ALLEN PARK — Twenty-two players were missing or limited on the practice field as the Detroit Lions held their first OTA practice open to the media on Friday.
Lions coach Dan Campbell listed 20 players who would be limited or wouldn’t practice in Friday’s session due to workload matters, while two veterans — center Frank Ragnow and Alex Anzalone — haven’t yet arrived in Allen Park.
“Turnout’s been awesome — we only have two guys that aren’t here right now. I know who they are, I know where they are at, I’ve talked to them, and we’re all good,” Campbell said.
Anzalone is entering the final season of his three-year contract, leading some to speculate whether he’s holding out for a new deal. Campbell didn’t say whether that was the case but said he’s had open communication with all players and he’s “not worried about anything.”
Anzalone did not participate in voluntary OTAs last year, but it was on the heels of having another child.
“I think that’s what’s great about any player that I talk to, I have a relationship with, and there’s an open line of communication. Whatever I say to those players, I’m not going to say to you guys. I never will,” Campbell said. “Communication has been great, so I’m not … worried about anything. I know this, we’re in late May … we’re not even (in June). So, life’s good. We’re going to be just fine.”
The group of players Campbell listed before practice includes some players who are recovering from injury, such as defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (knee), linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee), linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) and cornerback Khalil Dorsey (leg).
The list also includes a handful of rookies, including first-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, offensive guard Miles Frazier and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
“The rookies, man, they’ve been training for the combine, all that. We’re just trying to get some of these guys right, physically,” Campbell said. “We’re working with them … and let’s get their bodies right, everything aligned right, and then they’ll be ready for training camp.”
Rounding out the group of offensive players are wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Kenny Yeboah, and running backs David Montgomery and Sione Vaki. The defense has significantly more absences, including defensive tackles Myles Adams, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader and Josh Paschal, linebacker Jack Campbell, and defensive backs Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold.
Jack Campbell said after practice that he’s being cautious after having a minor hip surgery following last season.
“A number of guys, we’re just trying to be smart. We got a little dings here and there and so we’re just trying to make sure everybody’s good,” Campbell said.
As Campbell sped through the list of players who are absent or limited, he humorously included former linebacker (and current Lions special assistant to the owner and CEO) Chris Spielman and Hall-of-Famers Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson.
“It’s tough to say,” Campbell said in response to a question about when Spielman, Sanders and Johnson could be expected back. “I think Spielman’s gonna be down a little longer.”
Originally Published: May 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT