The Detroit Lions announced that starting guard Joe Dahl, reserve running back Bo Scarbrough, and reserve cornerback Mike Ford will return to practice on Wednesday.
Currently, their health is still being evaluated — the Lions have a 21-day window before they need to make a decision on their roster status — and they will remain on injured reserve for the time being.
Once healthy, all three players are eligible to return to the 53-man roster at any time, and if they are activated, a corresponding move will be required. If a player is not healthy, the Lions have the option to place them on season-ending injured reserve.
Getting Dahl back would be a big boost for the Lions offensive line, but it will also force the Lions to put a player who has been starting on the bench, and at this time it’s not clear who that would be.
If Dahl returns to his starting left guard spot, it will likely push rookie Jonah Jackson — who has been playing at a high level — back to right guard. If that happens, it will put Hal Vaitai in competition with Tyrell Crosby at right tackle and it at this point, Crosby has looked better through four games than Vaitai has looked through two — though Vaitai has been playing out of his natural position.
Coach Matt Patricia did not offer much insight on how this would play out at his morning press conference.
If Scarbrough returns, he will take on the Lions fourth running back role, but as we saw with Ty Johnson, that spot’s touches are few and far between. It’s worth noting that Kerryon Johnson was injured in Week 4 and we have not gotten an update on his availability, but if he is injured for multiple weeks, that will open up an opportunity for Scarbrough.
If Mike Ford is able to return he will be in direct competition with Chris Jones at corner depth and will give the Lions special teams a boost. Ford should hold the edge in his battle with Jones.
It’s worth noting that starting nickel corner Justin Coleman, who is also eligible to return from injured reserve, is apparently not ready to begin practicing at this time.