The Detroit Lions hit a bump in the road during Thursday’s training camp session, as two key defenders — cornerback Terrion Arnold and linebacker Derrick Barnes — were forced to leave early due to injuries.
Arnold, who has impressed early in camp and recently made headlines with a highlight-reel one-handed interception on Tuesday, is being evaluated for a leg injury. Meanwhile, Barnes exited with a hand injury. Both are now under medical evaluation as the team awaits further details.
The injuries come at a time when both players have been gaining momentum and proving themselves as important pieces of the Lions’ defensive core heading into the season.
There was some good news on the injury front, though. Nose tackle Brodric Martin returned to practice after leaving Tuesday’s session with a foot injury. The third-year lineman is trying to carve out a role in Detroit’s competitive interior defensive line group.
Also making his return was cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver, who practiced for the first time this year after starting camp on the Non-Football Injury list. A former seventh-round pick by the Panthers, Thomas-Oliver rejoined Detroit on a futures deal and brings depth to the secondary.
Detroit is still without veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue as his contract situation hangs in the balance. In the meantime, the Lions brought in former Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White for a visit, suggesting the team may be bracing for more uncertainty at the position.
The Lions’ defense, which entered training camp with high expectations, will now have to navigate through these early injury setbacks and continue building toward the season with next-man-up mentality.
Lions Hit with Double Injury Blow as Two Defensive Stars Exit Practice
