotage him, I’ll leak stories, whatever it takes,” Ragnow joked.

“He’s just been one of those pillars for me in this organization,” Sewell said. “When I first came in, I fell in love with him, and we’ve got a history, too. He was recruiting me in high school when he was at UCLA. So, lotta history between us, and our relationship has grown. He’s like coach (Dan) Campbell in terms of a figure in my eyes. So, he’s not going nowhere.”

For Fraley, leaving Detroit would have been a tough decision. He’s been in Detroit for seven years now. He’s raised four children who call Detroit home. And there’s also something special to him about walking through those doors at the Lions’ Allen Park facility every day.

“Family is a big part of it, but really, the (offensive line) room,” Fraley said. “Coach Campbell is a big part of it. Family, we’ve been here going on eight years. For me, personally, you guys probably know a lot more than that, but my kids, before here, the longest they ever lived (in one place) was four years. Michigan, I would say, is home for them. Even though they’ll go anywhere. We’ve lived all over the country. But home right now, for my wife and I, is here in Michigan.”

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ach-hank-fraley-chose-return-to-detroit-lions

 

[Detroit Lions]

Breaking down the Detroit Lions’ non-NFC North opponents’ offseasons

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Checking in on offseason decisions made by some of the Lions 2025 opponents

With the 2025 NFL schedule now official and the Detroit Lions’ slate set, it’s a good time to revisit key offseason moves made by their upcoming opponents. While the NFC North rivals have been under the microscope all offseason, what about the rest? This primer breaks down some of the smartest—and most questionable—decisions made by the Lions’ non-divisional foes.

NFC East​

Philadelphia Eagles (Away) - Week 11​

Best decision: Offensive extensions

The Eagles lost offensive continuity yet again, with coordinator Kellen Moore departing after just one season to become the Saints’ head coach—marking their fourth straight year with a new play-caller. In response, GM Howie Roseman made smart, stability-focused moves to anchor the offense long-term. He handed out well-earned extensions to key stalwarts: running back Saquon Barkley, veteran right tackle Lane Johnson, and emerging center Cam Jurgens.

Most questionable decision: 2025 edge rusher position

There’s little to criticize about the reigning Super Bowl champions’ offseason—especially given the financial realities of maintaining a title roster. But if there’s a mild concern, it lies in the edge rusher group. With Josh Sweat landing a lucrative deal in Arizona, the Eagles will lean on a mix of unproven or inconsistent options opposite Nolan Smith. That includes Super Bowl standout Jalyx Hunt, low-risk signings Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche, inactive Super Bowl participant Bryce Huff, and Day 3 rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.

Underrated decision: Day 3 offensive line investments

The Eagles continue to future-proof their trenches, gifting offensive line guru Jeff Stoutland three developmental prospects on Day 3. Center Drew Kendall (Boston College) and tackles Myles Hinton (Michigan) and Cameron Williams (Texas) won’t be called upon right away, but each will benefit from time at “Stoutland U.”

Washington Commanders (Away) - Week 10​

Best decision: First-round offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon)

Despite splashy moves for Laremy Tunsil Jr. and Deebo Samuel, Washington’s smartest decision was staying put and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. in Round 1. Still raw after switching from running back in high school and logging just three seasons at Oregon, Conerly offers long-term upside and versatility as a foundational piece for the new-look offensive line.

Most questionable decision: Free agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw

Replacing Jonathan Allen with Javon Kinlaw feels like a downgrade. Though still only 27, Kinlaw has battled knee injuries and inconsistency throughout his career. He struggled on a one-year, low-cost deal with the Jets—so handing him a big contract this offseason carries some risk for Washington’s interior defense.

Underrated decision: Seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona)

Washington’s backfield lacked a true home-run threat, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt brings that missing explosiveness. The final running back taken in the draft, he offers breakaway potential that neither Brian Robinson Jr. nor Austin Ekeler consistently provide—a sneaky value swing in Round 7.

Dallas Cowboys (Home) - Week 14​

Best decision: Let Will McClay cook

This breaks the format a bit, but all three of Will McClay’s top draft picks deserve recognition. Guard Tyler Booker (Alabama) projects as a perfect heir to Zack Martin. Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) both offer Round 1 upside and give Dallas two high-ceiling building blocks on defense.

Most questionable decision: Micah Parsons contract

The Lions locked up Penei Sewell—Parsons’ 2021 draft classmate—over a year ago. No drama, no inflation. The Cowboys are now watching the edge market climb thanks to deals for Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Danielle Hunter. Waiting to pay a premium player rarely pays off.

Underrated decision: Seventh-round nose tackle Jay Toia (UCLA)

If Dallas is serious about shoring up its run defense, Jay Toia could be a key piece. The UCLA nose tackle eats space for breakfast and brings the stout stack-and-shed skillset they hoped to get from Mazi Smith. For a seventh-round flier, this could quietly pay dividends.

New York Giants (Home) - Week 12​

Best decision: First-round edge rusher Abdul Carter (Penn State)

Sometimes the easiest call is the right one. Landing Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall was a gift, and the Giants didn’t overthink it. Carter is a terror off the edge and immediately boosts a pass rush that now features a formidable trio with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Most questionable decision: Free agent offensive lineman James Hudson

The Giants made some pricey but defensible bets on young DBs like Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo. But paying James Hudson $12 million over two years to be a below-average, albeit versatile, swing lineman is harder to justify. That’s starter money (Kevin Zeitler in 2024) for a depth piece who hasn’t shown much upside.

Underrated decision: Free agent defensive lineman Chauncey Golston

Chauncey Golston gives defensive coordinator Shane Bowen another flexible chess piece. He brings more size than the edge trio mentioned and can shift inside as a pass rusher next to Dexter Lawrence on obvious passing downs (in addition to rookie Darius Alexander).

AFC North​

Baltimore Ravens (Away) - Week 3​

Best decision: First round safety Malaki Starks (Georgia)

The Ravens added a do-everything, high-IQ defender in Malaki Starks—an even more valuable pickup after Ar’Darius Washington’s Achilles injury. Starks is a natural fit next to Kyle Hamilton, bringing Brian Branch-like instincts and range and adding intriguing optionality to the backend of the Ravens defense.

Most questionable decision: Second round edge rusher Mike Green (Marshall)

Baltimore’s offseason was, as usual, smart and measured—making this a tough category. But the Mike Green pick raised eyebrows. Despite his talent, Green came with off-field concerns, which feels misaligned for a franchise still navigating the optics of retaining kicker Justin Tucker amid ongoing allegations (even if he was eventually cut after the draft). Even with faith in the Ravens’ internal vetting, the timing, and handling (he wasn’t made available for media), of the pick felt off.

