Lions receive some relief in secondary with return of underrated piece

For the past two seasons, the Detroit Lions have had an All-Pro team on the field and subsequently on injured reserve. 2025 has proven to be no different as currently the Lions have placed 8 players on injured reserve as the regular season has yet to begin.

While Dan Campbell has done a great job of making the best out of a dire situation, the team did get some decent news Monday afternoon. The Lions will go into the final part of training camp with Khalil Dorsey activated and fully cleared to make his return back to the field.

Dorsey set to return to action for Lions

Dorsey returns to the field after an ankle injury ended his season last December. Dorsey was primarily used on the special teams specifically in the return game, however, he took additional reps on defense due to injuries.

Head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media about Dorsey's return:

“We’re going to start Khalil Dorsey, he’s going to start (practicing) today, We’ll start today, individual, group, some of that stuff. Hopefully, by the end of the week, we’ll get him worked into a few things. I don’t know if he’ll play (against the Texans) or not, but this is a step in the right direction.”

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The Lions have had to lean on players like D.J. Miller, Luq Barcoo, Rock Ya-Sin and Nick Whiteside in an effort to bridge the gap due to injuries. The Lions have placed cornerbacks Dicaprio Bootle and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on injured reserve in addition to safety and 2025 Draft pick Dan Jackson, leaving the Lions at a disadvantage in their secondary going forward.

In addition to the experience that Dorsey brings in the defensive backfield, he was one of the Lions' key pieces on special teams, specifically as a gunner. The Lions have been utilizing Rock Ya-Sin, Isaac TeSlaa, Dominic Lovett, and Jackson Meeks on special teams with Dorsey sidelined.

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