Dan Campbell has no intention of trading for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. despite Detroit holding the league’s second-most cap space. The head coach explicitly rejected the idea of a major roster move while acknowledging the financial flexibility gained from recent contract restructures.
“I don’t see that,” Campbell said regarding a blockbuster acquisition, according to a report on the coach’s comments. “I would say this, though: it gives us options. Whether that be our own guys or — it just gives us flexibility here before the season starts because there’s a lot that can happen.”
The Lions cleared over $30 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, according to ESPN. While the media has linked Detroit to Porter following the release of Terrion Arnold, Campbell indicated the front office will focus on internal options rather than external trades. The team is now prioritizing extensions for tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Reed Joins Injury List
The secondary faces immediate pressure as cornerback DJ Reed was added to the injury list with a foot injury. Reed, a key depth piece who started eight games last season, missed Tuesday’s walkthrough after appearing on the report.
“The Lions have added cornerback DJ Reed to their injured list with a foot injury,” a report detailed.
Reed joins a growing list of defensive concerns ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. The unit surrendered 410 passing yards to New Orleans in Week 1, and the loss of Reed compounds the depth issues in a room that already missed Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph in the opener.
Offensive Line and Backfield Depth
Rookie offensive tackle Blake Miller missed Monday’s practice and remains uncertain for Thursday, though he expressed optimism about his recovery from a knee injury.
“I’m doing everything I humanly can to get my body feeling the best it can feel,” Miller said, according to a report on the injury report. “Even with the progress just today that I’ve made, I’m happy, and I’m optimistic.”
If Miller cannot go, Ben Bartch is expected to start at left guard. The offensive line will need to stabilize quickly as the run game showed signs of life in Week 1. OC Drew Petzing utilized “CRUNCH” concepts to create favorable angles for blockers, particularly involving rookie Miller and tight end Brock Wright, according to film analysis.
With Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve until December and backup Sione Vaki unproven in the NFL, Jahmyr Gibbs is set to absorb a massive workload. Week 1, and the staff plans to maintain that usage despite the short week.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that the team is not concerned about Gibbs’ volume, noting the running back’s desire to prove his durability.
“From what I’m hearing, he’s going to get close to that Thursday,” Wolfe said, according to a report on the workload.
Gibbs has stated he is built for the role and has run between the tackles throughout his career. The Lions lack a viable alternative, forcing them to rely on Gibbs to carry the offensive load against a high-powered Bills defense.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
