Ford Field scheduling conflicts with Chris Brown's concert series prevent the team from hosting the popular open practice that drew 18,000 fans in 2022.

Pat O'Connor, a 7th-round pick by Detroit Lions in 2017 out of Eastern Michigan, said he wants to finish his career with the team that drafted him.

▶ Saturday marked the first practice of the year with fans in attendance, and per usual, there was a noticeable change in the energy. Supporters in attendance gave Lions owner Sheila Hamp a standing ovation when she arrived, and later started a chant for linebacker Alex Anzalone, who returned to practice amid a contract dispute with the team.

The Lions were missing Joseph on Saturday, but got Anzalone, Williams, Muhammad, Rakestraw and Lopez back in practice.

The Lions are counting on Aidan Hutchinson immediately returning to form following last year’s season-ending leg fracture. So far, so good, according to quarterback Jared Goff.

Outstanding Bath and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell will want to finish his greatest ever season with a Lions series clean sweep against Australia in Sydney, writes Tom English.

Lopez has missed the past few practices. According to head coach Dan Campbell, the defensive tackle was stepped on during practice, and the cleat twisted on top of his foot. While Campbell didn’t offer a timeline for his return, Lopez told MLive that he’s fine and the injury isn’t serious.