DAILYREPORT

📰 Headlines

• The Lions hired Richard Haddad as the next president and CEO, bringing a wealth of sports business experience and deep Michigan ties.
• Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing held a training camp media session, discussing the offense's progress in early camp.
• Defensive tackle Alim McNeill suffered a neck injury in training camp, raising questions about whether he can return to his disruptive form and anchor the defensive line after a rough 2025 season, with depth concerns lingering if injuries persist.
• The Lions started padded practices on Monday for the first time, with HC Campbell anticipating intensity to increase; that sentiment proved correct as players showed more aggression in Day 5 training.

🎙️ Podcast & Media Picks

Locked On Lions is a daily podcast hosted by analyst Matt Dery, offering expert local analysis, breaking news, and special guests covering all aspects of the Lions franchise. Talking Grit features hosts Jason Harwood and Jacob Litton sharing honest opinions on the latest Lions news and games, offering real football talk for Lions fans.

📊 Season Watch

Trenches Rebuild in Motion — The Lions lost longtime left tackle Taylor Decker and center Graham Glasgow and acquired former Panthers interior lineman Cade Mays and rookie right tackle Blake Miller, with Mays expected to fill the vacancy created by Glasgow's departure and Miller allowing All-Pro Penei Sewell to shift to left tackle. The Lions' offensive line is looking to get back to elite status in 2026, with center Cade Mays part of the plan; Mays has liked the work in early camp and his chemistry with Jared Goff identifying looks and getting the right checks. Detroit was still a top five scoring offense and top five overall offense last season, and if the offensive line takes the kind of step forward the Lions think they can, the offense can be special considering the skill weapons they have.

🦁 Lions History & All-Time Greats

29 Years Ago This Week: Barry's Legendary 2,053-Yard Season

Barry Sanders was just the third person in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards or more in a season, gaining 2,053 yards in 1997, marking the 25th anniversary of his accomplishment in 2022. Over a decade-long career, Sanders consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each season, including 2,053 yards in 1997, and earned a shared MVP award with Brett Favre and six first-team All-Pro honors. Sanders is one of the best running backs in NFL history and was the catalyst of the most consistent winning period for the Lions during the Super Bowl era, playing 10 seasons and rushing for 1,500 yards or more in four consecutive seasons, including his 2,053-yard year at age 29. He led Detroit to five playoff appearances and three 10-win seasons, including the franchise-best 12-4 record in 1991.

Lions Career Rushing Yards — All-Time Top 10

1. Barry Sanders — 15,269 yards
2. Billy Sims — 5,106 yards
3. Dexter Bussey — 5,105 yards
4. Altie Taylor — 4,817 yards
5. Mel Farr — 3,072 yards
6. James Stewart — 2,890 yards
7. Doak Walker — 2,646 yards
8. Theo Riddick — 2,238 yards
9. Kevin Jones — 2,067 yards
10. Jahmyr Gibbs — ~2,300+ yards (active, total rising)

🔮 What to Watch

• The left guard competition at training camp—there's expected to be good competition for the starting left guard spot, with Mahogany the favorite to begin camp, but Bartch bringing veteran experience, Scruggs acquired from Houston in the David Montgomery trade, and the team liking Frazier as a second-year player.
• The Lions' preseason opener at Cincinnati is Thursday, August 13 at 7 p.m. ET—watch how Miller, Gibbs, and the revamped offense execute under new coordinator Drew Petzing's scheme for the first time in game action.