Detroit Lions training camp: Biggest takeaways from first practice

Mike Moraitis

•
Detroit Lions training camp: Biggest takeaways from first practice image

The Detroit Lions were on the practice field on Wednesday for their first session of 2024 training camp, and thanks to beat writers on the ground, we got an inside look at what went on during Day 1.

Earlier in the day, the Lions received some good news on the injury front, as three players were activated from injury lists and took part in the first practice of camp.

Defensive back Brian Branch and edge rusher Marcus Davenport were activated off the active/physically unable to perform list, and rookie offensive tackle Giovanni Manu was removed from the active/non-football injury list. 

Unfortunately, the Lions did add four players to the NFI list in cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson, and wide receivers Tre'Quan Smith and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Now, a look at the biggest takeaways from the Lions' first practice of training camp.

Lions training camp takeaways Day 1

Who didn't practice?

Erik Schlitt, Pride of Detroit: CB Carlton Davis (NFI), CB Amik Robertson (NFI), WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (NFI), WR Tre'Quan Smith (NFI), DL D.J. Reader (PUP), G Christian Mahogany (not on an injured list)

Jameson Williams pukes, shines

Daurice Fountain stands out

Schlitt: "When the Lions cycled in a fifth wide receiver, it was Daurice Fountain, who continues to make standout plays—including arguably the catch of the day. While with the second team, Fountain ran a simple sideline route that was strongly covered by Kindle Vildor. Quarterback Hendon Hooker placed the ball high and outside to avoid the coverage (maybe a bit too high) and Fountain was able to snag it with a leaping full extension. People-Jones needs to get on the field in a hurry or he’ll be looking over his shoulder at Fountain for his role."

Brian Branch sees a lot of time at safety

Tim Twentyman, DetroitLions.com: "The Lions were serious this offseason when they talked about expanding second-year defensive back Brian Branch's role to include some safety duties. Branch was off the PUP list Wednesday and took part in the first practice of camp. Branch was limited in his first practice back, not doing any full team periods, but during the walkthrough team portion of practice he played safety and also did individual drills with the safeties."

Rookies on the boundary, Moseley in the slot

Schlitt: "With Davis and Robertson unavailable, the Lions started rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw at their outside corner spots. Emmanuel Moseley—who is also expected to be in the mix for a spot on the outside—lined up a nickel, a spot he saw some time at with the 49ers but hasn’t played in some time."

Hendon Hooker gets all second-team reps, shines

Twentyman: "The team is going to give Hooker every opportunity to win the backup job at quarterback behind Goff. They drafted him in the third round last offseason, and he took all the second-team reps Wednesday."

Schlitt: "Hooker started his day off with a lot of accuracy issues, but he settled the ship quickly and ended up having a very nice day. In addition to his throw to Fountain, he routinely made nice crisp throws, taking all the second-team reps. Nate Sudfeld continues to look like the more consistent backup quarterback, but he is still with the third team and doesn’t look to be moving up anytime soon."

Second-team offensive line

Schlitt: "With the starters set, my attention landed on the second-team offensive line and how it was organized. Here’s how they laid out from left to right: Dan Skipper—Netane Muti—Michael Niese—Kayode Awosika—Colby Sorsdal

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.