6 things to watch during Detroit Lions OTAs

Key Points:

• The Detroit Lions begin their three-week Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Wednesday, marking the first field work open to media for the 2026 season and providing insight into player health and team development.
• Key injury updates to watch include Kerby Joseph’s knee status, with an expected substantive update from coach Dan Campbell, as well as rehab progress on Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Levi Onwuzurike, and Dan Jackson.
• Attention will focus on the Lions’ 2026 rookie class, who have not yet had media exposure due to the cancellation of rookie minicamp, as well as the competition for the starting left guard position among Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Ben Bartch, and Juice Scruggs.
• The team’s improvement will largely depend on the development of players from the 2024 and 2025 draft classes, with hopes that key young players can elevate their performance to boost the 2026 roster’s competitiveness.
• Observers will also look for schematic changes under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, as well as any alterations in practice intensity or structure reflecting the staff’s commitment to change after a disappointing previous season.