The Detroit Lions have finally reached game week, marking the end of an offseason filled with excitement and high expectations. The team will get their first chance to showcase their improvements on Sunday Night Football when they face the Los Angeles Rams.
After dealing with various injuries throughout training camp, the Lions are regaining their health as they approach Week 1. Many players who missed time during camp were back at practice, including defensive tackle DJ Reader, who was seen participating in drills. Reader had been sidelined while recovering from a torn quadriceps tendon suffered late last season. However, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was not in action on Tuesday due to a lingering injury that Coach Dan Campbell described as “slow moving.” Fellow safety Loren Strickland also did not participate during the open portion of practice.
The excitement within the Lions’ fan base is palpable and has spread through the team’s headquarters in Allen Park. This enthusiasm was evident in Coach Campbell’s Monday press conference as the team officially began preparing for the Rams.
“I always get excited for this time of year,” Campbell said. “Our core remains solid, and it’s been that way for a long time. We hope to build on the foundation we’ve established, helping everyone improve and grow together. While it’s a new team, the anticipation feels the same as every year. It’s about finding out where we stand, identifying our strengths, and figuring out where we can improve. There’s just so much to consider.”
