The Detroit Lions’ secondary is dealing with another injury scare, and this one could affect the opener against the New Orleans Saints.
On Wednesday afternoon, head coach Dan Campbell said defensive back Christian Izien is banged up and may not be ready for Week 1.
"Yeah, Izzy, it'll probably be a little bit here. I don't know if we'll have him for the opener or not," said Campbell.
"But we'll have him (at some point in 2025 season). If it's not (Week 1), we'll get him here early in the season, at some point.”
Izien had been working at nickel cornerback throughout training camp and looked positioned to take on the starting role. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back was part of a group getting work there, with Ennis Rakestraw, Keith Abney and Roger McCreary also seeing snaps at the spot.
That matters because Detroit has already had to juggle bodies in the secondary. Last season, Amik Robertson found success in the nickel role, but injuries forced him to spend more time on the outside.
Campbell said the Lions are prepared to keep adjusting if the defensive backfield remains short-handed. That could mean leaning more heavily on base defense rather than forcing a nickel package that doesn’t fit the available personnel.
"We're going to find the best personnel for us, and that's what we'll play in too," said Campbell earlier this week, So, not only roster, but look, yeah nickel, we'd like to. But, if we're not suited for nickel right now because of whatever, an injury or this, man, we'll play base.
We'll play it the whole game. We'll play dime, we'll play dollar.
We're going to put the best guys out there that we think give us a chance, so we're not handcuffed by that.”
There was better news on linebacker Trevor Nowaske, who left Tuesday’s practice before finishing the session. Campbell said the issue doesn’t sound serious.
“We think it’s just a little sprain or strain. So, I think we’ll be okay here, let it calm down," said Campbell, So, I’m not as worried about that.”
Nowaske has carved out a role on special teams since rejoining the Lions in 2024.
In Other News...
Lions Backup QB Battle Just Took An Interesting Turn
The backup quarterback picture in Detroit has gotten a little more interesting since Teddy Bridgewaters retirement left the Lions with a spot to fill behind Jared Goff. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer and veteran Josh Dobbs are the two names in the mix for the reserve role, and Altmyer has recently been getting more second-team reps in practice as the Lions continue sorting out the depth chart.
Even with that shift, the competition is still very much alive heading into the preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Detroits coaches have been clear that nothing is decided yet, which leaves both quarterbacks with one more chance to make a case before the team has to settle on who backs up Goff to open the season. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Just Unveiled An Alternate Look Fans Will Instantly Debate
The Lions added another layer to an already sharp uniform rollout this week, officially unveiling their new Rivalries alternate set called Defend the Den. The look is built around white jerseys with black numbering outlined in blue, white pants with two stripes and blue helmets, a combination that immediately gives Detroit a different visual identity than its usual home-and-road staples.
Fans will not have long to sit with the debate, either. The uniforms are set to debut Nov. 1 at home against the Vikings, and they will be worn only once this season, which only heightens the attention on a design that has already drawn comparisons to the Panthers. For a team trying to make every home detail feel intentional, this one is certain to spark plenty of opinions before kickoff even arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Jahmyr Gibbs Just Gave Lions Fans A Fresh NFL Snub Debate
The NFLs top 100 list has finally reached its top tier, and Jahmyr Gibbs landing at No. 9 gives Lions fans another reminder of how fast his star has risen. For a Detroit offense that has leaned on his explosiveness and versatility, seeing Gibbs placed ahead of some established names is bound to fuel plenty of conversation, especially with the rankings now shifting into the leagues most recognizable territory.
The rest of the top ten only sharpens the debate, with familiar stars such as Christian McCaffrey, Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett filling out the discussion around where Gibbs fits right now and where he might be headed next. The list also invites a broader look at how voters weighed production, reputation and upside, which is exactly the kind of exercise that keeps these rankings buzzing well after the reveal. [Read more 🡒]