Underrated decision: Five sixth-round picks

While the Lions were aggressive, the Ravens sat back and stockpiled value to the tune of five sixth-round selections. Cornerbacks Bihlal Kone (WMU) and Robert Longerbeam (Rutgers) both should be factors in their rookie contracts. Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester was a clutch target for Shedeur Sanders at Colorado and productive at FAU. DT Aeneas Peebles (Virginia Tech) adds pass-rush juice inside. Even the selection of K Tyler Loop (Arizona)—a rare specialist pick—addressed a real need. Classic Ravens: high-floor darts thrown with purpose.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Home) - Week 16​

Best decision: First-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

Harmon feels like a classic Steeler pick—disruptive, tough, and built to eventually replace Cameron Heyward. Pittsburgh has a long tradition of seamlessly passing the torch along its defensive front, and Harmon continues that legacy with power and upside.

Most questionable decision: Quarterback conundrum

The Steelers’ quarterback approach felt reactive. Instead of making a strong push for Geno Smith, they prioritized acquiring DK Metcalf, and were left desperately circling back to Aaron Rodgers as a fallback. For a team built to compete now, the uncertainty at QB clouds their outlook.

Underrated decision: Fourth-round edge rusher Jack Sawyer (Ohio State)

Though the Darius Slay signing brings experience to the secondary, snagging Jack Sawyer in the fourth round may prove even savvier. His athletic limitations dropped him down boards, but his hands, motor, and instincts fit Pittsburgh’s defensive identity. He’s a strong bet to contribute behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Cincinnati Bengals (Away) - Week 5​

Best decision: First-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)

Shemar Stewart’s raw traits are off the charts, and while he slid due to some inconsistency at Texas A&M, his upside is massive. Ideally, Cincinnati shouldn’t need him to dominate snap counts right away, allowing Stewart to rotate with Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and Myles Murphy. Honorable mention: landing offensive guards Dylan Fairchild (Georgia) and Jalen Rivers (Miami) for new OL coach Scott Peters.

Most questionable decision: Trey Hendrickson snafu

The Bengals’ penny-pinching ways are back in the spotlight after their latest contract bungle. Hendrickson held a press conference on the sideline of the Bengals offseason program to voice his frustrations—never a good sign. Paying a quarterback and two receivers may have boxed them in financially, but letting a top pass rusher twist in the wind sends the wrong message in a locker room that’s still chasing a title.

Underrated decision: Free agent defensive tackle T.J. Slaton

The Bengals have quietly patched a lingering weakness by signing T.J. Slaton. The former Packer is a shop-wrecking, tone-setting run defender who should help finally fill the void left by DJ Reader’s departure. Happy to see him leave the Lions division and potentially solidify the spine of the Bengals defense.

Cleveland Browns (Home) - Week 4​

Best decision: Trading down to Pick No. 5

One of the savviest moves of the draft was the Browns trading down from No. 2 overall to begin shedding the weight of the Deshaun Watson era. They collected a strong draft haul and still landed Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham—an ideal interior complement to Myles Garrett. Graham’s relentless motor and run-stuffing ability should give Cleveland a disruptive inside presence.

Most questionable decision: Quarterback conundrum

Signing Joe Flacco made sense as a stopgap in a reset transition year. But what followed was a confusing and costly overcorrection. The Browns traded Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick for Kenny Pickett, spent a third-rounder on Dillon Gabriel, and then sent fifth- and sixth-round picks to move up for Shedeur Sanders. That’s a hefty amount of assets for three unproven quarterbacks when the roster has glaring needs elsewhere. There aren’t enough reps to develop and evaluate them all, let alone keep all four on the regular season roster.

Underrated decision: Free agent offensive guard Teven Jenkins

Among several solid depth signings, Jenkins stands out as a quietly smart move. The former Bear struggled with injuries and positional shuffling but flashed real upside when healthy—especially in the run game. With four starters on the offensive line over 30 and three set to hit free agency next offseason, Jenkins gives Cleveland a physical, high-upside interior option who could start if needed or stabilize the line as a top-tier backup.

Other NFC divisional winner opponents​

Los Angeles Rams (Away) - Week 15​

Best decision: Free agent wide receiver Davante Adams

Trading out of the first round and acquiring the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick was a shrewd long-term move, but the most impactful short-term decision was upgrading Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams. Adams, paired with breakout star Puka Nacua, gives Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay their most dangerous passing attack since their Super Bowl run—capable of unlocking the offense to its full potential.

Most questionable decision: Unnecessary Matthew Stafford uncertainty

While Stafford’s return always felt like the likeliest outcome, the weeks of offseason noise suggesting he could land with the Giants or Raiders created a needless distraction. For a team that thrives on structure and continuity, letting that narrative linger publicly didn’t benefit anyone.

Underrated decision: Third round pick Josaiah Stewart

Stewart is a different flavor compared to Jared Verse and Byron Young, but that’s what makes the pick so intriguing. While all three of them bring an aggressive, high-octane style off the edge, his acceleration and undersized frame make him a perfect change-up as a designated pass rusher. Stewart will bring a different kind of pressure that could give offensive tackles fits. Honorable mention: free agent defensive tackle Poona Ford

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home) - Week 7​

Best decision: Second-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison

The Buccaneers capitalized on Benjamin Morrison’s injury discount, landing a high-upside cornerback without using a first-round pick. Morrison’s fluidity, physicality, and instincts give him a strong shot to succeed Jamel Dean and become a key piece of the secondary early in his career.

Most questionable decision: Letting DL coach Kacy Rodgers walk

You snooze, you lose. Tampa Bay failed to lock up one of their most valuable assistants in Kacy Rodgers, who left for a plum role coaching Detroit’s stacked defensive line. Reports out of Lions rookie minicamp already rave about his hands-on instruction and teaching structure. In hindsight, this was a major oversight by the Buccaneers.

Underrated decision: Re-signing free agent linebacker Lavonte David

Year 14 and still criminally underrated, Lavonte David remains a cornerstone of the Buccaneers defense—durable, disciplined, and deceptively versatile. He has missed only 14 games his entire career and continues to be a cerebral leader with strong play against both the run and pass.

AFC divisional winner opponent​

Kansas City Chiefs (Away) - Week 6​

Best Decision: First-round offensive tackle Josh Simmons (Ohio State)

Kansas City quietly had one of the best drafts in the league. Landing Josh Simmons late in the first round was a coup—had he finished the 2024 season healthy, Simmons likely would’ve been a top-10 pick. His blend of power and athleticism gives the Chiefs a blue-chip talent at a premium position, helping to rebuild an offensive line that was exposed by the Eagles’ pass rush in a brutal Super Bowl loss.

