The Detroit Lions’ search for Terrion Arnold’s replacement has taken an interesting turn, with Nick Whiteside making an early push during training camp. 

Lions reporter Dave Birkett named Nick Whiteside as a potential option to replace Terrion Arnold for Detroit. Whiteside made plays all over the field and finished with three pass breakups. He was primarily facing backup receivers while playing with the second- and third-team units, but the performance could help him earn a bigger role sooner rather than later.

"He had an impressive first practice while working with the second- and third-team defense, and he has a chance to ascend the depth chart this summer as the Lions figure out how to replace Terrion Arnold in their cornerback room," wrote the analyst.

Birkett’s comments followed the Lions’ decision to part ways with Terrion Arnold in June 2026. The cornerback was released after being arrested in Florida and charged with felonies related to an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping.

"My mindset is just still the same: come in and make sure I still do my routine, and I feel like everything else will follow," Whiteside said, sounding confident.

Whiteside earned a practice squad spot after a strong training camp last year despite joining the Lions late in the summer. 

During the 2025 season, he appeared in nine games and finished with three pass breakups and five tackles over 51 defensive snaps. He also stood out in the opening practice of this year’s training camp with two pass breakups and another pass knocked incomplete.

Whiteside's strong start to training camp has given him an early chance to fight for a bigger role as the Lions continue searching for Terrion Arnold's replacement.

As Whiteside impressed on the field, head coach Dan Campbell also addressed the Lions' plans for their cornerback group during training camp. 

Head coach Dan Campbell explains Lions’ cornerback plan during training camp

Speaking before the Lions' first training camp practice on July 29, 2026, head coach Dan Campbell said several defensive backs will be tested at multiple positions as the team looks for its best lineup. 

"All those guys have to be prepared to go outside. The guys we know will stay outside right now are Reed and Rock,” Campbell said in a Detroit Lions YouTube video. “Then, with those other guys, we need to see if they can do some things inside.” 

Campbell said Avieon Terrell, Roger McCreary and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. will all get opportunities at both outside cornerback and the nickel spot during training camp. D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin are the only cornerbacks expected to stay primarily on the outside.

However, Campbell also backed Ennis Rakestraw Jr., saying injuries have prevented the former second-round pick from showing everything he can do over his first two seasons. 

He added that Rakestraw has the footwork, change of direction and ball skills to play outside, while the team also wants to see how he performs in the slot. 

As training camp continues, the Lions will continue testing their cornerback group before settling on their best combination for the regular season. 

Do you think Nick Whiteside is the right replacement? Let us know your views in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar