The Detroit Lions training camp is in full swing. After a day off on Wednesday, the team reconvened on Thursday to continue their preparations ahead of the new season. The Lions are only 45 days away from their Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The most important thing between now and then will be for the Lions to get fully healthy and be ready to go for the season opener. There has been a long list of inactive players to kick off training camp, including Miles Frazier, Taylor Decker, Mekhi Wingo, Alim McNeill, and Khalil Dorsey on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and Levi Onwuzurike ruled out for the season.
Veteran cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver was one of two players, along with EDGE Josh Paschal, who began the camp on the non-football injury (NFI) list. Fortunately for the Lions, this didn't take too long, and Thomas-Oliver officially got off the list. Per Lions insider Jeremy Reisman, the 27-year-old defender was scheduled to practice with the team on Thursday.
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver is the first Lion off an injury list.
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) July 24, 2025
He’s off NFI, and will practice today.
Lions CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver First to Get Off Injury List
This is a positive development for the Lions, who are once again dealing with a slew of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Ennis Rakestraw suffered a chest injury in the first practice, while defensive tackles Roy Lopez and Brodric Martin landed on the injury report with foot injuries earlier in the week. Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhammad continue to miss practice without a clear timeline for their return.
Having Thomas-Oliver back is important to have more healthy bodies at practice and provide training camp competition. The veteran defensive back was an emergency signing in Detroit towards the end of last season when the Lions were decimated by injuries. He was activated for one regular-season game and in the postseason, playing a role on special teams.
Hopefully, the Lions won't have to rely on the former Panthers defender once they have their full complement of players back. Thomas-Oliver could find himself back on the practice squad, but he has a very uphill battle for a 53-man roster spot. For now, Lions fans and the coaching staff will be happy to have a player get off the injury list rather than on for a change.