Lions training camp injuries: Good news on Alim McNeill, Christian Izien

Aug 2, 2026; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) looks on during Detroit Lions training camp at Meijer Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Paul Barnick-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With the Detroit Lions taking the field for Day 4 of training camp on Sunday, it was another opportunity to get some updates on the health of their players. For the most part, it was good news—particularly when it comes to Alim McNeill and Christian Izien. The news is a little more mixed for Jimmy Rolder and a few other players.

Let’s break it all down below.

Returned to practice:

DT Alim McNeill (neck)

S Christian Izien (NFI, flu)

After leaving Friday’s practice early, McNeill was back on the field the next practice. He explained after practice that he had been kicked in the head on Friday and needed to go through evaluations. He’s fine.

As expected, Izien made his training camp debut on Sunday. After battling the flu to start camp, he is officially of the Non-Football Illness list and got some work with the first and second teams at both nickel and safety

Not practicing:

RB Jahmyr Gibbs ( not-injury related )

TE Tyler Conklin (PUP, calf)

OT Giovanni Manu (NFI)

G Ben Bartch (unknown)

EDGE Payton Turner (back)

LB Jimmy Rolder (leg)

S Kerby Joseph (PUP, knee)

S Brian Branch (PUP, Achilles)

It’s worth noting Jahmyr Gibbs was out on the field supporting his team as he continues his hold-in. This was the first time I’ve seen him out there with the team, but he avoided media after practice.

Tyler Conklin looks to be on the route toward returning, as he spent nearly all of practice working with a trainer in some high-intensity drills. Typically players get a week or so of on-field work before returning to practice, so don’t be surprised if it’s still another handful of practices before he re-enters the lineup.

Bartch has yet to get involved in any team drills as Detroit eases him back from a 2025 injury, but on Sunday he was only on the field briefly to get work with a trainer. Juice Scruggs took most of the first-team reps at left guard.

Rolder is expected to miss some time with the leg injury suffered in Friday’s practice. There were mixed reports on the severity of his injury , but it’s worth noting that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said he believes Rolder will contribute this season.

“I absolutely see him contributing at some point,” Sheppard said.

Appeared to be limited

RT Blake Miller (unknown)

Miller went through walkthroughs and individual drills, but he did not take any full-team reps and was not participating in 1-on-1s. At this point, it isn’t clear if that’s scheduled rest or Detroit being precautionary. Larry Borom and Miles Frazier split time at right tackle with the first-team offense for most of practice.

Left practice early

TE Milles Kitselman (leg)

EDGE Derrick Moore (groin)

The Lions provided official updates on both players after practice, simply saying they were being evaluated for injury after practice. I did not personally witness the injuries nor their exit from the field.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →