Allen Park — Here are some notes and observations from the Detroit Lions’ Thursday afternoon training camp practice.
● After a week of high-intensity practices, coach Dan Campbell opted to pull back on the team’s workload on Thursday, ahead of Detroit’s second preseason game on Saturday.
“Well, we had a really good day yesterday,” Campbell said. “Really, we've gotten a great week. The last three days that we've had padded practices, the day before that night practice — that day, the night practice, and then yesterday were outstanding, just the work that we have got, the situations we have got, the amount of reps. They're hard reps. They're under stress. They get tired, have to work with each other. You have got to stay on top of your fundamentals. I just thought it was great work.
“So, I'm pleased,” Campbell said. “(We’re) backing way off today. Shells, hour-long, a little bit in the red zone, just get the blood flowing, and then you can get them out of here.”
As it turns out, they didn’t even go the full hour. So, fair warning, these observations are going to be truncated.
● In terms of participation, it was mostly the same crew that remained sidelined. Isiah Pacheco, Sam LaPorta, Cade Mays, Ben Bartch, Damone Clark, Jimmy Rolder, Mekhi Wingo and Payton Turner remained out. The only new addition to the list was defensive back Thomas Harper.
In regards to LaPorta and Bartch, we got updates on both earlier in the day. LaPorta is nursing a hip injury and Bartch is in concussion protocol.
● Adding to concerns was an in-practice injury suffered by cornerback Ennis Rakestraw.
In coverage, Rakestraw went to the ground when attempting to change directions to match tight end Jackson Meeks’ route.
Rakestraw was tended to by a member of the training staff for several minutes, both on the field and again on the sideline before slowly making the long walk back into the facility under his own power.
After practice, the team confirmed Rakestraw is being evaluated for a lower-leg injury. With no access tomorrow, we might not have an update until Saturday’s game.
● Most of the practice focused on full-team work starting on the opponent’s side of midfield.