Detroit Lions OTA Player Watchlist: May 2026
What can we expect from key Lions during OTA's?
The NFL offseason is starting to heat up as Detroit Lions OTA (organized team activities) start on May 27 and run through June 11. There are many key Lions to watch who are recovering from significant injuries.
First, let’s review the OTA rules according to the NFLPA Offseason Rules:
No pads except protective knee and elbow pads. Helmets are permitted.
Contact work is prohibited in all workouts (e.g. “live” blocking, tackling, pass rushing, bump-and-run, etc.)
Teams, like the Lions in 2024, have been penalized for pushing the OTA contact limits in the past.
Now, here is the player watchlist for the Lions OTA’s which includes activity level expectations…
The 2026 Detroit Lions Draft Class
Of course, everyone is excited to see the incoming rookies who are generally in very good health - as seen in my Lions Rookies Medical Reports.
To get the fan juices flowing, watch this highlight package I put together of the Lions 2026 draft class…
(This also happens to be the extent of my scouting of these players… in which I project them all to be perennial Pro-Bowlers.)
Kerby Joseph, S: How active will he be?
Last game appearance - October 12, 2025
My prior analysis points to a wear-and-tear cartilage issue for Joseph. This is an issue that can get worse with working out and stressing the joint. Unlike other body parts like muscle and bone which get stronger with activity, cartilage does not.
This means that the best way to increase the odds he can play in regular season games is to limit the stress on his knee until that point. There does need to be a balance as avoiding all activity will cause the rest of his leg and body to decondition and atrophy. It will be a delicate balance to get him strong for the season while not wearing out the knee.
OTA expectations: Minimal to no strenuous activity (jumping, cutting, sprinting) for Joseph during OTA’s so as to preserve his knee for real games.
Brian Branch, S: How far along in Achilles recovery?
Achilles rupture - December 4, 2025
Branch is 5.5 months post Achilles rupture, and could be doing some light running and sprinting workouts at this point in his rehab. Tracy Walker was doing sprint workouts at the 6 month mark.
OTA expectations: No football activities for Branch, but hopefully we see him doing rehab work on the side.
Sam LaPorta, TE: Will he participate in OTAs?
Herniated disc surgery - November 2025
Last season, LaPorta suffered a herniated disc due to accumulated trauma. He was not seen pictured at offseason activities earlier in May, so his status at OTA will be noteworthy.
It’s uncertain exactly what kind of spinal disc procedure LaPorta underwent. Something like a microdiscectomy is a good possibility which can have a return-to-play of around 4 months. LaPorta is currently 6 months post, which means he could be ready right now.
OTA expectations: There is a pretty good chance LaPorta is available to do everything at OTA’s, although he may be limited as a precaution. If he is not doing anything at OTA, then the concern level will rise.
Terrion Arnold, CB: Is the shoulder ready?
Two shoulder surgeries - December 2025
Recent workout videos have shown Arnold doing football CB activity.
There is not supposed to be any contact at OTA which will make it hard to assess his shoulder readiness for the season. Some limitation in OTA is possible, but even so, he should be ready in plenty of time for training camp.
OTA expectations: With no live contact, Arnold should be able to participate fully in OTA.
Ennis Rakestraw, CB: Can he stay healthy?
Shoulder surgery - August 2025
Like Arnold, Rakestraw is also coming off a shoulder surgery. Rakestraw’s surgery was in training camp of last season which gives him plenty of time to be ready for this OTA. He personally stated in March that he is fully healthy.
This will be a big year for Rakestraw who is hoping to put together a full season after his first two were marred by injuries. Getting through OTA's healthy will be a good start.
OTA expectations: Rakestraw should participate fully.
Dan Jackson, S: Are there any injury residuals?
Leg injury - August 2025
Jackson missed his entire rookie season with this leg injury - although roster management could have been part of the reason. It’s unknown the type and severity of the injury.
If Jackson is healthy, there is an opportunity for him to make an impact given the uncertain status of Branch and Joseph.
OTA expectations: Jackson should be able to participate fully.
Malcolm Rodriguez, LB: Is he back to form after ACL?
ACL - November 2024
Rodriguez had a slightly delayed return from his ACL due to a second knee surgery. He returned 12-months post on November 23, 2025.
Most of his time last season was spent on special teams. His defensive workload was sparse until the final game when he played 73% of the snaps. Some knee residuals are still possible.
OTA expectations: Full activity for Rodriguez.
For the injury videos of the above Lions players…
There has to be luck involved for any team to escape enough injuries to make the playoffs and perhaps go all the way. How lucky have the Lions been since 1960? Good luck; not measurable...bad luck; off the charts.