The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 offseason facing a sobering reality after a wave of injuries reshaped their roster throughout training camp and the 2025 NFL season. While optimism remains within the organization, the sheer number of key contributors lost to injury has made health a central storyline as Detroit looks to rebound and reset for the year ahead.
Offensively, tight end Sam LaPorta remains one of the biggest names to monitor. The former second-round pick saw his third NFL season derailed by a back injury suffered against Washington in Week 11. LaPorta said at season’s end that he has moved into the next phase of his rehabilitation, with expectations that he will be running by organized team activities and ready to return to padded practices by training camp.
The offensive line depth was also tested. Giovanni Manu was placed on injured reserve in October following meniscus surgery, ending his sophomore campaign. Although he practiced late in the season, he was not activated. Colby Sorsdal also missed the entire year after suffering a leg injury against the Atlanta Falcons, while veteran Jamarco Jones did not play in 2025 after tearing his Achilles in September.
Defensively, the injury toll was even more severe. Safety Kerby Joseph was placed on injured reserve on December 20 after struggling to fully rehab a knee injury. General manager Brad Holmes explained the delay was due to Joseph’s steady progress before a late setback, adding that the priority now is allowing him the proper time to recover without the urgency of returning during the season.
Perhaps the most devastating blow came in Week 14, when Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles against the Dallas Cowboys. The former second-round pick underwent surgery and faces an estimated recovery timeline of eight to 12 months. Levi Onwuzurike also missed the entire season after lingering knee pain revealed an ACL injury, discovered after he was re-signed on a one-year deal last offseason.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold endured a difficult second season, battling multiple issues before undergoing shoulder surgery following Detroit’s Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay. Despite the setbacks, the expectation is that Arnold will make a full recovery and be ready for the start of training camp, offering hope for stability in the secondary.
Several young defenders lost critical development time. Rookie Dan Jackson missed his entire first season due to a leg injury suffered early in training camp, while Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was sidelined all year by a shoulder injury. Veteran Amik Robertson voiced confidence in Rakestraw’s future, emphasizing his versatility and ability to reset the narrative with a strong offseason.
As the Lions look ahead to 2026, the focus shifts from setbacks to recovery timelines and roster implications. With multiple starters and depth pieces working through rehabilitation, Detroit’s offseason program will be defined by health evaluations and cautious optimism. How quickly these players return — and at what level — may ultimately determine whether the Lions can turn a season of attrition into a springboard for contention.
