Full Breakdown
Lions Enter Week 1 Healthy, Face Saints in Season Opener
9/9/2026, 12:29:09 PM
Core Event: Full-Roster Practice Ahead of Detroit-New Orleans Clash
The Detroit Lions completed their first Week 1 practice with every player on the 52-man active roster and the 16-man practice squad on Tuesday. Only practice-squad offensive tackle Devin Cochran missed individual drills while working with a trainer. Safety prospects Christian Izien and Thomas Harper returned after missing the end of camp, while Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list for at least the first four games. Rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder also rejoined drills after a month-long leg injury. The Lions will submit an official injury report later Wednesday.
Background & Context: Coaching Roots and Recent Performance
Head coach Dan Campbell spent five seasons (2016-2020) with the New Orleans Saints as an assistant head coach and tight-ends coach before being hired by Detroit in 2021. His first victory against the Saints came on Dec. 3, 2023, a 33-28 win in the Caesars Superdome. The Lions are looking to rebound from a 9-8 finish in 2025 that missed the postseason, while the Saints entered 2026 after winning four of their last five games of 2025 and allowing 17.6 points per game in that stretch.
Data & Statistics
- Roster participation: 68 of 68 players (active roster + practice squad) were on the field during Tuesday’s practice.
- Injury list: Two safeties (Joseph, Branch) on PUP; no other players listed as out.
- Positional battle: Left guard Christian Mahogany (incumbent starter) and Ben Bartch (challenger) will split first-team reps through Thursday and Friday; either could start or both could play in the opener.
- Season outlook: ESPN Analytics assigns Detroit a 40 % probability of winning the NFC North, the highest among division teams.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Campbell said Joseph’s return to the facility is “good” and that the team is “ramping up.” He noted the influence of his former Saints mentors, adding that the defensive mindset and “grit” of New Orleans shaped his coaching DNA. Associate head/wide-receivers coach Scottie Montgomery echoed Campbell’s respect for the Saints’ program, stressing the need not to overlook the Week 1 opponent. Lions quarterback Jared Goff said the competition at left guard will not affect his preparation, noting that both players will be ready when called upon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s here, he’s doing good, he’s ramping up,” — Dan Campbell
- “It means a lot. Had it not been for my time there with that organization, it's a class act and a class organization and being with Sean Payton, obviously, I wouldn't have gotten this opportunity,” — Dan Campbell
- “We got after it, and I feel that everybody got better,” — Jim O'Neil
- “Today, they're gonna split. I see them splitting on Thursday, I see them splitting on Friday,” — Dan Campbell
- “Those guys that are competing for that job will be ready, whoever that may be,” — Jared Goff
What’s Next: Week 1 Showdown
The Lions host the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. (local time). The game will be televised on Fox with radio coverage on 97.1 FM. Betting lines list Detroit as a 6½-point favorite, and the matchup marks the season opener for both franchises.