Most questionable decision: Free agent offensive tackle Jayon Moore

Tackle play is crucial, but the Chiefs may have overpaid for Jaylon Moore. With just 12 career starts—only five last season—Moore doesn’t project as a top-tier starter despite being paid as a top-30 offensive tackle. Still, offensive line coach Andy Heck has worked wonders with raw talent before. Moore may hold the fort until Simmons is ready, and could eventually provide versatility elsewhere along the line.

Underrated Decision: 2024 second-round offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia

Kansas City’s whole draft class deserves praise, but Suamataia’s fit is especially intriguing. After struggling early at left tackle, he played his best game in Week 18 when kicked inside to guard—a position he’ll now compete for after the team moved on from Joe Thuney. Suamataia’s size and athletic profile could flourish next to Creed Humphrey, giving the Chiefs another sturdy interior presence to keep Patrick Mahomes upright.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...chedule-breaking-down-non-nfc-north-opponents

 

[Detroit Lions]

2025 Detroit Lions preseason schedule: Opponents, dates, times

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Dates, times, and opponents have been announced for the Detroit Lions’ 2025 preseason schedule.

During last week’s release of the 2025 NFL schedule, the Detroit Lions announced their 17-game schedule along with their four preseason opponents. This week, the Lions announced the full dates and times of their complete exhibition schedule. Here’s a look at Detroit’s four-game preseason schedule:

Week 1 (Hall of Fame Game): Thursday, July 31 — vs. Chargers — 8 p.m. ET (NBC)
Week 2: Friday, Aug. 8 — at Falcons — 7 p.m. ET (Lions TV Network)
Week 3; Saturday, Aug. 16 — vs. Dolphins — 1 p.m. ET (Lions TV Network)
Week 4: Saturday, Aug. 23 — vs. Texans — 1 p.m. ET (Lions TV Network)

The final two preseason games are conveniently scheduled at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, with both being played at home. The first two games are both in primetime and both away from Ford Field. The Hall of Fame game against the Chargers will be played at a neutral field in Canton, Ohio, while the second preseason game is in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you want to watch the preseason games, only the first is currently scheduled to be nationally televised (on NBC). The other three games will be available locally on whatever affiliate carries the Lions TV network. You can check which local network that is here. If you are not local, NFL preseason games are typically carried live on the NFL app with an NFL+ subscription.

With this final 2025 NFL schedule announcement, we are officially just over two months away from Detroit Lions football. Get hyped for a huge incoming season!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ions-preseason-schedule-opponents-dates-times

 

[Detroit Lions]

Notes: PFF list proves Lions still have tremendous, young core

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

PFF dropped the top 25 players under 25 years old, and the Detroit Lions dominate the list.

Every now and then, I see nonsense about the Detroit Lions’ Super Bowl window closing. And while it’s true that general manager Brad Holmes’ job will get more difficult with less draft capital and more costly contracts to balance, it bears repeating just how good and young the core of the Lions’ personnel is.

Thankfully, PFF did this masterfully by listing their top 25 players under 25 years old. The list features five total Lions players, including three in the top 10... including the player who landed first on the list. Did you realize that Penei Sewell—entering his fifth NFL season—is still just 24 years old? Well, he is.

“Sewell led this list last year, and after another dominant season as one of the three highest-graded players at his position, his spot at the top remains solidified,” PFF’s Jonathan Marcri wrote. “Sewell’s run-blocking ability is his best asset, as he owns a 95.2 PFF run-blocking grade for his career — the second-best mark among all offensive linemen since entering the league in 2021.”

Here’s where other Lions landed on the list:

• S Brian Branch: 8th
• RB Jahmyr Gibbs: 10th
• TE Sam LaPorta: 23rd
• S Kerby Joseph: 25th

If the Lions are able to retain these players contractually, each of these players likely have at least 5-7 years of high-level play ahead of them.

Additionally, note that this list does not include Aidan Hutchinson, who is currently 24 years old, but turns 25 in August—disqualifying him from this list. It also doesn’t include the likes of Jameson Williams (24), Alim McNeill (25), Amon-Ra St. Brown (25), or any of the Lions’ young players who figure to be part of the Lions’ future core, including Terrion Arnold (22), Tyleik Williams (22), Jack Campbell (24), Derrick Barnes (25), or Tate Ratledge (24).

Onto the rest of today’s Notes:

• Ford Field got a nice little update recently:

Looks like Ford Field got an important update recently.

(Via jeffnguyenphoto on IG) pic.twitter.com/fVWIOMWWTC

— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) May 20, 2025​

• Tough read on former Lions offensive lineman Jason Fox, whose infant child has a brain tumor. The good news is a life-changing, random run-in with an old friend led to treatment that has the Fox family optimistic about the future.

• Looks like we’re getting a new episode of the St. Brown Brothers podcast this week with rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa:

Try to guess the first guest of our offseason series from the NFLPA Rookie Premiere

Hint: He began his college career at the DII level pic.twitter.com/HJNCcv09T5

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) May 19, 2025​

• This week, our own Al Karsten made a case for re-signing Alex Anzalone. Over at Detroit Football Network, Justin Rogers outlined what an extension for the veteran linebacker would look like.

• Kerby Joseph did some media rounds last week. Here he is on the Rich Eisen show, and playing some video games against Cam Jordan:

• Is re-grading NFL Draft season, and CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco gave the Lions’ 2022 draft class a retroactive A+ grade—a significant upgrade from his initial grade.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...proves-lions-still-have-tremendous-young-core

 

[Detroit Lions]

Why keeping the tush push is a win for the Detroit Lions

Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The tush push is here to stay, and that’s good news for the Detroit Lions.

On Wednesday, the NFL opted not to ban the tush push. The proposal, initially submitted by the Green Bay Packers, was aimed to disallow the play made popular by the Philadelphia Eagles in which quarterback Jalen Hurts would run a quarterback sneak in a short-yardage situation and have a player or two (typically from the backfield) push him from behind to gain additional power.

However, the proposal—even after recent adjustments—did not get the owners they needed (24 of 32 is required to pass a new rule) to agree to the rule change. Per reports, the final vote was 22-10, meaning the tush push will remain a legal play for the 2025 NFL season.

While this is obviously a win for the Eagles, it’s also a win for the Detroit Lions. Take a look at the rule proposal as it was written—the bolded parts indicate the changes that would have been made.

ARTICLE 4. ASSISTING THE RUNNER AND INTERLOCKING INTERFERENCE.

No offensive player may:

• (a) push or pull a runner in any direction at any time or lift him to his feet;
• (b) use interlocking interference by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or arms to encircle the body of a teammate in an effort to block an opponent; or
• (c) push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent or to recover a loose ball; or
• (d) assist the runner except by individually blocking opponents for him.

