Lions camp observations: Hutchinson extinguishing lingering doubts during first padded practice
Allen Park — Here are some notes and observations from the Detroit Lions’ Friday morning training camp practice.
● Let’s start with some positive news on the injury front. Cornerback Terrion Arnold and linebacker Derrick Barnes both returned to practice after exiting early the previous day.
Arnold limped off with what NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported was a calf strain. However, the second-year cornerback wasn’t wearing so much as a compression sleeve on Friday.
As for Barnes, he jammed a finger and was wearing some extra tape over the glove on his left hand. He could be seen fidgeting with it a few times after snaps, but otherwise, it didn’t seem to be restrictive.
In terms of players who weren’t out there, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and safety Ian Kennely were new absences. Meanwhile, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw (chest), linebacker Alex Anzalone (hamstring) and defensive end Al-Quadian Muhammad continue to be temporarily shelved.
● The team got started with the hitting early in its first padded practice, pitting the linebackers and defensive backs against the skill position in a tackling drill.
In the initial stages, the offense absolutely dominated, with Jameson Williams opening the action by zooming around cornerback Terrion Arnold.
Eventually, the defense settled down, sparked by Amik Robertson burying rookie receiver Dominic Lovett in the dirt. Robertson somehow baited Lovett into a premature hurdle attempt before pouncing, wrapping up the ball carrier and driving them into the ground.