The Lions wrapped up their 2026 two-day minicamp in the past week. That means there is no more organized team activity until training camp starts up in late July.
Here’s a minicamp recap of the Detroit Lions injury news and updates:
Brian Branch, S
Here is minicamp video shot by @colton_pouncy where you can see Branch and Joseph walking off:
As a keen-eyed reader noted, there appears to be atrophy of Branch’s right calf.
We’ve seen this kind of leg atrophy recently with Aidan Hutchinson (tib/fib) and Derrick Barnes (MCL/PCL). It’s expected and I’m not overly concerned about it. Once he starts doing his jumping/sprinting workouts, the muscle will regain quickly.
The concern is we have yet to see him doing any of these kinds of workouts yet. That means don’t expect an early return in time for the start of the season.
Kerby Joseph, S
No good news, but also nothing unexpected for Joseph, as mileage management is the consistent theme. After 10-months to recover, we’ll know one way or another once he tests his knee in training camp.
Regarding training camp practice, Lions’ safety coach Jim O’Neil stated: “You can’t take a year off football and expect to go play at an All-Pro level. Does he need to do it every day? Probably not.”
Nobody knows how Joseph’s knee is going to respond to starting football activities again. I think the coaches are praying for the best, but fully prepared for the worst.
Sam LaPorta, TE
LaPorta should gradually ramp up in training camp. The concern is if his spine will get aggravated again once he starts full-contact work. Repeated hyperextension of the back can cause problems – as explained in my Sam LaPorta spine analysis.
Ennis Rakestraw, CB
Continued good news so far this offseason for Rakestraw who has been fully healthy throughout. Next hurdle will be to get through training camp healthy. It was last training camp when Rakestraw hurt his shoulder and needed season-ending surgery.
Dan Campbell doesn’t plan on dialing down the training camp intensity, so Rakestraw will be tested.
For more of the minicamp player recap, including Terrion Arnold, Rock Ya-Sin, DJ Reed, and more, visit Detroit Lions Minicamp Watchlist Recap: 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 Minicamp Injury and Health Recap
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
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By Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
