It’s essential for our readers to understand that when a player is placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list or the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, there is often no need for alarm. These situations can be temporary, sometimes lasting just a matter of days. In fact, for four players from the Detroit Lions this year, their time on the list was remarkably brief, lasting only a few hours before they were cleared.

On Wednesday morning, the Lions designated four players—Tre’Quan Smith, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Carlton Davis, and Amik Robertson—to the NFI list. However, by the end of the business day, all four athletes had successfully passed their physical examinations and were removed from the list. This quick turnaround means they are now eligible to return to practice as soon as the team’s second training camp session on Thursday morning.

Following the Lions’ swift action to clear three players from the injury list on Wednesday, only one player remains sidelined from practice: defensive tackle DJ Reader. He is still on the PUP list, a status that was anticipated as he continues his recovery from a torn quad sustained late in the 2023 season. Coach Dan Campbell had previously informed the media during spring training that it was likely to take some time for Reader to be fully fit by the start of training camp.

“I would say Reader is probably the one that’s going to take a minute,” Campbell stated in June, indicating the cautious approach being taken with Reader’s rehabilitation process.

As a result, the Lions are set to navigate the first week of training camp with nearly full participation, aligning with Campbell’s expectations voiced over a month ago. This positive turnout is crucial for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

For comprehensive insights into participation rates and everything that transpired during the opening practice of training camp, be sure to check out our detailed Day 1 observations for the Detroit Lions.