While the Eagles’ frequent use of the tush push would have been most impacted by this rule change, the Lions would have been impacted, too. There are two notable plays from the Detroit Lions’ 2024 season that would’ve been considered illegal under the proposed ban.

The first, David Montgomery’s iconic run that involved him getting an extra 7 yards or so after literally getting lifted and shoved by his teammates:

David Montgomery going O-Line surfin'#DETvsAZ | FOX pic.twitter.com/cuyXM0C8s5

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 22, 2024​

Additionally, in Detroit’s rout of the Jaguars, Penei Sewell gave Montgomery a little extra shove that helped escort the running back into the end zone. That would’ve come with a 10-yard penalty had this resolution passed.

David Montgomery with the assist from Penei Sewell on a bang-bang play at the goal line.

Penalty. No touchdown. pic.twitter.com/nW8mBRWPTX

— NotExactlyKB (@NotExactlyKB) May 20, 2025​

The Lions are a physical football team that is all about overpowering and outworking the opponent. Their offensive line is critical to what they do, and that often results in gaining an extra 4-5 yards per play by pushing scrums of players in the right direction. Thanks to the failure of the tush push ban, the Lions can continue to do that.

It comes as no surprise that the Lions were reportedly one of the 10 teams who voted against its ban.

“Philly’s obviously known for this because they’re the ones who’ve really kind of perfected it and done it and do it over and over, and I’m like, ‘Hey, good for them, man.’ If you got something, we gotta stop it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said at the owners meetings in April. “So to me, leave it in. We play them this year, we gotta find a way to stop it. I like that.”

So while Eagles fans are undoubtedly celebrating this ruling, feel free to get excited on your own. This is good for the Lions—and also embarrassing for the Packers. That’s called a win-win.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/5/21/24434425/why-keeping-tush-push-win-for-detroit-lions

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions withdraw their playoff reseeding proposal

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After making some tweaks to their playoff seeding proposal, the Detroit Lions decided to nix the whole thing.

The Detroit Lions have withdrawn their proposal to revise NFL playoff seeding rules, which aimed to prioritize regular-season records over division titles to determine playoff positions. This initiative sought to address scenarios like the 2024 season, where the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings, despite their strong record, were seeded fifth and had to play on the road, while division winners—like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams last season—hosted games with lesser records.

After tweaking their initial change, the Lions’ proposal suggested that after the first playoff round, teams would be reseeded based on overall records, allowing higher-performing Wild Card teams to potentially host games over division winners.

Despite adjustments to the proposal, including maintaining initial seeding for division winners and only reseeding in later rounds, the Lions ultimately decided to retract the proposal before it reached a vote. The Lions decision to back out from the rule change underscores the complexities involved in altering long-standing playoff structures in a league that, for the most part, has it figured out when it comes to rewarding divisional play. The challenges of balancing competitive fairness with traditional league frameworks is a tricky one to strike.

While the proposal did not advance, it has sparked ongoing discussions about playoff fairness and the potential for future reforms that could better reflect team performances throughout the regular season.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/5/21/24434468/detroit-lions-withdraw-playoff-reseeding-proposal

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson says he’s ‘fully cleared’ from injury

Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Aidan Hutchinson confirmed he is fully cleared from his injury and ready to participate in Detroit Lions OTAs.

Aidan Hutchinson no longer has any restrictions from his injury suffered last October. The Detroit Lions defensive end told the media on Thursday during his first press conference since the injury that he is medically cleared for everything.

“I got cleared a while back, and I’m just rolling with the boys now,” Hutchinson said. “And it feels like I’m back to being myself again.”

He would later clarify that he is “fully cleared.”

Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula during a play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 of the 2024 season. Now, a full seven months since the injury, Hutchinson is in the building and has already been a part of the team’s offseason program. The expectation is that he will be a full go for the Lions’ Organized Teams Activities (OTAs), which begin next week.

“I’m really looking forward to the season. I think this is the most excited I’ve been for OTAs in my life,” Hutchinson said. “It’s the biggest hiatus I’ve had without playing ball. So I am pumped.”

Getting Hutchinson back for the full offseason program is undoubtedly huge for the Lions. Before his injury, Hutchinson had a huge lead on the rest of the league with 7.5 sacks through 4.5 games. In fact, despite missing the final 12 games of the season, Hutchinson still finished with 3.5 more sacks than any other Lions player and ranked t-36th among all NFL defenders.

There was optimism from Hutchinson that he could have returned had the 2024 Lions made the Super Bowl. Does he still feel that way now?

“I guess we’ll never know,” Hutchinson said.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ry-update-aidan-hutchinson-fully-cleared-otas

 

[Detroit Lions]

How ‘miserable’ hospital stay gave Aidan Hutchinson new perspective on life

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson took what was a miserable situation and turned it into something positive.

Aidan Hutchinson had never spent a day in a hospital, let alone two.

But after breaking his tibia and fibula against the Cowboys in Week 6, as his team flew home to Detroit, Hutchinson had to stay back in Dallas for emergency surgery. Given the marvels of modern medicine, it was just a two-day stay at the hospital for Hutchinson, but even that was far too long for the eager Detroit Lions defensive end.

“Staying in a hospital for a couple days in Dallas, it was one of the most miserable experiences I’ve probably had in my life,” Hutchinson said in his first press conference since the October injury.

Hutchinson is fully healed now and cleared for all football activities, but he returns with a newfound perspective on life. Off the field, Hutchinson has spent a lot of his time working hand-in-hand with children’s hospitals—particularly Mott’s Children’s Hospital—to help provide some relief to kids in need. His own experience in a hospital, albeit a short one, helped put him in those kid’s shoes.

“I was like, ‘Dude, these kids who are in there for 30 days at a time, getting their treatments, and the parents that are in there with them,’” Hutchinson said. “I feel like that perspective; it makes me just understand more. And I didn’t really before. I just got a little taste of it. So you talk about the silver linings of the injury, and that’s kind of one of them.”

Despite the injury, Hutchinson didn’t stop his philanthropic work. Months after the injury, he was back in hospitals spreading Christmas cheer (and gifts) to children:

View this post on Instagram​

A post shared by HOUSE of HUTCH (@thehousehutch)​

Admittedly, it was hard for Hutchinson in the beginning. After all, he was in the middle of what could have been a Super Bowl run and a Defensive Player of the Year type of season. Even his interactions with teammates became a source of stress, with the overwhelming sympathy and sorrow making Hutchinson feel like a victim: powerless and depressed.

But one night, after a heart-to-heart with God, Hutchinson developed a different mentality: “Unbroken.” That relentless spirit now carries him, and he hopes that it helps inspire others who may be on a similar journey.

