The Detroit Lions are hoping for a much healthier third season for cornerback Terrion Arnold this year. That will start with Arnold getting back on the field this summer.
The 23-year-old told The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett that he “expects” to be ready to return for training camp in July.
“As far as OTAs and stuff, I don’t know about that. That’s kind of up to them and just where I’m at with my recovery and my treatment and stuff,” he said during a Dave & Buster’s charity appearance. “But as far as training camp and stuff, I know I’m expected to be there.”
Arnold only played eight games during 2025. He dealt with a concussion and a shoulder injury that led to season-ending surgery.
In his eight games, Arnold posted 31 combined tackles with eight pass defenses and one interception.
Lions’ Terrion Arnold Set to Return for 2026 Training Camp
The Lions will officially begin their team organized offseason workouts on May 27. It doesn’t sound as though Arnold will be ready for that or mandatory minicamp. The Lions will hold that minicamp from June 16-17.
But barring something unforeseen happening, Arnold will be on the field at training camp.
Getting Arnold back and fully practicing this summer before the season should provide the Lions a significant boost. The Lions drafted Arnold in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the full intention of him becoming the team’s top cornerback.
The young corner explained to Birkett that he felt he was on his way to becoming that before the injuries sidelined him last fall.
“Before I got hurt I was getting in my groove, figuring things out,” Arnold said. “Started playing my best ball and then just dealing with that injury, nagging it, so I’m just excited to see where I’ll be at with not having any injuries and just really looking forward to being out there with my team.”
Lions training camp will begin on Saturday, July 26.
Other Lions Defensive Backs Recovering From Injuries
Ideally, Arnold won’t be the only third-year cornerback coming back from injury to make a major impact for the Lions this season.
2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. will enter this summer also healthy. Rakestraw sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in August last year. He missed the entire 2025 campaign.
Rakestraw also only played eight games as a rookie because of injuries during 2024. But the 23-year-old cornerback has been healthy since March.
During 2025, injuries also hurt the Lions at safety. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are recovering from ailments this offseason as well.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes didn’t provide a lot of details. But Holmes shared with the media following the draft that both safeties are doing well in their rehab.
“I think they’re both heading in the right direction,” said Holmes.
Joseph missed most of 2025 because of knee injury. Branch ruptured his right Achilles tendon during Week 14.
The Lions didn’t select a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pundits have taken that as an indication Branch and Joseph could both be ready for Week 1.
In the fifth round, Detroit selected cornerback Keith Abney II. The rookie will try to earn a role behind Arnold while Rakestraw could compete for snaps as the team’s starting slot cornerback this fall.
Lions Get Positive Injury Update on CB Terrion Arnold