During Saturday’s practice, two Detroit Lions were promoted to full participation, and Branch Branch provided a brief report.
Through the first four days of training camp, the Detroit Lions have been unusually healthy, and as of Saturday’s practice, that good fortune seemed to be continuing. Apart from the unfortunate announcement that kicker Michael Badgley will miss the entire season, the Lions still only have two players missing from practice: rookie guard Christian Mahogany, who has been sidelined due to illness, and defensive tackle DJ Reader, who is still, predictably, listed as physically unable to perform.
On Saturday, the Lions received even better news: it seemed that two key players were cleared to participate in team drills. On Saturday, defensive end Marcus Davenport and running back Jahmyr Gibbs played their first 11-on-11 drills of training camp.
After accumulating 945 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in his debut season, Gibbs is anticipated to make significant progress in his second NFL season. Route running looks to be the Lions’ primary focus for him in Year 2. Early in camp, Gibbs worked one-on-one drills with receivers. He has also been working especially hard with Amon-Ra St. Brown to refine specific aspects of his footwork and releases.
Quarterback Jared Goff remarked, “He’s kind of a ton better at that too, you can see he’s been working on it.” He has, in fact. He’s made fairly good progress with his hands and route running, and I know we’ll be using him often.
For Davenport, it marks the end of a protracted recuperation process following his ankle injury, which necessitated tightrope surgery back in November. The Lions gave Davenport a one-year, $6.5 million contract with a $3 million guarantee this offseason in an attempt to strengthen their pass rush in lieu of Aidan Hutchinson. After recording 9.0 sacks in just 11 games in 2021, Davenport has struggled with injuries ever since.
Davenport is a large, athletic man with a lot of positional flexibility, according to defensive line coach Terrell Williams. In this level, he has a history of playing quite physically. With him and Hutch, we have two extremely large defensive ends—two tall, athletic guys. To be honest, we really just want him to play the part of his appearance. We’re happy about it.
Brian Branch is the lone player that seems to be limited. After an excused day off, Branch went back to practice, but since he had offseason cleaning surgery, he is still not allowed to participate in anything other than walkthroughs and individual drills.
“I feel like I’m ahead of schedule in terms of health,” Branch remarked. “Just trying to keep my excitement to go back outside strong.” I miss having fun with these people. That’s simply how I’m thinking right now.
Nevertheless, Branch expressed optimism that he will be present as a full participant the next week.
Ideally. I’m attempting to return to the field with full pads. With any luck, by the end of next week,” Branch stated.