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Lions' First Padded Practice Sparks Cornerback, Tackle Battles

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the first padded practice will shape the roster.
He identified the No. 2 cornerback battle among Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Nick Whiteside.
Campbell noted the right-tackle battle between rookie Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom.
Campbell praised veteran wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr. on a 1-year, $1.3 million deal and said new quarterback Cade Mays is improving daily with throws and protections.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL and players union signed a collective bargaining agreement in 1992 that set the stage for a salary-cap system, teams have been forced to balance payrolls with player value. Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp and GM Brad Holmes illustrate this by signing veteran Cedrick Wilson Jr. to a $1.3 million one-year contract, a move echoing the cap-driven roster strategies that began in the early-1990s.

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Story summary

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said the first padded practice will shape the roster.
He identified the No. 2 cornerback battle among Rock Ya-Sin, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Nick Whiteside.
Campbell noted the right-tackle battle between rookie Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom.
Campbell praised veteran wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr. on a 1-year, $1.3 million deal and said new quarterback Cade Mays is improving daily with throws and protections.

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