The heat came on for Day 2 of Detroit Lions training camp. A sunny, unusually muggy morning session saw the players take to the field to build upon a largely productive first day.
Once again, the players were just in helmets and shells, i.e. no full contact as mandated by the collective bargaining agreement. That will change for Friday’s morning session now that the Lions have had two 90-minute practices.
Here’s what I saw, heard and noted from the second day in Allen Park.
RBs in the passing game
My early focus in practice was on the running backs in a receiving drill. Technically multiple drills, some including coverage but mostly just working on catching the ball and polishing receiving skills.
As expected, D’Andre Swift stood out. His footwork on his routes is incredibly precise and he easily snatches the ball from the air. He made a shoestring grab on an intentionally low throw and kept his feet inbounds while pressed to the sideline.
Craig Reynolds also thrived in the passing game drills. Reynolds made an excellent over-the-shoulder catch on a well-thrown deep ball from Tim Boyle while never breaking stride. No. 46 has worked on his hands this offseason and it shows. Reynolds beautifully sold a screen pass fake that earned him some coaching praise, too.
The only drops came from Godwin Igwebuike and Greg Bell, one apiece. Jermar Jefferson twice failed to keep his feet inbounds on the sideline drill, earning a disappointing conversation with RB coach Duce Staley. Jefferson’s attention to detail has been an ongoing issue for the second-year RB.
Back to Swift. He absolutely torched the defense on a RB wheel route that saw him get three full steps on CB Will Harris in about 25 yards and the safety (Brady Breeze) unaware in over-the-top help. But Goff threw the ball to Josh Reynolds on an inside seam route, albeit one that was also pretty wide open.
Unfortunate injury
Undrafted rookie running back Greg Bell suffered the first injury of camp. Bell was running a swing route out of the backfield midway through practice when he yelped and instantly grasped at his upper left leg. It happened about 10 yards from me and Bell was in obvious pain from what looked like a hamstring injury.
Bell did not return to practice after being tended to by trainers. Head coach Dan Campbell came over to check on Bell.
A sign of the real nature of pro football: The drills continued with Bell lying on…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Lions Wire…