The Detroit Lions’ secondary is rolling into 2026 training camp after getting absolutely rocked by changes, with some moves forced and others straight-up chosen by the team. With a major shake-up at cornerback, the coaching staff has a ton of work ahead to figure out who’s lining up where and if these guys can stay healthy.
Counting Corners: A Rollercoaster of Roster Spots
Under the Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell regime, the Lions’ cornerback room has been a wild ride when it comes to roster spots. They usually aim for five or six corners on the active roster, but injuries always seem to throw a wrench in those plans. Back in 2021 and 2022, they started with six corners but ended both seasons with only five. Then came 2023, when they opened and closed with a solid seven guys, though only six were active on game days.
Things got really thin in 2024, starting with six but finishing with just four, thanks to three key contributors landing on injured reserve. And last year, 2025, they kicked off with five corners, but just a month in, the injury bug hit hard, forcing them to fluctuate between five and seven corners all season before wrapping up with six. It’s clear this group needs to find some stability, and fast.
Who’s Still Standing? Injuries, Departures, and Key Returns
The changes in the Lions’ secondary this offseason have been intense. D.J. Reed, who started 10 games in 2025, is back but he’s coming off an injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. The expectation is he’ll be healthy for camp, which is huge. Rock Ya-Sin, with six starts under his belt, re-signed and is expected to open camp in a starting lineup spot. But it’s not all good news on the returning front. Ennis Rakestraw is entering his third season, but he missed all of 2025 with an injury. He’s challenged for both inside and outside roles before, so his return is a big question mark.
Meanwhile, previous starters Terrion Arnold got released after an arrest, and Amik Robertson departed in free agency after 10 starts. To fill the void, the Lions acquired Roger McCreary, who was starting in the slot during spring practices and is expected to hold onto that role through training camp. Rounding out the room, they re-signed special teams ace Khalil Dorsey and Legion-of-whom hero Nick Whiteside, drafted Keith Abney in the fifth round, and picked up UDFA De’Shawn Rucker. This is a completely different group, and watching them gel, or not gel, is gonna be must-see TV.
This Lions secondary has got a lot to figure out before the season kicks off. With so many questions around health and who slots where, this training camp is going to be intense. Every rep, every drill matters for these guys as they try to nail down the final roster and roles.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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