The Detroit Lions are set to kick off training camp this week, with rookies reporting Wednesday in Allen Park, Michigan, and veterans scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

Detroit is among several teams beginning camp now, as they’ll take the field in a real game soon. The Lions face the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game on July 31.

There’s plenty of buzz around this year’s camp, as the Lions are built to contend again. Many fans believed last season was their best shot to finally reach the Super Bowl.

But injuries ultimately derailed those hopes, along with struggles on both sides of the ball. This year’s roster, however, appears better prepared to deal with injuries thanks to offseason moves.

The linebacker corps in particular was hit hard in 2024, with Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez all missing time. While Anzalone and Barnes are now healthy, Rodriguez is still recovering and might miss the opener.

To bolster their depth behind Anzalone, Detroit should keep former Lion David Long on their radar. He played five games for the team last season after being cut by the Dolphins on November 13, 2024.

The Lions added Long to their practice squad on November 18 and promoted him to the active roster on November 27.

In his five appearances, Long made one start, totaling seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. He logged 70 snaps on defense and 58 on special teams.

When he joined the team, head coach Dan Campbell praised Long’s intensity and ball-tracking instincts as key strengths.

Detroit waived Long on December 24, and he was claimed by the Titans the next day—but released two days later after failing a physical.

Now a free agent, Long remains unsigned as training camp nears. If Detroit’s coaches aren’t pleased with their linebacker depth, bringing him back could provide a dependable special teams and defensive contributor.