The Detroit Lions have yet to go through a training camp practice without suffering an injury. On Monday, The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett reported running back Sione Vaki exited practice.
Birkett added in a post on X that the Lions were evaluating Vaki for a leg injury. Defensive tackle Roy Lopez also appeared to be dealing with an ailment after he stopped during a drill.
Vaki only played 26 offensive snaps during his rookie 2024 season. However, he led the team with 310 special teams snaps.
On Sunday, which was Detroit’s first training camp practice, second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left practice because of a chest injury.
The Lions drafted Rakestraw at No. 61 overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Detroit grabbed Vaki two rounds later at No. 132 overall on Day 3 of that year’s draft.
Lions Suffer Another Injury With RB Sione Vaki
This is pure speculation, but it doesn’t sound like Vaki’s ailment is going to be serious. Injuries are obviously a big part of football, so it’s not shocking some players have been banged up early at Lions camp.
But training camp still isn’t off to the best of starts for Detroit from a health standpoint.
If Vaki has to miss some time, it likely won’t impact the offense. Vaki was fourth among Lions running backs in offensive snaps last season, and the three backs ahead of him, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds, have all returned for Detroit this season.
But again, Vaki plays a vital role on special teams. He posted eight combined tackles and forced a fumble during his rookie season. Vaki also returned two kickoffs for 55 total yards.
His versatility as a depth running back and special teams contributor figures to again be valuable when the Lions have to begin cutting players before the season.
How quickly Vaki manages to get back on the field is an early storyline from Lions training camp.
CB D.J. Reed Doesn’t Practice for Lions
Rakestraw wasn’t the only cornerback not on the field for the Lions on Monday.
SI on Lions’ John Maakaron reported cornerback D.J. Reed missed the team’s second training camp practice. The reason why is currently unclear.
“It’s uncertain why Reed did not practice, as fifth-year coach Dan Campbell did not mention the veteran amongst the list of players expected to be out during his pre-practice media session,” wrote Maakaron.
“In Reed’s absence, Amik Robertson took first-team reps as the boundary corner opposite of Terrion Arnold.”
The Lions signed Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract this offseason. He’s expected to start on the outside opposite 2024 first-rounder Terrion Arnold.
As Maakaron indicated, Amik Robertson should see a lot of snaps in the slot, but so should versatile defensive back Brian Branch.
Reed’s absence and Vaki’s departure also comes a day after Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike won’t play at all this year. Campbell said Sunday that Onwuzurike underwent season-ending knee surgery.
Injuries are always a storyline in the NFL, but they are likely to be a main focus for the Lions this season. Detroit placed 21 players on injured reserve during the 2024 campaign.
Although the Lions went 15-2 despite all the injuries, they made an early playoff exit with a loss in the NFC division round.
