The Detroit Lions wrapped up their final day of OTA practices on Thursday. While Detroit was originally scheduled to have veteran mandatory minicamp from June 10-12, the franchise decided to cancel it due to being placed in the Hall of Fame game. As a result, this practice was the Lions' final time on the field till the end of July for training camp.
That said, one Lions star shared why he was unavailable for OTAs following Thursday's practice. According to Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman, Amon-Ra St. Brown told reporters he had a cleanup knee surgery in the offseason, but should be ready for training camp. Though St. Brown said he will be back for training camp, his cleanup surgery may still open the door for a Lions receiver to see more reps at the start of training camp.
Amon-Ra St. Brown's Knee Cleanup Surgery Could Open Up Reps for Rookies During Training Camp
Despite St. Brown saying he will be ready to go for training camp, Detroit will likely still need to ramp him up. As a result, he may not be on the main practice field with the starters for the first few days of camp. Although that may seem overly cautious, it’s necessary because if St. Brown returns before he's fully ready, he risks a more serious injury.
Therefore, rookie third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa could see extended run with the first team. Working extensively with the first team, the first couple of days of training camp would massively benefit the former Arkansas receiver.
TeSlaa needs to work on his route running and ability to create space, and there's no better way to do that than to go against the starters. Detroit clearly has a plan for him to be in the starting lineup at some point within his first two seasons, or they wouldn't have drafted him in the third round.
That said, if St. Brown can take full reps right at the start of training camp, there would be no complaints. The fifth-year wideout is one of the most important pieces of the Lions offense, so having him as a full participant in all of training camp would be for the best.
Nevertheless, this is definitely a situation to keep an eye on heading into late July.