As the Detroit Lions pivot fully into the 2026 offseason, health is already emerging as one of the most important storylines shaping the months ahead. While the grind of the 2025 campaign took its toll, early reports suggest the Lions are entering the offseason in better shape than many playoff teams, even if a few notable situations will require close monitoring.
Here’s what we know right now.
Players Expected to Be Ready for OTAs
Several key contributors are trending in the right direction after dealing with bumps and bruises late in the season. League sources indicate that most minor soft-tissue injuries and short-term ailments should not linger into organized team activities. Detroit’s medical staff remains optimistic that the core of the roster will participate in spring work without restrictions.
This is especially important for a team integrating a new offensive coordinator, where timing and reps will matter.
Situations to Monitor Closely
While no catastrophic setbacks have been reported, a handful of Lions are expected to follow individualized recovery plans throughout the spring. These cases typically involve lingering joint or lower-body injuries that don’t require surgery but demand careful workload management.
Detroit has shown a willingness in recent years to prioritize long-term availability over rushing players back — a trend expected to continue in 2026.
Rehab Focus Heading Into Training Camp
The Lions’ true injury test will come later in the summer. Players returning from more serious late-season injuries are expected to target training camp, not OTAs, as their meaningful checkpoints. The team is expected to take a conservative approach, especially with foundational starters who will be central to another playoff push.
Depth planning during the offseason will likely reflect this reality.
Why This Matters
Health was one of the Lions’ biggest challenges down the stretch last season, particularly on defense. Entering the offseason without a long list of major surgeries gives Detroit flexibility — both in free agency and the draft — to improve the roster without being forced into panic moves.
In short, the Lions aren’t in perfect shape, but they’re far from limping into 2026.
As the offseason unfolds, clarity will continue to emerge. For now, Detroit appears cautiously optimistic — and that alone is a solid place to start.
Lions’ 2026 Offseason Injury Report Reveals Early Concerns — and Some Relief
