Information sourced from: NFL Transactions, Detroit Lions on X, ESPN, Adam Schefter, Pro Football Reference
My friends, it is that time of year. Tomorrow on July 28th the Lions will kick off training camp for the 2026 season. As we head into training camp, let’s dig in on a few pieces of news that have dropped.
Initial PUP List Released
Yesterday, the Lions released the list of players who will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Players that are placed on the PUP list are players who are suffering from a football related injury and are not yet ready to practice. Players can remain there throughout training camp, and if they are unable to clear PUP prior to the cutdown to the 53 man roster, they are not eligible to play until the fifth game of the season. Players can be activated from the PUP at any time during training camp.
The Lions placed Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Tyler Conklin on the PUP. Let’s break down each one individually
Brian Branch
Brian Branch was very much expected to start training camp on the PUP. While there have been some murmurings of him being available earlier than expected, nothing concrete has emerged. I have heard estimations everywhere from him being available in week six, all the way to Thanksgiving. At this point I would simply expect that he will not be available until (at very minimum) the fifth game of the season. If he does better than that, it’s just the cherry on top.
Kerby Joseph
Kerby Joseph has been the subject of much discussion as of late. Many simply assumed he would start on PUP, and yet Kerby came back at those people and suggested via social media that he may not start on PUP. Well he has, and I don’t know that it really changes anything. He is dealing with a potentially serious and persistent knee injury. What we can hope for is to see him working with trainers off to the side on day one or two of camp, and that he comes off of the PUP list anytime. We should all want for him to be OK, as he is by far the best safety on this team, and if he is unable to play at 100%, his absence will be felt. Good luck Kerby!!
Tyler Conklin
Oh, the giant question mark that is Tyler Conklin. In my recent article I wrote that perhaps the Lions should have signed another tight end (furthermore I suggested that Conklin may have a jones fracture, which has turned out to be incorrect, and I have updated the article and posted a retraction accordingly). It is important that the Lions get Conklin back as quickly as possible. Tomorrow we should hear from Dan Campbell, and the hope is he will be able to provide more news on Conklin. Conklin represents a potential upgrade at TE2, and would be welcome and utilized in this offense.
Troy Reeder Joins the LB Room
The Lions announced that they have signed Troy Reeder today. Reeder is a solid depth linebacker and will find himself fighting with the likes of Jimmy Rolder, Damone Clark, Joe Bachie, and others for a reserve linebacker spot. In 2025 he played 17 games, starting one, and notching 25 tackles, 17 of which were solo. Reeder is north of 30 years old, but is dependable, playing 17 games in 4 of his last 5 seasons. Given his history with the Rams front office, it should be no surprise he is being tried here, and he has a good shot to lock down a reserve linebacker spot.
Bonus: Vita Vea Requests Trade from the Buccaneers
While writing this article, news has dropped (per Adam Schefter) that Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Buccaneers. I know next to nothing about the situation, however, I would LOVE to see Vea come to the Lions. Brad doesn’t have a big history of being involved in these types of trade talks, but there’s always a chance. Bringing in this dynamic lineman would prove a solid upgrade. However, Vea may not like the idea of playing second fiddle to Alim McNeil and Tyleik Williams.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
OK, perhaps the most wonderful time of the year isn’t the start of training camp. However, it feels good to get fresh news and talk about new things! The Lions have a good chance to bounce back this year, thus excitement is in the air. The only question that remains is will the Lions bounce back?
After 60 years of thinking the Lions might actually be good enough to accomplish something great, I can no longer get excited about this team before the first regular season game. Over the next 6-7 weeks, every facet of the team's motions will be over-calculated, over-scrutinized or over-hyped. It happens every preseason and the end result is a pile of mud.
I can no longer go through expending emotions on these characters of ineptitude. It was easy decades ago, but after their constant ripping out of our hearts, I can only survive by being mentally detached from the Lions.
Answer: YES