“I feel like it was some divine intuition that instilled that in me,” Hutchinson said. “And that was a thought that I had and carried it through and was able to make some merch with the House of Hutch stuff and kind of inspire. I was now able to use that to inspire a lot of the heroes that we work within the hospital. You get a little bit of that relatability that I didn’t quite have before.”

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...gave-aidan-hutchinson-new-perspective-on-life

 

[Detroit Lions]

Isaac TeSlaa, Amon-Ra St. Brown share their hatred of Green Bay Packers

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit Lions rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa will fit right in with his hatred of the Green Bay Packers.

We all know that Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown hates the Green Bay Packers. He’s even got the shirt to prove it.

It probably comes as no surprise that St. Brown’s newest teammate—third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa—happens to share those same sentiments. TeSlaa, a Michigan native and lifelong Lions fan, shared his hatred of the Packers on the St. Brown Brothers podcast last week while he was in Los Angeles for the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event.

“I hate the Packers with a burning passion,” TeSlaa said with no hesitation.

After that, there was a funny interaction between TeSlaa, Amon-Ra, and his brother Equanimeous. After Equanimeous pointed out that the Packers are his team (his first NFL team; he’s currently unsigned), he then asked TeSlaa what are the chances of getting drafted by your favorite hometown team.

“1 in 32, I think,” TeSlaa deadpanned back to Equanimeous.

Amon-Ra laughed and then turned to his brother.

“You’re right. Fuck, you got me,” Equanimeous replied.

The entire interview is worth watching. While there’s nothing revelatory in the podcast, it is a good look into TeSlaa’s personality. He certainly seemed comfortable and confident, while other rookies may be overwhelmed or intimidated by the stage.

You can watch the highlight of the above interaction here:

"I hate the Packers with a burning passion."

Lions rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa should fit in well with Detroit ️

Lions vs. Packers week 1 should be a good one pic.twitter.com/pJRYrNKmwF

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) May 22, 2025​

The full podcast is available to watch on the St. Brown Brothers podcast’s YouTube page. This is the first installment of a six-part series of rookie interviews from the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...brown-share-their-hatred-of-green-bay-packers

 

[Detroit Lions]

Penei Sewell wants to somehow get even bigger, stronger

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell wants to get bigger and stronger. That should be scary for defensive linemen everywhere.

It’s hard to imagine that two-time All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell has much room to improve after four years in the NFL. But at just 24 years old, the Detroit Lions offensive lineman isn’t the type to rest on his laurels.

This offseason, Sewell has taken on a goal of getting ever stronger than before.

“Personally, I wanted to get strong, definitely at the point of attack, both run game and pass game,” Sewell said. “Yeah, I just wanted to be more sturdy, while maintaining my conditioning because we get to run more than others at the position. That’s the main thing going it, I just wanted to get bigger and stronger, while maintaining my speed and conditioning.”

Sewell has earned a reputation across the NFL as one of the more lethal combinations of strength and speed among NFL tackles. It’s made him an absolute weapon in the run game, and he’s been nearly as dependable as pass protector. So how does he take his game to the next level. Sewell said it’s nothing special, it’s just putting in the work with the Lions’ strength and conditioning staff.

“I just stayed here in Michigan, working out with the strength staff,” Sewell said. “At the end of the day, it’s just moving big weight fast. I’m always trying to up the weight. Obviously, you’ve got to be smart with it. There’s also some risk going into lifting those types of weights, but I just lean on the guys here, the strength staff, and they do a great job. It’s just moving those heavy weights fast.”

Last year, Sewell was listed at 6-foot-5, 335 pounds. We’ll have to wait and see when the Lions take the field this upcoming week for OTAs if it looks like he’s playing bigger and stronger.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ell-wants-to-somehow-get-even-bigger-stronger

 

[Detroit Lions]

Notes: Lions’ tush push vote puts them in unique company

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Lions were the only team playing the Eagles in 2025 to vote against banning the Tush Push.

Like it or not, the Philadelphia Eagles have been the class of the NFL for a while now, dating back to the 2017 season where they capped off a magical run with their first Super Bowl win in franchise history. Since then, they’ve appeared in two more, and won the most recent by thumping the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.

Simply put, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has assembled one of the most complete rosters in the league. And at the center of it all? The dominant and controversial tush push.

It certainly seems like the major powers in the NFL want the play gone, and given that the league ultimately gets what it wants, it will likely be banned in the near-future. But for now, Philadelphia’s opponents will deal with another year of tush pushing. In fact, every one of the Eagles’ 2025 regular season opponents were in favor of the ban. That is, every team but one.

“I’m of the school of − look, we don’t run that,” said Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell back in March. “Jared Goff, we’re not going to. It doesn’t mean we don’t quarterback sneak, but we don’t do that. But I am of the school of, ‘Hey, they found something and it’s for up to everybody else to stop it.’ So I’m of a hard yes (of keeping the play in the game).”

Personally, I am not surprised that Campbell has taken this stance. In many ways, the man is a football purist. And if anyone is going to figure out how to stop it, it might end up being the Dan Campbell-led Lions.

The only team who has to play the Eagles next year to vote against the Tush Push ban...

The Detroit Lions pic.twitter.com/w0h8EO9QTA

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) May 23, 2025​

And now, onto the rest of today’s notes:

• In case you missed it, my friend Meko Scott and I broke down Lions’ defensive end Ahmed Hassanein’s tape from his time at Boise State.

• Lions’ rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold has been keeping receipts ahead of his second season as a pro. Vito Chirco of SI.com has the story.
• Frank Witsil of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Lions running back David Montgomery’s new video promoting Scouting America.
• Ben Raven and Kory Woods wrote about the tough reality facing the Lions’ rookie class now that the roster is one of the best in football.
• With such a big year looming, Lions veterans are focused on team goals. Colton Pouncy of The Athletic has more on the team’s mindset ahead of OTAs.
• Lions’ star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is feeling like himself again. Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News has more on Hutchinson’s road back to the field.
• It doesn’t matter what year it is, the offseason workout videos always hit.

Gon make it do what it do pic.twitter.com/aMlfPBu3iX

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 23, 2025​

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...push-ban-2025-vote-nfl-only-team-dan-campbell

 

[Detroit Lions]

Open thread: Who is the Detroit Lions’ most underrated player?

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Two Detroit Lions players who remain underrated both nationally and by fans.

The Detroit Lions are no longer the NFL’s best-kept secret. After 2.5 seasons of play among the best in the league, the general consensus about the Lions is that they continue to have one of the best rosters in football. Are there some that are expecting a step back this year? Yes, of course. You can say that about nearly every successful team. So, the skeptics that point to a quiet offseason and loss of both coordinators was to be expected.

