Let me start with an important note: Bookmark this page.
I repeat, bookmark this page.
For the remainder of the 2026 season, this tracker will be updated regularly, with the latest information on the Detroit Lions’ injury situation, including quotes from Lions coach Dan Campbell where relevant.
If you don’t bookmark it — which you should — it will be linked in the header on detroitfootball.net.
Active roster injuries
Running back Isiah Pacheco
Pacheco had been dealing with what was described as a mild MCL strain. That’s no longer the primary concern. Recently, Campbell noted the running back is dealing with a back injury that casts doubt on his status for Week 1.
“I can’t give you anything definitive,” Campbell said. “He is feeling better as of yesterday. I mean, it’s been a little touch and go right now. He’s had a little bit of a back (injury) and we’re hoping he’s coming out of this as of yesterday a little bit. (Updated: Aug. 27)
Center Cade Mays
On Aug. 10, the Lions announced Mays suffered a wrist injury during a pass-rush drill. Campbell hasn’t offered a timeframe, but national reports pegged the recovery window at 8-10 weeks.
Mays is expected to start the season on injured reserve, requiring him to miss at least the first four games. (Updated: Aug. 27)
Edge defender Derrick Moore
After missing the final two practices of training camp, Campbell said Moore is “going to be down for a little bit” with an undisclosed injury. The hope is he returns next week, ahead of the regular season opener. (Updated: Aug. 27)
Defensive back Christian Izien
Izien is dealing with an unspecified leg injury after pulling up lame in punt coverage during the team’s preseason game against Washington. Campbell said Izien will be out for a bit and could miss the season opener against New Orleans. (Updated: Aug. 26)
Linebacker Trevor Nowaske
Nowaske suffered a minor knee strain/sprain during individual drills ahead of the team’s Aug. 25 practice. He’s not expected to miss significant time with the injury. (Updated: Aug. 26)
Safety Thomas Harper
Harper is battling an ankle sprain that sidelined him for the team’s second preseason contest against Washington, as well as the following week of practice. (Updated: Aug. 25)
Offensive lineman Michael Niese
Niese exited the team’s second preseason game with a leg injury and was spotted on crutches after the contest. He has not practiced since. (Updated: Aug. 22)
Linebacker Jimmy Rolder
Rolder exited the team’s July 31 camp practice with a right hamstring strain. He was spotted doing work with a trainer off to the side during the team’s Aug. 15 practice.
Campbell recently said he didn’t anticipate Rolder returning before the end of training camp. The team has the option of placing him on injured reserve at roster cutdowns, which would rule the rookie out the first four games of the season. (Updated: Aug. 20)
Physically unable to perform list
Safety Kerby Joseph
The team is continuing to take a precautious approach with the former All-Pro safety after he missed 11 games with a non-specific knee injury that first cropped up during last year’s training camp.
Joseph had been working off to the side with members of the training staff during the initial stages of this year’s camp. More recently, he’s been away from the team to attend to an undisclosed personal matter.
He’s not expected to be available for the regular season opener, but there is optimism he can return to action during the early stages of the campaign.
If he’s left on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season, he would be required to miss at least the first four games. (Updated: Aug. 27)
Safety Brian Branch
Branch suffered a torn Achilles in the team’s Dec. 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys while attempting to break up a pass into the end zone.
Branch’s recovery from the surgical repair has remained on track and he’s been working side sessions with the training staff during camp.
Coach Dan Campbell said the defender could return to practice as early as late August, although early September looks more likely. That should put him in line for game action in early October. (Updated: Aug. 27)
Non-football injury list
Offensive tackle Gio Manu
Manu was placed on NFI following the first practice of camp (July 30) after he didn’t disclose an unidentified injury that he had suffered between the end of mandatory minicamp in mid-June and the start of camp.
Campbell estimated Manu faced a 12-14 week recovery. (Updated: July 30)
Injured reserve
Edge defender Payton Turner
Turner had been out of action with a back injury since the first training camp practice. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve nearly a month later. (Updated: Aug. 27)
Linebacker Damone Clark
Clark had been sidelined since Aug. 9 with an undisclosed injury. On Aug. 26, Campbell called the issue indefinite prior to the team placing the veteran on season-ending injured reserve that afternoon. (Updated: Aug. 26)
Wide receiver Kendrick Law
A fifth-round draft pick out of Alabama, Law suffered a torn ACL while running through a non-contact drill during an early June OTA practice. The rookie will miss the entirety of his debut season. (June 4)
You missed one! "Lead author and Detroit Football Network Guru, Justin Rogers, is down for a few days, might miss the final preseason tilt, but will report after reviewing tape and returning to health"
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