Detroit Lions defensive end Anthony Lucas (61) walks off the field after practice during OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Detroit Lions minicamp turns heated as pplAnthony Lucas and Devin Cochran exchange blows during mandatory practice
The Detroit Lions’ first mandatory minicamp practice took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when multiple fights broke out between players, resulting in punches being thrown and coaches stepping in to restore order.
While scuffles are not uncommon during NFL training camp, seeing players exchange blows during a minicamp walkthrough is far more unusual. According to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit, tensions boiled over between reserve offensive tackle Devin Cochran and rookie defensive end Anthony Lucas during the Lions’ practice session.
Anthony Lucas and Devin Cochran Involved in Multiple Altercations
The first incident occurred during a walkthrough rep when Cochran and Lucas became entangled after the whistle. What started as pushing and shoving quickly escalated into a physical confrontation.
Reisman reported that both players exchanged punches before teammates and coaches intervened.
The tension didn’t end there. On the very next play, Lucas became involved in another confrontation with a different player. Cochran rushed over from across the field and once again joined the altercation, throwing what Reisman described as legitimate punches.
Coaches quickly stepped in to separate the players and temporarily removed both Lucas and Cochran from practice to allow emotions to cool down. Neither player was ejected from the session.
Lucas Continued Agitating Offensive Linemen
Even after returning to practice, Lucas appeared determined to maintain his aggressive approach.
According to Reisman, the rookie defensive end continued engaging in verbal exchanges with offensive linemen Giovanni Manu and Colby Sorsdal throughout the remainder of practice.
The intensity highlighted Lucas’ competitive nature as he fights to earn a roster spot heading into training camp.
Devin Cochran Downplays the Incident
Despite the heated exchanges, Cochran indicated after practice that there were no lingering issues between the two players.
Speaking with reporters, Cochran praised Lucas’ effort and competitiveness.
“61 is awesome,” Cochran said. “He pushes me every day. He pushes everybody. He’s probably the one guy we’ve got on this hit list. You’re always going to have one. Today it just got a little chippy, a little feisty, and we started throwing hands.”
Lions Coaches High on Anthony Lucas
Lucas joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft after a productive collegiate career at USC.
During his final season with the Trojans, Lucas recorded 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks while earning All-Big Ten recognition.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard recently praised Lucas’ game-changing ability.
“I turned on his junior film at USC against LSU, and he was a game wrecker,” Sheppard said.
What’s Next for the Detroit Lions?
As mandatory minicamp wrapped up this week, the Lions will soon shift their focus toward training camp, where competition for roster spots is expected to intensify.
If Day 1 of minicamp was any indication, Detroit’s players are already bringing training camp intensity months ahead of schedule.
