Detroit

Lions

He suffered the calf issue in the spring and has yet to practice, but that is set to change. Conklin will presumably be activated from the PUP list and return to practice tomorrow. He will serve as a depth option behind Sam LaPorta.

We weren’t expecting a major target share for TeSlaa anyway in this offense, and he makes his living making contested catches, but it’s still a little disappointing that he hasn’t taken more of a step forward from his rookie season so far. TeSlaa is probably only a consideration in deeper leagues at this time.

They also worked out Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Hassan Haskins and Kylin James and settled on Blackshear of the group. Blackshear has been a worthwhile return specialist and may have a chance to handle that role with the Lions.

When asked what his absence is about, Gibbs offered a thoughtful “I don’t know” and said “only time will tell” about when we could first see him on the field. Despite Gibbs saying his absence isn’t contract-related, multiple reports have suggested it is the main reason he hasn’t taken the field in training camp. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Gibbs remained sidelined until he either received a new deal or at least made major progress in negotiating a new deal. Rapoport also said that talks between Gibbs and the Lions are “not as active” as the ones going on between the Falcons and Bijan Robinson, who is also holding in while awaiting a new deal. We will continue to monitor both situations until they are resolved, but it doesn’t sound like Gibbs is anywhere close to returning to the field at this time.

Rapoport adds that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Gibbs isn’t at practice until they get real significant progress on a contract extension. Gibbs has passed his conditioning test but is currently a hold-in. Rapoport adds that “it would make sense” for Robinson to get the first contract of the two, but concedes that “it’s safe to say it’s up in the air right now.”

McNeill was unable to finish the session Friday but is reportedly dealing with a minor ailment, with head coach Dan Campbell confirming that he is “believed to be okay” after initial testing. Speaking to media Saturday, Campbell added, “He’s a huge piece for us on defense.” McNeill has been no stranger to picking up various ailments having missed a combined 14 games in the previous three seasons.

The seven-year veteran spent five seasons with the Buccaneers before quick, one-year stops in Houston and Las Vegas. White set a career high with 174 tackles in 2025 after missing most of the 2024 season with injury, giving the Lions a veteran interior presence to move around with Jack Campbell. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available, although it appears to be a team-friendly, prove-it-style deal.

Manu had a previous injury that resurfaced on the first day of training camp. He is now on the NFI list and will likely remain there at the end of training camp, putting him on ice for at least the first four games of the year. Manu appeared in four games last year and made one start. The Lions could add a free agent for some extra depth to start the year, but the good news is that Manu wasn’t projected for a starting role.

Both Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are holding in to start training camp. Gibbs has two years left on his rookie deal but is currently eligible for an extension and is rightfully looking to cash in. The Lions already committed to him as the centerpiece of their offense this offseason with they traded David Montgomery to Houston. That move gave Gibbs even more leverage, and it’s only a matter of time before the two sides agree to terms. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this year that Gibbs could earn more than $20 million per year. That would put him in line with Saquon Barkley as the league’s highest-paid running back, though he would likely have a longer contract with more in the way of guaranteed money. Though it’s not ideal for Gibbs to miss practice time in camp, with Robinson also holding in, fantasy managers shouldn’t change their approach to the top of the first round based on these developments.

Just yesterday, Joseph implied via social media that he would avoid the physically unable to perform list. So much for that. Joseph dealt with a recurring knee issue for the entire 2025 season, which was first reported on at the end of July 2025, roughly three months after the Lions made him the NFL’s highest-paid safety. Given Joseph’s post, one imagines he has a chance to resume practicing relatively soon, but only time will tell. Branch suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in Week 14 last year. As of June 13th, Lions coach Dan Campbell said there was no timetable for his return. The Lions also placed TE Tyler Conklin on the physically unable to perform list.