Lions fans finally get a positive injury update on key defender

Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey sounds primed for a return to action sooner rather than later, according to comments made by head coach Dan Campbell ahead of the Lions' Tuesday session of training camp.

Campbell has had the displeasure of announcing several key injuries suffered either prior to the start of training camp or those happening during practices, with the biggest injury coming to DT Levi Onwuzurike. He'll be out for the year with a torn ACL, which means the Lions' defensive line depth just got a whole lot thinner.

Defense has been what's been hit hardest by injuries the last few months, with Onwuzurike just topping the list. Malcolm Rodriguez isn't expected back until at least October, according to Campbell, while Mekhi Wingo isn't expected to be ready for on field activities until September.

News about Dorsey's rehab was, therefore, sorely needed. Campbell told reporters that he's looking fast in practice on the sidelines, and that the last step for him in his rehab from his leg injury is just seeing how his knee responds to routes and changes in direction on the field in coverage.

Of all the defenders currently out with injuries for the Lions, Campbell said Dorsey is farthest along in his rehabilitation and can be expected to return by the end of camp.

That's great news for Detroit's cornerback depth, which is already enjoying health from Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold. Adding Dorsey back into the fold gives the Lions a lot more looks for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard in his scheming.

Dorsey finished up his 2025 season with the Lions with 14 tackles in 14 games played.

Lions injuries have seemingly leveled out

After the Lions' practice on Monday, two other injuries popped up on their report - injuries to Roy Lopez, an offensive lineman, and to Sione Vaki, a running back. However, both are expected to just miss a few days of practice according to Campbell, which is a big relief since the teams' IOL is starting to look shaky.

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The retirement of Frank Ragnow has set off a shockwave for the teams' offensive line depth, with them now having to rely on rookie Tate Ratledge to take over at center over the elite Ragnow. That means that Graham Glasgow, who was signed this offseason to potentially take over at center as well, will likely remain at guard in Ratledge's place.

So, potentially losing Lopez would have truly stung. But, it sounds like the injury bug that has been biting nearly everyone in Detroit is beginning to calm down.

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