The Detroit Lions kicked off their 2026 Organized Team Activities this week at their practice facility in Allen Park, and the first session provided plenty of early storylines to track. With a roster that has undergone significant turnover under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, these non-padded spring practices offer the first real glimpse into how the pieces are beginning to fit together for the upcoming season.
Here are the key observations, notes, and injury/participation updates from the Lions' first OTA practice of 2026.
Participation Report: Who Was on the Field and Who Wasn't
Attendance at voluntary OTAs is always a story in itself, and the Lions saw a strong turnout for Week 1. The organization has cultivated a culture under Campbell where players genuinely want to be in the building, and that was evident as the vast majority of the roster was present and working.
Quarterbacks
Starter Jared Goff was present and led the offense during team drills. The veteran signal-caller looked sharp, demonstrating good chemistry with his top targets. Backup Teddy Bridgewater was also on the field, taking second-team reps. Rookie Luke Altmyer was present and received developmental work in individual drills.
Running Backs
The running back room was nearly full. Jahmyr Gibbs was a full participant. Veteran Justin Jackson was also on the field. Among the younger backs, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors, and Jabari Small were all spotted working. The notable absence was Isiah Pacheco, who did not participate in the open portion of practice. No reason was given for his absence, but given the voluntary nature of OTAs, it is not a cause for immediate concern.
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams were both present and active, a positive sign for a receiving corps that will be a focal point of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's attack. Greg Dortch and Tom Kennedy were also on the field. second-year wideouts Dominic Lovett, Jackson Meeks, and Kendrick Law were all participating and getting their first taste of NFL practice.
Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin were all present. LaPorta, entering a critical season, looked fluid during route-running drills. Thomas Gordon and Zach Horton were also on the field.
Offensive Line
The Lions' offensive line saw most of its key pieces on the field. Penei Sewell was present. Colby Sorsdal and Christian Mahogany both worked. However, one notable absence stood out: starting guard Kevin Zeitler, who is no longer with the team, was not present. In his place, the team worked various combinations. Larry Borom and Devin Cochran both took reps at tackle.
Defensive Line
On defense, the pass rush group was active. Aidan Hutchinson participated, drawing attention from onlookers. Derrick Moore and Myles Adams were both spotted. Alim McNeill was present and working in the interior. However, second-year defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo was not seen during the open portion, and his absence is something to monitor as the week progresses.
Linebackers
The linebacker corps was well-represented. Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez were both on the field. Derrick Barnes was also present. Erick Hunter and Jimmy Rolder were among the younger players getting work.
Defensive Backs
In the secondary, the Lions had a strong turnout. Cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. were both active. D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin were all present. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch were participating. Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, and Dan Jackson rounded out the safety group.
On-Field Observations
Beyond attendance, the actual on-field work offered several intriguing early takeaways.
Offensive Rhythm
The first-team offense showed solid timing. Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown on a few quick out routes, and Jameson Williams was targeted deep, though the pass was just out of reach. The chemistry between Goff and his top receivers appears to be building steadily.
Defensive Pressure
The defense, now under the direction of coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, had its moments. Aidan Hutchinson was disruptive in team drills, getting into the backfield on at least two occasions. The secondary also had a pass breakup from Brian Branch during 7-on-7 work.
Special Teams Work
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp had his units working early. Punter Jack Fox was booming punts, and kicker Jake Bates was seen working on field goals. The Lions have invested in their specialists, and it is showing in these early sessions.
Injury Recap
The Lions did not provide a formal injury report for practice, but based on observations, the following can be noted:
- Isiah Pacheco (RB): Not present. No injury announcement.
- Mekhi Wingo (DT): Not seen on the field. Status uncertain.
- Kevin Zeitler (G): Not present and no longer on the team.
- Tyleik Williams (DT): Not seen in the initial open window.
No players were seen with walking boots, slings, or obvious physical limitations. Overall, the Lions appear to be entering OTAs relatively healthy.
The Bigger Picture
These initial practices are about setting a foundation. For a team that has made deep playoff runs but is still seeking its first Super Bowl title under this regime, every rep matters. The Lions' culture of competition -- something Campbell has championed since Day One -- was clearly on display.
The participation of veteran players like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown sets the tone for the rest of the spring. Meanwhile, the absence of a few players serves as a reminder that OTAs are voluntary and players manage their offseasons differently.
What to Watch Next Week
As OTAs continue, there are a few key storylines to follow:
- Injury status of Isiah Pacheco and Mekhi Wingo -- their availability moving forward will be critical.
- Offensive line combinations -- with Kevin Zeitler no longer on the roster, how will offensive coordinator Drew Petzing adjust?
- Young player development -- rookies such as Luke Altmyer, Dominic Lovett, and Jimmy Rolder need the reps to make an impact.
- Defensive coordinator impact -- Kelvin Sheppard's first spring as DC will shape the defense's identity and performance.
The Lions are still in the early stages of their 2026 campaign, but if Week 1 of OTAs is any indication, the foundation is being laid with purpose and intensity. Stay tuned for more updates as the spring progresses.