The Detroit Lions' organized team activities (OTAs) are finished for the summer, and without an annual mandatory minicamp, head coach Dan Campbell's squad has some time to relax before training camp begins.
While some Lions players will use the next several weeks to chill before the action resumes, injured veterans are using the break as an opportunity to get healthier. That includes one banged-up Detroit defender who sounds confident that his return to action isn't that far away.
Lions CB Amik Robertson 'Should Be Cleared Soon' to Return From Injury
Veteran cornerback Amik Robertson is one injured Lion who fans have been wondering about this offseason. The 26-year-old ballhawk broke his arm during Detroit's Division Round loss to the Washington Commanders, leaving time to tell when he'd be healthy enough to make a full return.
From the sound of his interview with MLive's Kory Woods, it won't be long before Robertson is back in the thick of the action.
"I should be cleared soon — very, very, very soon," the Lions CB said after being asked about when he'll don full equipment. "So everything is in the right direction."
A full recovery is crucial for Robertson, who's heading into the final year of the $9.25 million contract he signed with the Lions last offseason.
The versatile defender played to mixed results in Year 1 of his deal, recording 40 solo tackles, eight defended passes, and three forced fumbles in 17 games (4 starts). His lack of interceptions left something to be desired, as did his pedestrian 62.2 coverage grade on Pro Football Focus — 62nd-best among 116 eligible CBs.
Nevertheless, Robertson knows he must be better if he wants another contract, leading to his being open to doing whatever HC Campbell & Co. ask of him.
"I feel like I’m a jack-of-all-trades, man, so I just want to continue getting better. I always have room for improvement," Robertson admitted to Woods. "I’m always an open book, like I always say. But most importantly, I want to get my hands on the ball more this year."
After veteran CBs Carlton Davis, Kindle Vildor, and Ifeatu Melifonwu left in free agency, Robertson has the perfect opportunity to step up. Newcomers D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin still have to prove themselves to the coaching staff, meaning the former Louisiana Tech product must capitalize on every chance he gets.
With the Lions' mandatory minicamp taking place on Tuesday, Robertson's next chance to solidify his spot in the lineup isn't that far away.