4 Detroit Lions placed on injury list prior to training camp

The Detroit Lions declared on Sunday that four players will be added to the injury list before the start of

training camp. Marcus Davenport, DJ Reader, and defensive back Brian Branch have all been added to

the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Giovanni Manu, a rookie offensive tackle, has been added to

the list of non-football injuries (NFI).

Given that Branch, Reader, and Davenport were all either limited or absent from spring workouts, it

should come as no surprise that they will all start on the PUP list. During the draft, Branch was confined

to a boot and scooter due to a foot injury. After suffering a torn quad last season, coach Dan Campbell

even hinted that Reader would miss some camp action. Davenport wasn’t there.

during spring drills following a majority 2023 absence due to a severe ankle strain.

Manu is a fascinating new member of the team. Although he didn’t seem to be limited in the spring, keep

in mind that an ailment classified as a “Non-Football Injury” suggests it happened either in college or

outside of a football environment.

It’s also critical to keep in mind that, despite being on injury lists, these players could withdraw at any

time. Before practicing with the team, players are frequently placed on the list for just a few days or

weeks. The Lions are not allowed to add any more players to the PUP or NFI lists after training camp

officially starts.

Teams have three alternatives if a player is still on the PUP or NFI list before the start of the regular

season: they can activate them, trade or release them, or put them on the reserve/PUP or NFI list.

Should the team decide to go with that last option, the player will be out for at least four games.

This list might get longer on Tuesday since some veterans still need to report.