In addition to Mays, Detroit made a notable roster move in the form of acquiring defensive end Payton Turner on waivers. Turner, a former first-round pick for the New Orleans Saints, has carried a lengthy injury history throughout his NFL career. That background followed him to Detroit, where his stint with the Lions has been disrupted by health issues from the outset.
Turner’s time with Detroit has been short and injury-plagued. Training Camp did not present the hoped-for opportunity for him to showcase his talents, and updates from multiple sources on Thursday confirmed that Turner has been placed on the Reserve/Injured list, effectively ending his season with the Lions before it truly began.
Turner was selected 28th overall by the Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie season was hampered by a shoulder injury that placed him on injured reserve. In 2023, a turf toe injury in the season opener sidelined him for a substantial period, contributing to a disappointing stretch of availability. The Saints chose not to exercise Turner’s fifth-year option in 2024, and he spent the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys after signing a one-year deal. A subsequent injury again limited his participation and led to another stint on injured reserve.
Turner signed with the Lions in March on a one-year contract worth just over $1 million. When healthy, his production has included 50 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and a fumble recovery across his NFL career. Those numbers reflect his potential when he has been able to contribute, but the recurring injuries have significantly impacted his ability to maintain a consistent impact on the field.
The current Lions roster situation also places emphasis on how depth will be managed on the defensive line and across the entire unit as they prepare for the regular season. Injuries to Mays and Turner, among others, will require the coaching staff to adapt with players stepping up and others returning to health as the team continues to evaluate its options in the remaining preseason period.
As the team moves forward, attention will likely focus on how the offensive line can stabilize after Mays’ absence and how the defensive front can compensate for Turner’s unavailability. The Lions will be looking to maximize their depth, ensure quality reps in practice, and make the necessary evaluations to finalize the roster ahead of Week 1.
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, Detroit’s coaching staff will analyze film from the remaining preseason game and practice sessions to determine the best-fit roles for players on both sides of the ball. Health will be a critical factor, but so will the development of younger players and the continued integration of offseason acquisitions into the team’s system. The Lions’ path to a successful regular season will hinge on how quickly they can translate training camp evaluations into effective on-field performance, despite the ongoing injury challenges.
In summary, the Lions have faced a challenging preseason characterized by injuries to key contributors, including center Cade Mays and defensive end Payton Turner. Turner’s injury status has already impacted his tenure with Detroit, adding to the broader narrative of roster depth and the team’s readiness for the upcoming regular season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Detroit navigates these setbacks and culminates its preparation for the 2026 NFL campaign.