However, for as much praise as the Lions get, there are certain individuals who don’t get the credit they deserve.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Who is the most underrated Lions player? ​

My answer: Two names immediately come to mind, one on each side of the ball.

For whatever reason, I think David Montgomery often gets overlooked. I feel like there’s an assumption that big, bruising backs are a dime a dozen, and it doesn’t take much skill to do their job. Additionally, with Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, it’s often easy to overlook what Montgomery means to the team. But just go back to that Week 1 win against the Los Angeles Rams and watch overtime. Tell me there are more than a handful of players who could do what Montgomery did in that game. Despite splitting the load, Montgomery ranked 13th among running backs in broken tackles, 13th in yards after contact per rushing attempt, and fourth in rushing attempts per broken tackle.

On defense, I think it’s still Alex Anzalone. I believe some Lions fans may even be guilty of underappreciating him, as evidenced by some of the reactions to Al Karsten’s article about giving the veteran linebacker an extension. Anzalone is not only the player who likely knows the Lions’ entire defensive scheme the best, but he’s also playing his best football right now. Al did a great job breaking down how different the Lions' defense looked with and without him in the lineup. Beyond that, though, he is also a do-everything linebacker. His football IQ makes him a dangerous and instinctive run defender. His coverage ability may be the best on the team. And his tenacious style of play leads to him being an effective pass rusher.

Who on the Lions team do you believe is underrated? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...o-is-the-detroit-lions-most-underrated-player

 

[Detroit Lions]

2 Detroit Lions looking to capitalize on offseason without rehab

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Two Detroit Lions players spent most of their 2024 offseason rehabbing from injury. Now, they’re hoping an offseason of rest and reflection leads to a big 2025.

The unfortunate reality of football is that for many players, the offseason is not spent to prepare for the upcoming season but recuperate from the previous ones. The 2024 Detroit Lions season was an extreme reminder for viewers that injuries are commonplace in this sport, and sometimes the best medicine is rest.

But that can mean tough results for the season ahead. While the healthy players are getting on-field reps and strengthening their understanding of the scheme, injured players often spend their days off the field and inside the treatment room. That internal work gets them back on the field as soon as possible, but it often leaves them behind everyone else. It’s why you often hear players say it takes over a year to fully recover from a serious injury.

Two Lions players won’t have to deal with that this year—and for the first time in a while for both.

Tight end Sam LaPorta may not seem like a player constantly dealing with injuries, but as an NFL player, he has yet to really get any rest for the body. Before his rookie season, he was consumed by preparation for the draft. The next season, he was dealing with a serious ankle injury. This year finally provided some relief... and rest.

“My first offseason I had ankle surgery. So I was trying to prepare the body for my second season,” LaPorta said. “This season, I came out pretty healthy, which is great. I got to take some time off, just let my body relax for the first time since basically fall camp of my senior year at Iowa. So, it’s kinda a long stretch, but took a couple weeks to relax and then hopped back on the bike and started going again.”

It’s been a tougher road for veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader. He hasn’t played a full season since 2018, and along the way he’s had a pair of torn quads that required intensive rehab. But as he enters his 10th year in the NFL, he believes—yes, the offseason trope—he may be healthier than he’s been in a long time. That has allowed him to pursue avenues to improve—something he believes is still necessary, even for a player with his experience

“It was probably my healthiest offseason in a minute, when I haven’t gotten cut open or anything happened,” Reader said. “So I think just sticking to the routine of just working. I think, like you said, I go to the couple offseasons when I was healthy. Knowing that I can explore a couple of different things this year with being healthy—like when you’re in that rehab phase, you’re just rushing back. You’re just focused on the rehab and what that may be to get you back playing and how hard that grind is.

“But when you got an offseason, you really going to explore yourself, learn a lot more about yourself, figure new things out. I think in this league and every other professional sport—or even in business—just life, old dogs got to learn new tricks. You might have your routine, but you got to learn something new to figure it out to stay around. So I think that’s what you do.”

The two players figure to be critical players on their respective sides of the ball. LaPorta is already a Pro Bowler in his young career and is coming off a pair of 700+ yard seasons with at least seven touchdowns in each. Reader remains one of the most underappreciated nose tackles in football, and while his best days may be behind him at 30 years old, he will still be a big fixture in Detroit’s run defense. He’s also an important mentor for Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams.

“He sits beside me at meetings, so it’s cool to just hear his answers,” Reader said of Williams. “He doesn’t talk very loud, but he knows the answers to a question. So me being a vet sitting beside him—it’s always fun just watching the rookies be like, ‘I don’t want to get it wrong.’ I’m like, ‘Who cares?’ We’re in a room, so it’s been fun just sitting there watching him talk about it. But he’s really, really smart. He picks up the playbook really well. Can’t wait to get to see him moving around and just see what’s going on. I watched him a little bit at Ohio State. We was just really impressed with his game.”

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...offseason-without-rehab-dj-reader-sam-laporta

 

[Detroit Lions]

Open thread: Which NFL broadcasting network is the best?

Photo by Ray Carlin/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The NFL spans several different TV and streaming networks. Which is your favorite?

This past Sunday, fans of the Detroit Tigers got to witness a dominant performance from former Cy Young award winning pitcher Tarik Skubal—but only if you had the Roku Channel.

Yes, a regular season Major League Baseball game was broadcast on the sports channel available exclusively on a smart television. As Jeremy Reisman can attest, it is a bizarre broadcasting decision:

Excuse me? pic.twitter.com/HqNXi0cusM

— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) May 25, 2025​

The Detroit Lions and the NFL have not ventured down that rabbit hole (yet), but the NFL broadcasting landscape has changed without question in recent years. The Lions will experience the whole spectrum of networks in 2025. The Sunday staple networks—FOX and CBS—are obviously included, as are NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” and ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.” Thursday football, meanwhile, has been airing on Prime Video since 2017, though local stations have also been carrying these games.

New to the Lions in 2025 will be a Netflix game on Christmas Day. The streaming service, known best for “Stranger Things” and removing television shows that I want to watch, has been dipping its toe in the live sports pool, covering their first NFL game last year as well as numerous WWE events. Back-to-back NFL games could be a mountainous server load for the platform, and given some of their previous hiccups with live events, we could be in for some buffering.

Watching NFL football has become a sport in and of itself given the channel hopping needed to watch every game. If you want to tune into every Lions game this season, you will need at least a cable package and one streaming service, with a bit of luck that the game is on your local broadcast. If you are instead a cable cutter, you will suddenly need a handful of streaming subscriptions to watch your favorite team. The NFL is expanding annually, yet simultaneously distancing itself from fans at the same time.

