▶ Saturday marked the first practice of the year with fans in attendance, and per usual, there was a noticeable change in the energy. Supporters in attendance gave Lions owner Sheila Hamp a standing ovation when she arrived, and later started a chant for linebacker Alex Anzalone, who returned to practice amid a contract dispute with the team.

The Detroit Lions are turning over a new leaf on defense with Kelvin Sheppard taking over the defensive coordinator role from departed Aaron Glenn and a new cast of contributors ready to take on new challenges.

Pat O'Connor, a 7th-round pick by Detroit Lions in 2017 out of Eastern Michigan, said he wants to finish his career with the team that drafted him.

McGrone was drafted by the New England Patriots and spent most of his first season on the injured list for the team. He was sent to the team's practice squad prior to his second year, and the Colts scooped him up in December of that year. Since the 2022 season, he has solely been with the Colts' organization in some capacity.

Hendon Hooker is putting together a strong case to be No.2 quarterback behind Jared Goff for the Detroit Lions. It sounds like the third-year signal-caller out of Tennessee had a fantastic practice on Saturday. According to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit, Hooker made the best throw of the day to Tom Kennedy for a touchdown.

Derrick Barnes, who left practice Thursday with a finger injury, will not miss any practice time, Lions coach Dan Campbell said

Cornerback Terrion Arnold left Detroit Lions practice on Thursday with a leg problem. But on Friday, the former Alabama defensive back returned to the field for the Lions’ first day in pads at training camp as he prepares for his second NFL season.

Detroit Lions Pro Bowlers Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown are doing everything they can for the team to have another successful season in 2025.