Lions training camp injury news: Sione Vaki update, TE injuries mounting

Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, July 30, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

Another day of Detroit Lions practice brings another few additions to the injury list. Unfortunately, there weren’t any players returning from injury on Tuesday, but the news wasn’t all that bad for most players.

Let’s get into the latest Detroit Lions training camp injury news from Day 6 of practice.

Not practicing:

RB Jahmyr Gibbs ( not-injury related )

RB Sione Vaki (eye, broken nose)

TE Anthony Firkser (broken leg)

TE Miles Kitselman (leg)

WR Lawrence Keys (hamstring)

OT Giovanni Manu (NFI)

EDGE Derrick Moore (groin)

EDGE Payton Turner (back)

LB Jimmy Rolder (leg)

S Kerby Joseph (PUP, knee)

S Brian Branch (PUP, Achilles)

Vaki was originally reported to have gotten his eye poked during Monday’s practice, but the reality is a little worse. Campbell noted Tuesday that Vaki also broke his nose in a freak accident.

“Vaki yesterday got poked in the eye, broken nose. So, he’s going to be out for a little bit here. We’re hopeful vision should be okay in time,” Campbell said. “We’re not going to have him here today. Just going to let him kind of recover a little bit. So, we think he’ll be okay. He’s just going to need a minute here. It’s just one of those freak things. Somehow a hand gets through the face mask. It was unbelievable.”

Generally, the outlook sounds good for him.

Unfortunately, the news was much worse for tight end Anthony Firkser, who broke his fibula, according to Campbell. The Lions have already placed him on injured reserve. So unless the Lions release him with an injury settlement, his season is over just two days after joining the Lions.

In response to the injuries to Firkser and Kitselman, the Lions have signed Nick Muse and re-signed Zach Horton.

Per Campbell, Keys suffered a hamstring injury on Monday. Campbell called it “a little bit of a hammy,” which seems to suggest it’s relatively minor in nature.

Out, but working with trainers

G Ben Bartch (undisclosed)

TE Tyler Conklin (PUP, calf)

Bartch continues to sit out during both individual and team drills, while getting some work with trainers. It’s unclear what is currently keeping him out of practice, but he’ll need to return to the field soon if he wants to legitimately enter the left guard competition.

Conklin continues to work with trainers for nearly the entirety of practice. He appears to be nearing a return just in time, as Detroit’s tight end room is shorthanded.

Left practice early

LB Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle)

Rodriguez left the field toward the end of practice and the Lions officially listed him with an ankle injury. After practice was over, he returned to the field to be with family with his left ankle mildly taped and was walking on the ankle comfortably.

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