With so many ways to watch the NFL, which is your favorite?

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which NFL broadcasting network is your favorite?​

My answer: CBS.

Some networks like NBC or ESPN have one crew given their once-per-week status, meaning you will likely get the same product week in, week out. Though I think these two networks have good to great production value, their commentator crews leave something to be desired for me. ESPN’s Joe Buck has grown into one of my favorite play-by-play commentators, but the broadcast is weighed down by Troy Aikman. NBC, meanwhile, used to be my favorite, but I have soured on Mike Tirico and Cris Collingsworth recently—put an asterisk next to their names.

Al Michaels is a legend of the broadcasting world, but I think his best days are behind. Additionally, he is burdened with “Thursday Night Football” that is usually in the running for worst game of the week.

The biggest networks in the game are FOX and CBS, and both have their pros and cons. The FOX pairing of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady worked surprisingly well in 2024, despite my disappointment when they swapped from Greg Olsen (my favorite analyst working right now) to Brady. That being said, Olsen is now working with Joe Davis, who I find has a knack for great in-the-moment commentary. Unfortunately for FOX, I think the good teams are outweighed by the bad. Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma is perhaps my least favorite duo, and it seems like the Lions get them far too frequently. The remaining crews are fine at best, which is not ideal for my viewing experience.

The big pairing for CBS is Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, and they are well regarded for good reason. Nantz is an all-time great sportscaster with an iconic voice and impeccable delivery. Romo has his quirks and sometimes needs to learn to tone it down, but you can tell his excitement comes from passion for the game and his insight backs it up. The true strength of CBS comes from the other crews. While Nantz-Romo is the best pair, they have some great talent across the lineup. Andrew Catalon, Ian Eagle, and Kevin Harlan are fantastic leads, and unlike FOX, CBS doesn’t have a crew that I dislike. I only wish that CBS covered more Lions games—the Lions only have two scheduled for this season.

CBS gets my vote for favorite network because of their on-air talent and accessibility, but there is one broadcast crew that, at least last year, was my favorite on paper: Netflix.

I hate the idea of a game exclusively on a streaming service like Netflix, especially on Christmas Day. However, the broadcasting lineup they had in 2024 was a dream for me. Game 1 featured Ian Eagle paired with Nate Burleson (by far my favorite personality working in sports media right now) and J.J. Watt. The second game featured Noah Eagle, Ian’s son and an extremely promising and entertaining commentator that deserves a larger spotlight in the future, paired with Greg Olsen, my previously mentioned favorite analyst. That was a stacked lineup only held back by the platform they were on.

Which is your preferred place to watch NFL football? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-broadcasting-network-cbs-nbc-fox-amazon-espn

 

[Detroit Lions]

1 of Detroit Lions joint practice opponents announced

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions will reportedly face off against the Miami Dolphins in training camp joint practices.

Earlier this offseason, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said he was in the process of confirming two sets of joint practices for training camp. We now know the identity of one of those teams.

The Miami Dolphins announced last week that they have joint practices with all three of their preseason opponents, including the Lions, prior to the team’s preseason matchup on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. ET. Given that the preseason game is at Ford Field, the joint practices will likely take part at the Lions’ team facility in Allen Park, Michigan.

While the Lions have yet to announce their training camp schedule, there’s a good chance these practices will be available to the public, be it for season-ticket holders only or general admission. Typically, the team announces their training camp plans in late June.

With the Dolphins in town, the Lions will get an up-close look at the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and their first-round pick Kenneth Grant. It’s also an opportunity for Campbell to revisit the team that helped launch his coaching career. He started his post-playing days as an intern with the Dolphins in 2010 before being promoted to tight ends coach in 2011 and eventually assuming the interim head coach job in the back half of the 2015 season.

It’s unclear if the Lions will get the second set of joint practices they were hoping for earlier this offseason. Detroit’s other three preseason opponents are the Los Angeles Chargers (Hall of Fame Game), the Atlanta Falcons (in Atlanta), and the Houston Texans (in Detroit).

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...s-joint-practice-opponents-announced-dolphins

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions adding veteran linebacker prior to OTAs

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham to their roster.

Prior to the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at the end of the week, the Detroit Lions have added another veteran player to their linebacker room. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions are signing Zach Cunningham.

A former second-round pick in 2017, Cunningham has had stints with the Houston Texans (2017-21), Tennessee Titans (2021-22), Philadelphia Eagles (2023), and most recently the Denver Broncos (2024). Over the entire course of his career, Cunningham has made 102 game appearances with 86 starts. He was mostly a starter for the Eagles two years ago, tallying 85 tackles, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery in Philly. However, last year, he spent much of the season on the Broncos’ practice squad before signing to the team’s active roster for the final two months of the season. In the final seven games of the season, he played just 15 defensive snaps and 41 on special teams.

In Detroit, he’ll enter an extremely crowded linebacker room that features Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuart, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner, and Trevor Nowaske, among others. However, the Lions may need some extra bodies during their offseason program. Rodriguez is still rehabbing from his torn ACL suffered last year, and it’s quite possible Anzalone skips out OTAs, as he’s regularly done in the past.

In a corresponding move, the Lions waived third-year linebacker Abraham Beauplan to make room for Cunningham on the 90-man roster.

The Lions begin OTAs on Friday with a string of practices that run through the entire weekend. Their second and final set of OTAs are from June 3-5. Earlier this offseason, Detroit canceled mandatory minicamp following being chosen for the preseason Hall of Fame game.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...dding-veteran-linebacker-zach-cunningham-otas

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions Day 1 OTA highlights, photos: 5 observations

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Five observations from Day 1 of Detroit Lions OTAs, based on team highlights and photos.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions took the field for their first of six Organized Team Activity (OTAs) practices over the next two weeks. With media not yet present for Lions practices, all we can gather about the session is from what the Lions themselves offered via highlights and a photo gallery. You can access the photo gallery here. The highlights are below:

We moving pic.twitter.com/c7afKFncC7

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 28, 2025​

Because we’re starved for Lions content (both from a content producer and consumer standpoint), here’s everything notable I noticed:

Aidan Hutchinson is back​

As he promised last week, Hutchinson was medically cleared from his broken leg and allowed to participate in practices. He was clearly the focus of the cameras, as we saw him come on the field and participate in some positional drills. We do not, however, see him do any team drills. That doesn’t mean he didn’t participate in any, but it’s worth pointing out. He may still be limited.

Rock Ya-Sin appears to have nabbed an interception ​

At the 26-second mark, we see No. 23 (Rock Ya-Sin) with the ball already in his hands and running in the other direction while the offense is chasing him. The pass appears to have been intended for Jameson Williams (now wearing No. 1). It’s hard to tell who the quarterback was, but there is a brief shot of Kyle Allen with his hands in the air.

