Detroit Lions Scrap Joint Practices for 2026 Training Camp

Head coach Dan Campbell cites injury concerns as the driving factor behind the change.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a Detroit Lions training camp practice, capturing the intensity and physicality of the session through sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The Lions' decision to eliminate joint practices reflects their focus on controlling player health and workload as they chase a Super Bowl title.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Lions will not hold any joint practices during their 2026 training camp, a noticeable shift from their previous approach under head coach Dan Campbell. While Campbell didn't explicitly tie the decision to injuries, the Lions have been one of the more injury-plagued teams in the NFL over the past couple of seasons, particularly in key stretches. By eliminating joint practices, the team gains more control over practice intensity, player workload, and injury risk as they aim to keep their core healthy for a potential Super Bowl run.

Why it matters

Joint practices have provided the Lions with valuable opportunities to evaluate players against unfamiliar opponents and get different offensive and defensive looks. However, with the team's recent injury history and heightened expectations, prioritizing health and control over added competition has become the priority for 2026.

The details

Since Campbell's arrival in Detroit, joint practices have been a regular part of the Lions' training camp, with the team squaring off against opponents like the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans. But in 2026, that approach is changing, as Campbell confirmed the Lions will keep everything in-house and not hold any joint sessions.

  • The Lions' 2026 training camp is scheduled to begin in late July.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who revealed the team's decision to eliminate joint practices from their 2026 training camp.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Lions will focus on in-house practices and controlling player workload and injury risk during their 2026 training camp.

The takeaway

By prioritizing health and control over added competition, the Lions are making a strategic adjustment to their training camp approach as they aim to keep their core players fresh and ready for a potential Super Bowl run.