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Lions Kick Off 2026 Camp; Miller Emerges, Two DTs Absent

8/1/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dan Campbell opened the Lions’ 2026 training camp on July 29, 2026, at the Meijer Performance Center.
Camp started without nose tackles DJ Reader and Roy Lopez, with safety Brian Branch staying in rehab and possibly returning to practice in late August or early September.
Rookie right tackle Blake Miller earned first-team reps in the first two days, positioning him as a contender for the starting right-tackle role.

History

Historical Context

In June 1966 NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle and AFL founder Al Davis announced a merger that would combine the two leagues into a single 26-team National Football League by the 1970 season. The agreement created unified drafts and a championship game, laying the foundation for the league’s modern competitive balance. That legacy underpins Dan Campbell’s 2026 Lions training-camp focus on strengthening the offensive line.

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Story summary

Dan Campbell opened the Lions’ 2026 training camp on July 29, 2026, at the Meijer Performance Center.
Camp started without nose tackles DJ Reader and Roy Lopez, with safety Brian Branch staying in rehab and possibly returning to practice in late August or early September.
Rookie right tackle Blake Miller earned first-team reps in the first two days, positioning him as a contender for the starting right-tackle role.

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