Lions Plan Group Defensive Back Workouts Amid Injuries
Lions Plan Group Defensive Back Workouts Amid Injuries
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Jordan Fuller has a direct connection to Lions general manager Brad Holmes: Holmes was the Rams’ director of college scouting when Los Angeles selected Fuller in the sixth round of the 2020 draft.
2
Fuller’s value extends beyond coverage: he has recorded a Pro Football Focus run-defense grade above 68 in every season of his career and has experience playing both near the line of scrimmage and as a deep safety.
3
Jalen Mills played 65 defensive snaps and 12 special-teams snaps during his three-game stint with Detroit last season; his broader NFL résumé includes 122 games and 92 starts.
4
The Lions’ early defensive problems have included explosive plays and communication breakdowns in the secondary, not merely a shortage of healthy players.
5
Coach Dan Campbell expressed concern about Avonte Maddox’s foot injury, saying, “I don’t know. Maddox is pretty tough, so when he doesn’t come back, that makes me nervous.”
The Detroit Lions are holding group workouts with veteran defensive backs Jordan Fuller and Jalen Mills as injuries and poor coverage have crippled their secondary early in the 2026 season. Through two weeks, Detroit has allowed 71 points and 310.5 passing yards per game, according to Sports Yahoo. Safety Avonte Maddox left the Week 2 loss to Buffalo with a foot injury that could sideline him for months.
The Lions are waiting for safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph to return from injury, but both are expected to miss at least several more weeks. Coach Dan Campbell expressed worry about Maddox, saying, 'I don't know. Maddox is pretty tough, so when he doesn't come back, that makes me nervous,' according to Heavy.
Fuller Brings Experience and Run Defense Strength
Jordan Fuller, a former Los Angeles Rams starter, has recorded seven career interceptions and offers the Lions proven safety depth. Fuller has a direct connection to Lions general manager Brad Holmes—Holmes was the Rams' director of college scouting when Los Angeles drafted Fuller in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. Beyond coverage skills, Fuller has graded above 68 in run defense in every season of his career, per Sports Yahoo.
Fuller's versatility is a major asset. He can play near the line of scrimmage or as a deep safety, giving Detroit flexibility in coverage schemes. However, injuries have limited him in recent seasons, raising questions about his durability during what could be an extended audition.
Mills Offers Temporary Depth After Brief Detroit Stint
Jalen Mills played 65 defensive snaps and 12 special-teams snaps during a three-game stint with Detroit last season, according to Lions Wire. His NFL résumé spans 122 games with 92 starts, though he has not been a major contributor in recent years. Mills could provide short-term coverage help while the Lions wait for their injured starters to return.
Secondary Struggles Go Beyond Missing Players
Detroit's defensive problems extend past injuries. The Lions have surrendered explosive plays and communication breakdowns in the secondary, not just a shortage of healthy bodies. Through two weeks, the secondary has allowed over 400 passing yards, according to Lions Wire. These coverage lapses suggest scheme or assignment issues beyond personnel gaps.
The Lions also signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald off the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad before their Week 3 home game against the Jets, according to SI.com. Fitzgerald, who joined Pittsburgh shortly before roster cutdown day, now joins a secondary in desperate need of reinforcement.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
23
Articles
76
Reach
99
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
