The Detroit Lions were back on the practice field on Thursday for what was their second session of training camp. And, as we normally do, we’ve collected the best observations from beat writers on the ground to bring you the biggest takeaways and standouts from the day.
The Lions welcomed a few visitors to practice, including WWE legend Hulk Hogan and World Champion boxer Claressa Shields. Hogan cut a promo during his visit while Shields took time out to give out some boxing pointers to the players.
After showing out on Wednesday, wide receiver Jameson Williams was back at it on Thursday. We also saw a change at the backup quarterback spot, with the team changing which signal-caller ran with the second- and third-team offenses.
Hulk Hogan cut a promo with his “new tag team partner,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell. #CampbellMania pic.twitter.com/fyfzGTgkjL
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 25, 2024
There was also an update from the kicker competition between Michael Badgley and Jake Bates. We go over that and much, much more as we take a look at the biggest takeaways and standouts based on the observations of beat writers in attendance.
Lions training camp takeaways, standouts Day 2
Christian Mahogany out again
Dan Campbell notes that rookie OL Christian Mahogany is not practicing due to an illness
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) July 25, 2024
Dan Campbell talks Brian Branch at safety
Brian Branch made a lot of plays at nickel last year. But Dan Campbell thinks he could have even more plays to make at safety, and is toying with him at that position in camp
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) July 25, 2024
Jake Bates shines
Tim Twentyman, DetroitLions.com: “It was the Jake Bates show in practice Thursday as he took all the kicks in team periods. I had him at a perfect 6-for-6 ranging from 24 to 53 yards. The power in that right leg is no joke. His 53 yarder nicked the right post and still landed a good 10 yards past the cross bar. Consistency will be big for him trying to beat out Michael Badgley for the kicker job.”
D.J. Reader update
Erik Schlitt, Pride of Detroit: “Reader was seen working off to the side of the field with trainers—most notably running up the training hill on the perimeter of camp—but the Lions have no plans to rush him back to the field.”
QB2 reps shake-up
Twentyman: “Nate Sudfeld took second-team reps at quarterback Thursday after Hendon Hooker took them on Wednesday. It appears the Lions are going to rotate those reps and give both players a fair shot to win the backup job. I thought Sudfeld and Hooker were sharp Thursday, both making some tight-window throws along the sideline and over the middle.”
Schlitt: “Hooker worked with the third team but didn’t have the ups and downs he had on Day 1. He looked better in individual drills and processed things well during team portions, but still needs to tighten up some of his throws.”
RBs, WRs put in extra work
Jahmyr Gibbs said he and David Montgomery have goals this season as a Lions duo.
Gibbs stayed a half hour after practice working with a group of receivers and running backs on pass-catching. pic.twitter.com/SSMXu3hVwF
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 25, 2024
Brian Branch, Marcus Davenport, Jahmyr Gibbs still limited
Schlitt: “Brian Branch and Marcus Davenport only participated in walkthroughs but were hanging around all practice working with trainers or sticking with their position groups. Branch continues to see starting safety reps when on the field, while Davenport is working with the reserve edge players on the second team.”
Schlitt: “Gibbs was dealing with a soft tissue injury in the spring and the Lions have been working him back into practice slowly. He is participating in walkthroughs and individual drills, but he is currently being held out of team drills.”
Kaden Davis enters the chat
Twentyman: “The competition for the final couple roster spots at receiver could be highly contested over the next month. Another name to keep an eye on is Kaden Davis. He had a great spring and I thought he really had a nice practice Thursday with a sliding catch along the sideline and a couple other nice plays down the field. Fountain was good again Thursday too, highlighted by a deep ball from Goff for a touchdown in a 7-on-7 period getting behind Arnold.”
Levi Onwuzurike working at DE
Twentyman: “Thursday he took first-team reps opposite Hutchinson on the edge. Onwuzurike had a good spring and if he can pick up where he left off in the offseason program that’s another versatile weapon Aaron Glenn can use upfront along his defensive line.”
Amik Robertson in the slot with the ones
Schlitt: “At nickel, Amik Robertson returned to the starting lineup and Emmanuel Moseley dropped back with the second team. At times, Moseley did get some reps with the ones but for the most part, this was Robertson’s turn to play with the higher level of competition.”