Kyle Allen getting reps with starters? ​

If Allen was indeed the culprit in the interception, that means he was throwing with Williams out here. Allen is later seen throwing a nice pass to Sam LaPorta for a toe-tapping reception along the sidelines. Could he be getting early reps? Both Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker were present, as evidenced by the final photo in Wednesday’s gallery. Obviously, Allen isn’t in play for the starting job, but could he possibly start OTAs as QB2? Will he and Hooker split days as QB2, as the Lions have done in previous years? It’s too early to jump to conclusions, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.

Isaac TeSlaa sidelined? ​

A well-timed freeze frame of the highlight reel shows a few players who were at practice but clearly not participating. It’s hard to identify most of them, but one looks to be Lions third-round rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa (in the shorts)

TeSlaa did not appear anywhere else in the highlights nor the photo gallery. He participated in the first day of rookie minicamp a few weeks back, so it’s unclear if this is injury-related or not.

Still no sign of 3 players​

No reason for panic at this point, but there have been three players who have been noticeably absent from offseason workout photos all year: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alex Anzalone, and Frank Ragnow.

For St. Brown, we know he’s been in the facility, as TeSlaa previously mentioned passing him in the hallways. The Lions All-Pro receiver skipped the Pro Bowl due to an undisclosed injury, so he may be dealing with something. For Anzalone, he has regularly skipped out on OTAs, so his potential absence is not particularly surprising. Less is known about Ragnow at this moment.

Hopefully, we’ll get some clarity when Dan Campbell is expected to meet with the media later this week.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ns-day-1-ota-highlights-photos-5-observations

 

[Detroit Lions]

Open thread: What question would you ask Dan Campbell right now?

Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

This week, we’ll talk to Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell for the first time in nearly two months.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell. He last spoke with the entire media at the spring owners meetings in Florida. That was April 1—nearly two months ago. That is just about the longest we go all year in speaking to him. Since then, we’ve talked to a handful of players, literally every other position coach and coordinator, general manager Brad Holmes, and assistant general manager Ray Agnew.

Since the last Campbell media session, the Lions have had an entirely new draft class, they’ve begun Organized Teams Activities, and speculation about injuries and potential holdouts have run rampant.

But the drought will come to an end this week, with Campbell expected to talk to media prior to one of the OTA practices this week.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

What question would you ask to Dan Campbell right now? ​

My answer: I’m not a fan of baseless speculation, so I would love Campbell to put some of the chatter to bed this week when it comes to attendance during the offseason program.

It’s always important to remember that everything the Lions have done so far is voluntary, so it’s entirely possible some of the perceived absences are just players choosing not to work out with the team. So before things spin out of control with fans and media speculating, I’d simply ask Campbell: Can you list the players who are absent from the offseason program and why?

That way we’d get some insight into if Amon-Ra St. Brown and Frank Ragnow are dealing with injuries. And while Alex Anzalone’s (possible) absence isn’t surprising (he skipped voluntary workouts last year), it would be nice for Campbell to either confirm or reject the speculation that Anzalone is unhappy with his current contract and if there are any contractual discussions going on right now.

If you had a chance to ask Dan Campbell a question right now, what would it be? Share your ideas in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-dan-campbell-press-conference-first-2-months

 

[Detroit Lions]

10 players to watch for at Detroit Lions OTAs

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

10 Detroit Lions players we’ll be keeping a close eye on during OTAs.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions kicked off the first of their Organized Team Activities that will run through the next two weeks. With it being our first look at the 2025 team together all at once, there are several players I’m eager to see when practices open up to the media later this week.

Here are the 10 players I’m most eager to see out there on the field:

QB Hendon Hooker​

The Lions have made it clear this offseason that Hooker will have to go out and earn the backup quarterback job over veteran Kyle Allen. While I fully expect that to happen, I am eager to see what kind of jump Hooker has made from what was essentially his rookie season last year.

RB Sione Vaki​

Speaking of potentially jumps this season, Vaki enters 2025 with a year of experience learning the running back position full-time. While he’s not going to break the top two in the running back room, an underrated positional battle in training camp will be him vs. Craig Reynolds for the RB3 role.

WR Isaac TeSlaa​

TeSlaa may not be participating in practices, but if he is, he’ll be one of the most intriguing players out there. Without a doubt the most controversial Lions pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, TeSlaa has his first opportunity to go against NFL talent this week, and we’ll hopefully see how the developmental receiver fares.

WR Jameson Williams​

The Lions are talking up Jamo big time. So much so that offensive coordinator John Morton is predicting a breakout year.... after Williams posted 1,001 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns last year. It sounds like the offense is really clicking with Williams, so I want to see if that’s noticeable on the field.

OT Giovanni Manu ​

Manu’s progress could have a huge impact on the future of the offensive line. If he takes a huge Year 2 jump, it’s possible he could make a case for the starting left tackle job in 2026. If his progress is a little slower, then his ceiling may be the primary swing tackle backup job, and that could leave Detroit with a tough decision for the future at left tackle. When we last heard about Manu’s rookie season progress, he was night-and-day from how he started the year.

It’ll hard to judge any progress without live contact and full pads, but even seeing where he’s repping in the depth chart could be telling.

G Tate Ratledge​

Like with Manu, it’ll be hard to judge how well Ratledge is playing out there given the limitations of OTA rules. But where will Ratledge be playing? Is he going to be a primary center or guard? Is he with the starters or the second team? And if Frank Ragnow is absent, will we be able to come to any sort of real conclusions with Ratledge?

EDGE Aidan Hutchinson​

We already know Hutchinson is participating and wearing a compression sleeve on his healed leg. But what level of participation are we talking? Is he involved in just individual drills or does he have free reign to do everything?

DT Tyleik Williams ​

It’s hard to know if we’ll see anything out of the Lions’ first-round pick after being limited in at least one rookie minicamp practice. Williams noted that there’s a plan to take things easy with him and be smart about his participation level. But if we do get a glimpse at him, it’ll be fascinating to see how he does against NFL talent rather than rookie minicamp tryouts.

CB D.J. Reed​

Reed was the Lions’ biggest external free agent signing under the Brad Holmes era. How will he hold up against Detroit’s talented receiving corps? And will he bring legitimate CB1 talents to the defense for the first time under this regime?

CB Terrion Arnold​

... or has Arnold made enough progress to be considered the top cornerback on the team? I feel like Arnold’s Year 2 progress is an underrated key to Detroit’s success this year. He certainly gained valuable experience last year and showed some growth by the season’s end.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/5/29/24439272/10-players-to-watch-for-at-detroit-lions-otas