Head Coach Dan Campbell announced in a presser ahead of Saturday’s rookie minicamp that the Lions will conduct joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts ahead of their pre-season week two matchup. Joint practices were something coach Campbell later admitted was a rookie mistake not scheduling them earlier into the season.
Joint practices are an excellent way for teams to get good reps throughout the week against other NFL schemes. These practices also give rookies a good first taste of NFL physicality and allow the coaching staff to see what they truly have with the talent on their roster.
There is typically a ton of chippiness in these practices, which makes for some good battles for many people fighting for roster spots.
It has yet to be announced if there will be other joint practice opponents, but the Colts possess a physical, power-run offense, with a versatile, stour defense which should help set the tone for the 2022 season.