DAILYREPORT

🦁 Top Story

The Detroit Lions announced Wednesday they've hired a new team president and CEO, Richard Haddad, who served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer of the Detroit Pistons since January of 2022. This leadership change comes as the organization works to rebuild momentum after a disappointing 2025 season, bringing fresh operational perspective to Allen Park.

📰 Headlines

• RB Jahmyr Gibbs continues to miss practice as contract negotiations drag on, with HC Dan Campbell saying he's "anxious to get Gibbs back out there."

• The Lions signed RB Raheem Blackshear and TE Zach Horton per the NFL's Official Transaction Wire, with WR Lawrence Keys waived.

• The Lions started padded practices Monday, with more aggression on display during Day 5, as Campbell told players: "By the end of this week, this roster will begin to separate itself."

• Three-time First-Team All-Pro OT Penei Sewell dropped 24 spots from last year's NFL Top 100 list.

🎙️ Podcast & Media Picks

Daily DLP's Jeff Risdon shared takeaways from the Lions' Inside the Den episode that featured validation and confirmation of pre-draft love for both Blake Miller and Derrick Moore. (Apple Podcasts: The Detroit Lions Podcast)

📊 Season Watch: Offensive Coordinator Impact

New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing joins the Lions in 2026 after spending the previous three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator. Early camp observations suggest Petzing is installing his system smoothly. During his tenure in Arizona, the Cardinals ranked second in the NFL in rushing average (4.92) and TE Trey McBride earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections under Petzing's guidance, earning First-Team AP All-Pro in 2025. Petzing now inherits one of the NFL's most talented offensive rosters with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta at his disposal.

🗓️ Lions History & All-Time Greats

On This Date: Barry Sanders and the 2,000-Yard Threshold

Thirty years ago this month, Barry Sanders stood on the threshold of immortality. Sanders became the first 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history with 2,053 yards in 1997. That record still stands as the Lions' single-season rushing benchmark. Sanders amassed 15,269 career rushing yards (1989-1998) — a franchise record that may never be touched. What makes the Lions' rushing legacy even more remarkable: Sanders was also the first to rush 200 yards in a game against Minnesota on November 24, 1991. From trailblazer to record-holder, Sanders defined what it meant to be a Lions running back.

🔮 What to Watch

• Gibbs Contract Resolution: The standoff with your star back continues. Watch for any movement as camp ramps up this week—Campbell needs his lead weapon healthy and engaged for Week 1 prep.

• Preseason Begins: Lions face Bengals Thursday, August 13 at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Commanders on August 22 and Colts on August 29. Campbell has signaled a willingness to play starters more than usual this preseason.

• Roster Bubble Clarity: With cutdowns looming on August 30, camp battles at RB, TE, and secondary should intensify. Watch for waiver-wire moves and injury updates that reshape the 53-man projection.