Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6). Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Key Lions Defenders Leave Thursday Practice Early

Originally posted on Detroit Lions on SI
By John Maakaron | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 11:12 AM ET

The Detroit Lions saw the return of multiple defenders to practice on Thursday, but two key contributors are currently being evaluated for injuries.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold and linebacker Derrick Barnes both left practice early and are being evaluated for injuries. Arnold is being evaluated for a leg injury, while Barnes is being looked at for a hand injury.

Both Arnold and Barnes have had strong starts to camp, with Arnold reeling in a highlight-reel one-handed interception in Tuesday's practice.

On a brighter note, the Lions had two defensive linemen and a cornerback return to the mix. After exiting practice early on Tuesday, nose tackle Brodric Martin was back in action.

Martin was evaluated for a foot injury following his early exit on Tuesday, and while no further update was provided, he was able to return to action on Thursday. The Western Kentucky product is entering his third NFL season and is looking to make a significant impact amidst a loaded nose tackle rotation.

Meanwhile, defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver both practice for the first time this year on Thursday. Muhammad had been dealing with an undisclosed injury, while Thomas-Oliver was on the Non-Football/Injury list.

Muhammad played a big role for the defense last year following the injury to Aidan Hutchinson, recording 11 combined tackles and three sacks in nine games last year.

Thomas-Oliver, meanwhile, was a late-season addition to the practice squad that the team re-signed to a futures contract this offseason.

The cornerback was a seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and has appeared in 26 career games. He becomes the first Lions player to be activated off an injury list in 2025.

Detroit remained without linebacker Alex Anzalone, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury amidst his ongoing contract dispute. The Lions hosted linebacker Kyzir White for a visit on Wednesday.

This article first appeared on Detroit Lions on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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