Dan Campbell Final OTA Presser 2026: Branch, Rakestraw, Wonnum injury updates

What did Campbell reveal about a possible Branch contract extension?

Dan Campbell delivered his final Lions OTA press conference on June 11, 2026. (See here for the full video.) There were some notable injury updates, especially regarding Brian Branch.

Here are some select quotes from Campbell with my read-between-the-lines analysis:

Minor “bug” for Rakestraw, Ya-Sin, & others

There’s a bug that’s kind of hit a few of our guys.

Fortunately, there were no new major injuries revealed by Dan Campbell. The only major injury of the offseason has been to 5th-rounder Kendrick Law (ACL).

Ennis Rakestraw

He’s been out there every day. He’s added a little bit of bulk. He’s a little more dense than he was.

There’s nothing that would tell me that he won’t be physically prepared to go into training camp.

This 3rd-year CB has been a full participant in OTA, so there is no surprise that he will enter training camp at a full-go. It’s good to hear that the wiry Rakestraw has added some mass, which may help him absorb contact better and stay healthy.

DJ Wonnum

I like where Wonnum’s at. He was coming off that injury. Hasn’t missed a day with us. He’s doing a good job.

It’s uncertain what injury Campbell is referring to, but it’s likely the left quad surgery in 2023 that resulted in severe complications of MRSA and DVT - detailed in my DJ Wonnum Medical Report.

Wonnum has proven his health since then by playing half the season in 2024 and only missing a single game (hip) in 2025. Thus, there wasn’t much concern heading into 2026.

In the above OTA picture via DetroitLions.com, you can see a left leg sleeve on Wonnum #98 which would support the theory that it’s the left quad that is a residual concern.

Ben Bartch’s absence

He is much more precautionary. We anticipate him being ready for training camp.

Campbell confirmed that Bartch’s absence in OTA is related to his season-ending Lisfranc injury and surgery. This does raise concern for his availability this coming season, but Campbell sounded confident that Bartch will be ready. The Lions gave Bartch $330K guaranteed as a free agent implying some confidence in his health.

Brian Branch’s chances to start the season

I guess there’s always a chance. I’m going to just go ahead and widen the window. So we don’t have to talk about it anymore.

[jokingly] Let’s just go ahead and say December and then anything before that is a bonus. That way you don’t have to ask me.

There’s no setbacks with him.

Based on Campbell’s response, Branch is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, which is 9 months post Achilles. We have yet to see Branch doing any sprinting or jumping workouts, which is further evidence that he won’t be making an early return. A 10-11 month return-to-play is more reasonable.

Expect Branch to start training camp on PUP and likely stay on it into the regular season. An October return might be best-case scenario.

Branch’s possible contract extension

“You always want to know your guys are healthy and this is truly healed. You’re always going to lean that way knowing the investment that will go into that.”

This statement gives a glimpse into what the Lions are thinking regarding extensions for Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta. If the team is waiting for proof of recovery before considering an extension, then don’t expect an extension to happen before the start of the season for either player.

Late season might be the earliest when an extension might happen for Branch. LaPorta should be ready for Game 1 and thus could prove his recovery earlier. However, there are significant durability concerns for LaPorta going forward given the nature of his disc injury.

Both LaPorta and Branch may end up playing out their final year, and then become free agents or get tagged in the offseason.

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For the detailed analysis of why Sam LaPorta’s spinal disc carries residual concerns…