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 Detroit Lions are turning over a new leaf on defense with Kelvin Sheppard taking over the defensive coordinator role from departed Aaron Glenn and a new cast of contributors ready to take on new challenges.

Alex Anzalone, who wants a new contract from Detroit Lions, took part in walk-through and individual drills Saturday for first time in training camp.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold left Detroit Lions practice on Thursday with a leg problem. But on Friday, the former Alabama defensive back returned to the field for the Lions’ first day in pads at training camp as he prepares for his second NFL season.

Hendon Hooker is putting together a strong case to be No.2 quarterback behind Jared Goff for the Detroit Lions. It sounds like the third-year signal-caller out of Tennessee had a fantastic practice on Saturday. According to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit, Hooker made the best throw of the day to Tom Kennedy for a touchdown.

Derrick Barnes, who left practice Thursday with a finger injury, will not miss any practice time, Lions coach Dan Campbell said