Detroit Lions Training Camp Photo Analysis: Week 2-3
Checking in on Sione Vaki, Ennis Rakestraw, Derrick Barnes, and more
Here are pictures and videos I found interesting from the past couple weeks of Detroit Lions training camp. The pictures are courtesy of DetroitLions.com.
Sione Vaki, RB #33 - Eye injury & Nasal fracture
August 17, 2026: Video via @971theticketxyt
Vaki suffered the eye injury and nasal fracture two weeks ago on August 3. Vaki’s blood-curdled eye is likely not an early Halloween costume, but rather a subconjunctival hemorrhage as I detailed earlier…
Vaki’s nasal fracture looks great cosmetically and isn’t a concern.
Derrick Barnes, LB #55 - Right knee wrap
August 17, 2026:
Barnes tweaked his knee on August 4 and is still sporting a knee wrap two weeks later. He only missed a day or 2 of practice so the knee isn’t hampering him much. This is the same knee that suffered the severe MCL/PCL injury in 2024, so it bears watching.
DJ Reed, CB #4 - Groin strain recovery
August 17, 2026:
Reed suffered a groin injury on August 7 and missed about 1.5 weeks of practice. It’s good to see him out there fully active. He may sit out preseason Game 2 as a precaution though.
Ennis Rakestraw, CB #2 - Left upper arm contusion
Rakestraw was participating at the very next practice after his preseason Game 1 arm contusion.
August 15, 2026:
If you look closely, you can see Rakestraw wearing a left upper arm wrap for his contusion.
August 16, 2026:
The next day, his arm was bare and showed no signs of bruising, ecchymosis, or abrasions. He is fine and will be ready to go for preseason Game 2.
Tyler Conklin, TE #83 - Calf strain recovery
August 9, 2026:
Conklin has had a nice recovery from his offseason calf strain and even played in preseason Game 1. His leg tattoos are clearly visible which means there is no sleeve on the calves.
Erick Hunter, LB #48 picks off a pass in front of Sam LaPorta, TE #87
August 7, 2026:
Here is UDFA Erick Hunter making a nice play. On the other side, Sam LaPorta has had a favorable camp so far with no reports of taking days off for his back. If I’m the Lions, I don’t play him at all in preseason to limit aggravation to his spine.
Greg Dortch, WR #8 - Left leg sleeve
August 6, 2026:
Dortch has been impressing in camp, and is looking like he will earn the #4 WR spot. He is wearing a left leg sleeve here for unknown reasons. He hasn’t missed practice that I know of, and this sleeve is not present in future pictures, so it’s not a concern.
Covering Dortch is Avonte Maddox #29 who is in contention for a starting safety position.
Finally, thank you to long-time supporter Dr. Kyle Trimble @BangedUpBills. The Lions play the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 on September 17, so subscribe to him for the latest injury updates on the Bills.
