Lions OTA Day 1 & 2 Update: May 2026
Who was featured in OTA pictures and who was not?
The Detroit Lions first 3-day series of OTA (organized team activities) is underway. Media (which I am not a part of) were not allowed to watch the first two days of OTA. This means that all we have to go by so far are the pictures posted officially at DetroitLions.com. The media will be present on Friday, May 29.
Here were the players listed on my Lions OTA Player Watchlist, along with their picture status from the first two days:
Kerby Joseph - Not pictured, as expected.
Brian Branch - Not pictured, as expected.
Sam LaPorta - Not pictured
Terrion Arnold - Not pictured
Ennis Rakestraw - Not pictured
Dan Jackson - Not pictured
Malcolm Rodriguez - Present
Players who were not pictured could still be present at OTA in some capacity, even up to full participation. However, the fact that high-interest stars like Joseph, Branch, and LaPorta were not featured on the official website makes it less likely they were participating fully.
Here are some notable OTA photos from Day 1 & 2 with my analysis:
Malcolm Rodriguez
May 2026 OTA:
ACL - November 2024:
Analysis: Rodriguez continues to stay on track for a bounceback year from his ACL. While he was only given a 1-year deal by the Lions in free agency, almost all of the money was guaranteed, implying confidence in his health.
DJ Reed
May 2026 OTA:
Hamstring - September 2025:
Analysis: After his moderate-severe hamstring last season, it’s good to see Reed putting in consistent work at offseason workouts and OTA. He is on track to return to his pre-injury form.
Jimmy Rolder
May 2026 OTA:
2025 college season:
Analysis: Rolder’s right elbow brace present during his final season at Michigan is still present at OTA. While the exact diagnosis is unknown, a history of dislocated elbow is certainly a possibility as noted by this reader…
Also very possible…
Penei Sewell
May 2026 OTA:
Left shoulder - November 2025:
Left ankle/knee - November 2025:
Left ankle/knee - December 2025:
Analysis: There were concerns coming out of last season as Sewell was banged up multiple times with left MCL, left ankle, and left shoulder injuries. He sat out the final game of the season which was likely precautionary, but still worrisome. Thus, it’s great to see the Lions future LT present at all offseason activities.
Giovanni Manu
May 2026 OTA:
Knee injury in practice - October 2025
Analysis: Manu’s knee injury basically knocked him out of action for the rest of last season, although he did return to practice late in the year. A 2+ month knee issue is significant, but could be totally healable depending on specifics.
It’s good to see no knee brace or wrap at all this offseason as Manu tries to earn a backup OL spot.