Lions camp observations: Defense racks up sacks and interceptions in scrimmage, including pick-six from rookie d-lineman
Allen Park — Here are some notes and observations from the Detroit Lions’ Monday evening training camp practice.
● The Lions hosted an annual night practice in front of fans, running a full-team scrimmage for the duration of the session.
Let’s start with participation. Not practicing were running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Jameson Williams, center Cade Mays, offensive tackle Devin Cochran, guard Ben Bartch, linebackers Jimmy Rolder and Damone Clark, cornerback Nick Whiteside, defensive tackles Mekhi Wingo and Myles Adams and edge defender Payton Turner.
Regarding Williams and Whiteside, who were out a second straight day, the receiver is dealing with a shoulder injury, while the corner tweaked a hamstring. Coach Dan Campbell downplayed the severity of both injuries. Williams was on the sideline during practice, animatedly supporting his teammates.
The only player who returned to action on Monday was running back Jacob Saylors, who missed a couple of days with a twisted ankle.
● On to the scrimmage. We’re going to go drive-by-drive here.
It was good-on-good with the first-team offense and defense battling, alternating series with the reserves matching up. For scoring purposes it was the first-team offense/second-team defense vs. the second-team offense/first-team defense. That matters because there was a defensive score.
● The defense set the tone early, with both the starters and backups combining to not allow a single first down through five possessions.