Full Breakdown
Detroit Lions Day-2 Training Camp: Roster Battles, Rep Opportunities and Coach Campbell’s Outlook
7/31/2026, 9:17:39 PM
Day-Two Overview
The Lions completed the second day of their 2026 training camp in Allen Park, Michigan, operating without pads as part of the acclimation process. Attendance was largely unchanged from day one; no players were removed from the injury report and no new injuries were evident. Notable absences included rookie offensive tackle Larry Borom, who remained with the second-team unit, and defensive ends Giovanni Manu (NFI) and Payton Turner (back injury).
Positional Battles
Right Tackle
Larry Borom continued to work primarily with the second team and as a swing tackle in larger sets.
Defensive Line
The defensive front featured Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams and Tyler Lacy. Levi Onwuzurike, returning from a season-long injury, rotated at the three-technique and earned reps at the “big end.” Mekhi Wingo generated pressure, while DJ Wonnum recorded a sack and a pass disruption. Ahmed Hassanein also produced pressure on the edge.
Running Back Depth and Opportunities
With three-time Pro-Bowl back Jahmyr Gibbs absent for the first two days, backups Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki received increased first-team reps.
Pacheco, the Kansas City Chiefs’ lead back in 2022 and 2023, averaged 4.9 and 4.6 yards per carry during those championship seasons. Vaki, a former safety turned running back, described his comfort level after Thursday’s practice:
- “I feel more comfortable as far as the run game,” — Sione Vaki
Vaki also spent roughly thirty minutes after practice refining route running, emphasizing his desire to improve “tracks” under running-back coach Tashard Choice.
Coaching Perspectives
Campbell addressed the defensive line turnover, noting the departure of nose tackles DJ Reader and Roy Lopez:
He added that the team may adjust its pre-snap movement to create opportunities for the front seven.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing emphasized the installation of base concepts and new wrinkles, such as using motion to create mismatches for Jameson Williams against Malcolm Rodriguez.
Notable Performances
- Derrick Barnes recorded the camp’s first interception after faking a blitz and baiting quarterback Jared Goff.
- Wide receiver Cedric Wilson delivered a one-handed “spectacular catch” on a wheel-route variation, highlighted as the day’s top play.
- Kicker Jake Bates finished the day 6-of-8, missing two attempts wide right.
Data & Statistics
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Right tackle reps | Blake Miller – majority of first-team snaps |
| Defensive line reps | Hutchinson, McNeill, Williams, Lacy, Onwuzurike, Wingo, Wonnum, Hassanein |
| Running back yards per carry (2022-23) | Isiah Pacheco – 4.9 (2022), 4.6 (2023) |
| Interceptions | Derrick Barnes (first camp takeaway) |
| Kicking | Jake Bates – 6/8 field goals |
Verbatim Quote
- “I feel more comfortable as far as the run game,” — Sione Vaki
