Detroit Lions see defensive line surge and offensive line progress on Day 6 of training camp

The Detroit Lions extended Tuesday’s practice to about two hours, running individual drills, kickoffs, punt coverage, four 11-on-11 series and a full-team situational drill. Defensive linemen dominated the session, with starters showing early physicality during rushing drills. Alim McNeill recorded multiple tackles for loss and forced a pressure that led to a quarterback throwaway, while Tyler Lacy impressed with a tackle for loss on the first play and subsequent run stops.

"Alim is a great player," left guard Christian Mahogany said after practice. "He’s an All-Pro level player and it’s good to go against him every day." Coach Dan Campbell highlighted Lacy’s versatility, noting his ability to line up at both the 4i/5-technique and the 3-technique, describing him as "the perfect big end in base" and indicating the next step would be transitioning to nickel packages. On the offensive side, left guard Christian Mahogany continued to increase his snap count, rotating with Juice Scruggs but earning starter reps in drills and the situational series. Mahogany said he feels stronger and more confident, emphasizing the importance of continuity on the line and his fit within offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme. Injury updates included running back Sione Vaki missing time with a broken nose, tight end Anthony Firkser placed on injured reserve after a fibula fracture, and wide receiver Lawrence Keys sidelined with a hamstring issue. Defensive end Malcolm Rodriguez left early with an ankle concern but returned to the facility afterward. The running back group, coping with Gibbs’ holdout and Vaki’s injury, featured Isiah Pacheco showing increased burst, Jacob Saylors delivering two runs of more than ten yards, and Jabari Small receiving praise for his agility and special-teams contributions.