The Detroit Lions are scheduled to open training camp this week, with rookies reporting to Allen Park, Michigan, on Wednesday, followed by the vets on Saturday.
The Lions are one of several teams starting training camp this week, as Detroit will be playing in an actual football game at the end of the month. The Lions will play the Los Angeles Chargers in the Pro Football Hall of Game on July 31.
Detroit enters training camp with a ton of excitement, as this team is again built to make a deep playoff run. Many fans thought last season was going to be the year that the Lions were going to get to the Super Bowl.
However, the injury bug caught up to them in the end, along with poor play on both sides of the ball. That said, Detroit seems better equipped to handle the injury bug based on its signings and draft picks this offseason.
The injury bug ravaged their linebacker unit last season as Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez missed significant time, which tested their depth. Thankfully, Anzalone and Barnes should be good to go, as Rodriguez is still recovering and will likely miss the start of the season.
Former Lions LB David Long Should Be on Detroit’s Radar
To make up for the depth behind Anzalone, the Lions should be keeping tabs on veteran David Long, who appeared in five games last season with Detroit after being released by the Miami Dolphins on November 13, 2024.
The Lions signed the 28-year-old linebacker to the practice squad five days later, and they promoted him to the active roster on Nov. 27.
In the five games he played in, Long made one start, while adding seven combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. The veteran linebacker played 70 defensive snaps and 58 on special teams.
When the Lions initially signed Long, head coach Dan Campbell was excited to add him to the team, highlighting his aggressive play style and how he always finds the ball.
Detroit parted ways with Long on Christmas Eve but was claimed a day later by the Tennessee Titans. Much to his dismay, though, the Titans immediately let him go two days later due to a failed physical.
With all that being said, Long is still unsigned as we get closer to training camp. And it wouldn’t be surprising if that lingers into August. However, if Lions’ coaches aren’t happy with the depth, Long could be a solid addition, who can play special teams and fill in with some snaps on defense.