ALLEN PARK ~ Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell said the team could be without key players to start the season, but expressed confidence in the roster’s overall strength as veterans reported for training camp Wednesday.
The Lions may start their season without safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, leaving Detroit without two top defensive players. Joseph is recovering from a knee injury and Campbell says although Joseph is progressing, he is not expected back for the first game. Branch is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and “is doing well,” Campbell said. Branch could return to practice later in training camp or early September.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold, Detroit’s former first-round draft pick, was released from the team following a felony arrest in June. Campbell addressed the release for the first time, saying it was “unfortunate, but we made the move we felt was best for us.”
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(CONTINUED) Despite these defensive drawbacks, Campbell said “we feel pretty good in that room with the competition and those guys between veterans, young guys, and ability.” Campbell pointed to the team’s overall competition level and said he is encouraged by the opportunity for younger players to earn larger roles alongside an established veteran group.
The coming weeks of training camp will provide a clearer picture of how the Lions’ defensive backfield takes shape heading into the regular season, particularly as the team awaits the return of injured contributors and evaluates options for increased playing time in the secondary. Campbell said he’s excited for the transition point the team is approaching – a strong veteran core with opportunities for unproven players to succeed. The Lions will play their first pre-season game in Cincinnati Aug. 13 against the Bengals.
