Lions' Chance to Win Division Improved on Day 1 of Training Camp

Bears and Vikings lose key players on defense to opt-outs on the first day of training camp.

John Maakaron | Jul 28, 2020

On Tuesday, members of the Detroit Lions' roster arrived for the start of training camp.

But, instead of running routes and getting on the practice field as a complete unit, players arrived at the team's Allen Park practice facility to undergo COVID-19 testing.

Players must produce three negative test results before even being allowed into the facility this weekend.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no member of the roster has opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about health and safety.

NFL players have been given the choice to opt out if they feel the risks of playing this season outweigh the benefits.

Based on the agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, players who opt out will secure a salary advance in the amount of $150,000.

Players can secure $350K if they are deemed a high risk to contract the virus.

In the NFC North, Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Michael Pierce announced their intention to opt out this season.

The losses are significant, and will certainly impact their respective defenses negatively.

As a result, Detroit's chances of success in the division took a step in the right direction on Day 1 of training camp.

ESPN NFL reporter and anchor Dianna Russini tweeted a bold prediction Tuesday that Detroit is going to win the NFC North this season.

Feeling dangerous at 10am.

Bills’ QB Josh Allen is going to put the Bills in contention for a Super Bowl

and

The Detroit Lions will win their division.

Bold predictions with my bold coffee. The End.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) July 28, 2020

Even though the action at the start of training camp will largely be away from the field, the news Tuesday was mostly positive from Detroit's practice facility.

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Published Jul 28, 2020

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!