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
Defensive back Christian Izien
Izien is dealing with a groin injury after pulling up lame while on 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.
After two days of limited practice heading into the team’s Week 1 matchup, Campbell said the defensive back’s chances of playing against the Saints have improved.
“We feel really good about him,” Campbell said. “He’s close. I want to see what he looks like running around (Friday), and then knowing that we’re going on a short week after this, that’ll have a bearing on it, too. But he’s moving around really well. I feel like he’s a little ahead of schedule in a good way. (Updated: Sept. 11)
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 what turned out to be a hamstring strain.
Moore was in uniform for each practice leading into the Week 1 matchup and is trending toward playing in the contest against the Saints.
“I think he should be good to go,” Campbell said. “I think he's put in two pretty good days here of, you know, heavy work — heavy for him, let's put it that way. So, yeah, I like where he's trending.” (Updated: Sept. 11)
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.
Rolder avoided a stint on injured reserve to open the season and has been a full participant in practice heading into the team’s Week 1 matchup against New Orleans. (Updated: Sept. 11)
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.
Joseph was kept on the PUP list to start the regular season, requiring him to miss at least the first four games. (Updated: Aug. 30)
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.
Branch was kept on the PUP list to start the regular season, requiring him to miss at least the first four games. (Updated: Aug. 30)
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.
Manu remained on NFI to begin the season, meaning he’ll miss at least the first four games. (Updated: August 30)
Injured reserve
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 on Aug. 27. “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.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Lions transferred Pacheco to injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least the first four games. (Updated: Aug. 31)
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 will start the season on injured reserve with a designation to return, requiring him to miss at least the first four games. (Updated: Aug. 30)
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"
Thanks Justin. I’d be interested to also see a list of players that Lions reached injury settlements with. I’m not sure if it’d provide as much value but I’m reminded of Hassanein who rejoined the team after his settlement