Lions camp observations: The cavalry has arrived
Allen Park — Here are some notes and observations from the Detroit Lions’ Saturday morning training camp practice.
● The Detroit Lions got back several injured players for Saturday’s padded practice. The biggest surprise was Alex Anzalone, who had been nursing a hamstring strain. Still, he was a question mark beyond that because he’s been pushing for a contract extension that the team has been reluctant to give.
Admittedly, Anzalone didn’t do a lot. He ran the conditioning hill after individual and skeleton drills as he works up to full-team activity. His presence led to speculation that an extension might be close, but the veteran linebacker laughed when asked that after practice, stating plainly there’s been no progress.
In addition to Anzalone, defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad made his practice debut, while cornerback Ennis Rakestraw (chest) and defensive tackles Roy Lopez (foot) and Tyleik Williams (personal matter) returned from brief absences.
Williams and Lopez immediately jumped back into the full practice routine, with Williams taking first-team reps and Lopez slotting in with the second group. Muhammad was more on Anzalone’s acclimation path, while Rakestraw was in between, seeing some seven-on-seven red zone work in the second half of practice.
In terms of players sitting out, safety Kerby Joseph was a notable new addition. He suffered what appeared to be a relatively minor lower-body injury at the end of Friday’s practice. Avonte Maddox stepped into Joseph’s snaps with the first-team defense.
● For the third consecutive day, Graham Glasgow was snapping for the first team offense, with rookie Tate Ratledge at right guard.