The Detroit Lions are currently navigating injuries among their players as they prepare for the upcoming season. Head coach Dan Campbell provided updates on three key players who left Monday’s training camp practice due to injuries. Receiver Dominic Lovett is dealing with an abdominal issue, defensive lineman Pat O’Connor has a leg injury, and offensive tackle Jamarco Jones is sidelined with an ankle injury. Campbell anticipates that each player will miss approximately a week, with Lovett possibly taking a bit longer—up to ten days.
Lovett, the 244th overall pick in the April draft, is fighting for a place on the roster. In the Lions’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, he caught three passes out of nine targets for 31 yards and contributed with kick and punt returns, showcasing his versatility as he looks to secure a roster spot among the team’s established receiving corps.
O’Connor has been stepping up in depth roles while other key players, like Alim McNeill, recover from injuries, and Jones had been working with the first team at left tackle amid ongoing injury challenges affecting Taylor Decker and Dan Skipper.
Interestingly, running back Sione Vaki and defensive lineman Brodric Martin were absent from Wednesday’s practice, with Vaki missing time earlier in training camp due to a hamstring injury. Martin has now missed two consecutive practices.
The Lions’ injury list currently includes several other notable names. Defensive back Dan Jackson is on injured reserve with a leg injury, and Levi Onwuzurike is listed on reserve/PUP recovering from an ACL tear. Others on various injury lists include cornerback Khalil Dorsey, offensive lineman Miles Frazier, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, all grappling with different ailments.
Despite these setbacks, the team is keenly focused on maintaining momentum as they work through training camp, with players like Lovett eager to make an impact when they return. This resilience in the face of adversity is a hallmark of the Lions’ training philosophy, projecting hope for a competitive season ahead.