Biggest takeaways from Lions' first training camp practice: Who played guard, center?

Yahoo

2 days ago

Detroit Lions training camp is officially underway, as the team took to the practice field for the first session on Sunday.
Before hitting the field, head coach Dan Campbell gave some injury updates, with the most notable being that Levi Onwuzurike has been ruled out for the 2025 season because of an ACL injury, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
"Levi's surgery was significant, and it needed to be done," Campbell said. "Out of his control and needed to be done. So he will miss the season."
Also of note, Campbell revealed that left tackle Taylor Decker had a clean-up procedure on his shoulder but could be back after the Hall of Fame Game.
Those weren't the only injury notes from Sunday. Here's a look at another and some other takeaways from Detroit's first practice of training camp.
Who didn't practice?
Aside from the guys on injury lists, edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, linebacker Alex Anzalone and linebacker Anthony Pittman didn't practice, per Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman.
More on Anzalone shortly.
Ennis Rakestraw injured
According to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left the session early and is being evaluated for a chest injury.
"Rakestraw collided with a receiver during a pass play in 11-on-11 and was escorted to the locker room after being checked on the sideline," he revealed.
There is no further update on the severity as of this writing.
Lions show their "Plan A" on offensive line?
Also per Bianchi, the Lions had rookie Tate Ratledge take all of the first-team reps at center on Sunday, with Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany playing at right and left guard, respectively.
"A lot can change between now and Week 1, but Ratledge's placement on the first day of camp suggests that putting him at center is their Plan A," Bianchi wrote.
That trio was expected to take the guard and center spots in some combination. Now we have an early idea about where they're going to end up.
Alex Anzalone arrives but doesn't practice
Campbell told reporters that Anzalone has arrived at training camp and passed his conditioning test with flying colors.
The fact that Anzalone has shown up indicates he isn't going to hold out amid his perceived dissatisfaction with his contract as he enters the final year of his deal.
However, a hold-in remains possible after Anzalone did not practice for the Lions' first day of camp, although Campbell doesn't see that happening.
'No way, right?' Campbell said of a possible hold-in, per Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman. 'I refuse to believe that. I refuse to believe that.'
When asked if there was anything in the works involving a new contract for the Lions linebacker, Campbell said "no, not that I can really talk about."
Who took the reps at left tackle?
According to Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire, Dan Skipper was the fill-in for Decker. Taking the second- and third-team reps at left tackle were Jamarco Jones and Giovanni Manu, respectively.
Risdon added that Manu appears to have more muscle than he did during his rookie year while also noting that "Manu's calves and thighs were definitely more toned and sculpted than a year ago."
The backup quarterbacks
Risdon didn't see much of a change with Hendon Hooker.
"Just as was the case last season, he mixes in some outstanding throws with some ponderous misses," Risdon said of Hooker before noting that he "didn't see or hear any of last year's issues with Hooker being too hesitant to throw the ball."
Risdon also noted that Hooker's competition for the backup spot behind Jared Goff, Kyle Allen, was solid but "showed the weakest arm" of the quarterbacks.
"Kyle Allen is the new No. 3 and from one practice, it's easy to see why the Lions had interest," Risdon said.
Lions rotate in the slot
The Lions saw all of their projected starters at cornerback, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson and D.J. Reed, get reps in the slot, Risdon said.
Robertson is expected to return to his role as the team's primary slot corner in 2025 after excelling in the role in his first season in Detroit.
Who filled in for Levi?
With Levi Onwuzurike out and Alim McNeill uncertain for Week 1, there's a spot open on the starting defensive line next to DJ Reader.
For now, per Reisman, rookie Tyleik Williams "was starting in Levi's place today."
Risdon says Pat O'Connor got extra looks, and Chris Smith and Myles Adams also got involved.
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