Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell will miss rookie camp due to personal reasons.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell will be absent from this weekend’s rookie minicamp due to personal matters. He is anticipated to rejoin the team later this month.

The Lions will conduct three days of minicamp practice from Friday to Sunday at their Allen Park practice facility, catering to rookie draft picks, undrafted free agents, and a selection of first-year and tryout players.

Numerous Lions rookies expressed their enthusiasm about playing for Campbell this fall, citing positive interactions during their pre-draft visits to Detroit.

“Just strolling down the hallway, seeing all the historical figures on the wall and experiencing the incredible facility, but what really stood out to me was meeting head coach Dan Campbell and the GM,” shared offensive lineman Gio Manu. “Both of them are genuinely good guys. I resonate with their work ethic and everything they stand for. Overall, I loved my visit, and as I left, I remember telling myself, ‘I felt at home here and wouldn’t mind if these guys took a chance on me.’ And now, here I am, so it’s fantastic.”

In last month’s draft, the Lions made six picks. They traded up to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round, picked Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round, and added Manu, running back Sione Vaki, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, and offensive guard Christian Mahogany on Day 3.

Vaki compared Campbell to his coach at Utah, Kyle Whittingham, noting their similar emphasis on hard work. Rakestraw described his interactions with Campbell during pre-draft visits as among his favorites.

“I appreciated Coach Campbell’s philosophy and the coordinator’s approach to physicality,” Rakestraw commented. “I feel like that aligns with what I bring, so I saw it as a perfect fit.”

Following rookie minicamp, which includes meetings and non-padded practice sessions, the Lions have nine organized team activity practices scheduled for May 21-23, 29-31, and June 10-12, followed by a three-day mandatory minicamp from June 4-6.

Vaki has finalized his four-year rookie contract and is expected to sign with the Lions before Friday’s first practice.

Selected as the 132nd overall pick in the draft, Vaki’s contract is valued at a slotted amount of $4.67 million, as reported by Spotrac.

Traditionally, the Lions have signed the majority of their draft picks to contracts prior to the commencement of rookie minicamp. While all rookie contracts adhere to the current collective bargaining agreement’s slotting system, some negotiations over guaranteed money may prolong the finalization of certain deals.

During his two seasons at Utah, Vaki showcased his versatility by playing both safety and running back. However, he will embark on his NFL journey on offense and is expected to contribute significantly on special teams during the upcoming season. In the previous season, he amassed 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns.