The Detroit Lions have built a strong culture under Dan Campbell and one of the biggest characteristics as an attention to detail. If you want an example, go see how Ben Johnson is doing with the Chicago Bears, trying to get Caleb Williams and the rest of his team to do something as simple as lining up on offense.
If Johnson is bringing high standards to his new job, it has to have come from his previous employer. Detroit has been one of the best teams in the NFL the past two seasons with a trip to the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and a 15-2 record in 2024, but they’ll need to continue to be laser-focused if they want to make the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
It’s why one rookie stood out in all the wrong ways during Thursday’s joint practice against the Miami Dolphins, and could have hurt his chances of making the roster by repeating his mistakes.
Lions Rookie on Thin Ice After Rough Practice vs. Dolphins
According to the Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett, Lions rookie cornerback Tyson Russell had a tough Thursday practice against the Dolphins. While Birkett noted the Lions committed “a few too many penalties” as a team, Russell was flagged for pass interference on Tank Black during red-zone drills and committed another on the following play to prevent a big gain downfield. Russell committed another defensive holding penalty later in practice and it may have been the final nail in his coffin as he looks to make the roster.
Russell came in as an undrafted free agent this spring and had a path to make the team after an injury to fellow corners Khalil Dorsey and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The Vanderbilt product also had a solid performance this preseason, not allowing a reception on both of his targets in the Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
But the rough day in practice may convince the Lions to bring in a veteran corner for some depth ahead of the regular season. New addition Rock Ya-Sin was moved from cornerback to safety after injuries to Morice Norris and Dan Jackson. Avonte Maddox may also be playing more safety while backing up nickel corner Amik Robertson.
Perhaps Russell could get his stock back in the right direction when the Lions host the Dolphins on Saturday afternoon. But Thursday’s practice made that game more important for the rookie as he looks for his first opportunity in the league.