By Mummy Grace 
The Detroit Lions have been building momentum all week in camp, but things are about to get a whole lot more real. Starting Friday, the pads are coming on — and the physicality is about to crank up.
After days of installation work, positional drills, and light contact, players and coaches alike are ready to see who shines when the hitting starts. Padded practices are where camp truly separates the talkers from the walkers, and Detroit’s coaching staff is eager to see which players bring the grit and fire they preach.
For young guys and veterans alike, this is the first major checkpoint of camp. It’s no longer just about route running or footwork — it’s about toughness, leverage, and proving you can handle the grind. Expect some heated battles in the trenches and a clearer picture of who’s ready to contribute when the real games begin.
If there were ever a time to show you’re ready to make the roster, Friday’s padded session is it. The Lions are ready to rumble — and now, the contact begins.