Detroit just got hit with some real talk, straight from the practice field. Two of their critical edge rushers, Derrick Moore and Ahmed Hassanein, were completely absent from Wednesday’s practice, with zero explanation given. They didn’t even leave early on Tuesday, making their disappearance a total mystery. And if that wasn’t enough, key safety Christian Izien might actually miss the season opener against the New Orleans Saints, now just over two weeks away. This isn’t just a bump; this is serious.
Detroit’s Defense Is Scrambling
It’s one thing to have guys sitting out, but when your playmakers just don’t show up with no explanation? That’s a gut punch. Moore and Hassanein’s absences are a massive question mark, especially after Coach Dan Campbell said the team was “humming” on Tuesday. What’s up? Nobody knows, and that’s scary heading into Thursday’s training camp finale. The “not practicing” list is stacked: RB Isiah Pacheco (knee), OT Giovanni Manu (NFI), and linemen Cade Mays (wrist) and Michael Niese (leg). LBs Jimmy Rolder and Trevor Nowaske are both out with leg problems. Nowaske at least got an “encouraging update” from Campbell, who thinks it’s “just a little strain or sprain” and isn’t “as worried about that.” This list is growing fast.
Opener Hopes Fading, Patchwork Defense Forming
The big concern really centers on Christian Izien. Campbell didn’t exactly soothe nerves about the safety’s undisclosed injury. “It’ll probably be a little bit here,” Campbell admitted. “I don’t know if we’ll have him for the opener or not.” While he said they’d “get him here early in the season at some point,” that’s cold comfort for an opener fast approaching. Losing a starting-caliber safety for Week 1 is a nightmare. This forces others to step up, like Nick Whiteside, back after leaving Tuesday’s practice early. Whiteside plugged holes at safety with the second-team defense, simply because the Lions are so shorthanded at cornerback. It’s a patchwork situation.
Glimmers of Hope, But Still On The Sidelines
On a slightly brighter note, a few guys did make it back, even if not full speed. RB Jabari Small, in the thick of the RB4 competition with Jacob Saylors, suited up for positional drills. But then, during team drills, he was off doing sprints with a trainer. He’s back, but not really *back* yet. Miles Frazier also returned after missing practice, but was held out of team drills, rocking a brace and a “significant wrap” on his left leg. Devin Cochran pulled double duty at left tackle, Ben Bartch worked at left guard to cover gaps. This team needs to get healthy, fast, before the real games kick off.
With Thursday marking the final training camp practice, Detroit desperately needs clarity, especially on those missing edge rushers. Can Small and Frazier get back into full swing? Will Izien somehow make it for the opener, or is the defense going to be without him for a crucial early season matchup? The next few weeks are a scramble to get everyone ready. Every rep counts, and right now, they’re running out of them.
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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