Dan Campbell Updates on Saylors, Robichaux, Rakestraw
With my analysis and projected returns for Saylors, Rakestraw, Robichaux
Dan Campbell had a press conference on August 14 that included some injury updates following the Detroit Lions first preseason game of 2026. Overall, it’s generally good news, although there are still some unresolved concerns as noted at the end of this story.
Included are Campbell’s quotes along with my analysis and projected return timeline.
🟢Good news or low concern
🟡Uncertain or moderately concerning
🔴Bad news or high concern
Lions Preseason Game 1 Injury Updates
🟢Jacob Saylors, RB - Left ankle sprain
Got a little ankle. Don’t think it’s serious but could be a day or two.
I thought Saylors might have had a toe or foot injury, but the news is better than expected. A mild ankle sprain is far preferable to a tricky foot issue. The video looks benign for the ankle.
Projection: Expect Saylors to be available for the next preseason game. But if his status on the team is secure as the #3 RB, it’s probably a good idea to sit him as a precaution. He looked great in preseason game one.
🔴Kye Robichaux, RB - Foot fracture
Looks like he broke a bone in that foot.
This was a surprise as I didn’t notice Robichaux’s injury during the game. In reviewing the tape, Robichaux (#34) played until the end of the game and even helped make the tackle on the game-sealing interception. There were no signs of any disability.
A common foot fracture that can even be played through is a Jones fracture which typically carries an 8-12 week recovery if surgery is performed. That would mean this isn’t a season-ender.
The Lions are signing veteran RB Trayveon Williams as a result of Robichaux’s injury.
Projection: Given Robichaux’s fringe status, expect him to go on IR and then be waived with an injury settlement. That would allow him to return to the team later this season if necessary.
🟢Ennis Rakestraw, CB - Left upper arm contusion
He should be good. It’s not serious. He should be out there running around.
This suspected upper arm contusion is not a big deal at all. Rakestraw might be non-contact for a few days as a precaution, but he is able to run around just fine.
It’s possible Rakestraw was more scared immediately than anything given his shoulder surgery last season.
Projection: Rakestraw should be able to play in preseason game 2.
Lions improving their health status
Juice Scruggs (soft tissue) returns to practice today.
Ben Bartch (Lisfranc) is increasing his reps in practice.
Derrick Moore (groin), Sione Vaki (eye, nose), Jamari Small (unknown) and DJ Reed (groin) will be starting practice soon.
Isiah Pacheco (MCL) is still at least a week away from returning.
Lions with pending health concerns from first preseason game
Dan Campbell was not asked and volunteered no updates on these players who had suspected injuries during the game. (See my Preseason Game 1 Injury Report story for the injury videos and initial analysis.)
Chuck Clark showed signs of a possible concussion.
Loren Strickland went down with a non-contact left leg injury, suspected to be a calf or Achilles strain.
Mekhi Wingo had a concussion and will be up-in-the-air for the next preseason game. It also appeared he hurt his neck, which hopefully is just a mild strain.