Lions edge Dolphins in joint practices

A clear look at which Lions and Dolphins players stood out during two days of joint practice.

8 winners, 3 losers from Lions vs. Dolphins joint practices

After two days of joint practices with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions starters logged more reps than in much of training camp, a sign that coaches value real-team reps for evaluation. On Day 2, Amon-Ra St. Brown remained a constant threat, repeatedly creating opportunities and helping the offense move the chains when the situation demanded. Detroit’s starting secondary also impressed, with D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin and Brian Branch limiting big plays and forcing_Tua Tagovailoa to rethink his options. The Lions’ edge rush remained disruptive as Aidan Hutchinson showed health and pressure, suggesting a continuation of last season’s development trajectory. Newcomer Gunner Britton earned praise with solid reps at right tackle, and Nick Whiteside stood out at cornerback with an interception and by stepping in with the starters when needed. Sione Vaki and Tate Ratledge contributed meaningful depth on the second unit, especially in the run game.

The practice also highlighted areas for improvement. The backup quarterbacks had limited opportunities and struggled in team situations, while injuries limited certain players, notably Giovanni Manu, narrowing the roster’s early evaluation window. The data from these two days provides useful signals but is not a definitive verdict on the 53-man roster. Coaches will weigh the performances against health and future preseason showings as the calendar moves toward the next evaluation point.

Joint practices expose the gaps and the gaps fill quickly when the tempo spikes. Detroit appears to be building depth behind its stars, with Britton, Whiteside and Vaki among those staking claims for meaningful roles. The dynamic between Goff and his top receivers continues to look promising, which could help the Lions manage a demanding schedule this season. Yet the flip side is clear: the backup QBs still need a stronger showing to earn consistent opportunities in games, and health will shape the final depth chart more than any two days of drills. These sessions underscore a broader trend in the league where teams use joint practices to push limits, gather competitive data, and accelerate development without the pressure of a full game. For Detroit, the challenge is translating practiced success into steady performance when the lights come on in preseason.

Highlights

The upcoming preseason will test whether these early impressions hold under game pressure.