Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown and outlook from Dr. Liao

For the Lions, the only starter I’m expecting to be out is Alex Anzalone. Otherwise, the Lions are healthy heading into Arizona.

The Cardinals started the week with a tiny injury report but had two players suffer new hamstring injuries during the week that could impact the game.

DETROIT LIONS

See my postgame report for videos of injuries to Anzalone, St. Brown, and Arnold.

Alex Anzalone (NP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE concussion, LB

The 2x LP to finish the week gives him a chance. But I’m guessing he and the Lions play it safe instead of trying to rush through the concussion protocol. If he’s out, his excellent speed will be missed as the Lions try to contain Kyler Murray.

Graham Glasgow (NP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE knee, OG

After playing 100% of snaps last game vs the Bucs with no obvious signs of knee injury on video, Glasgow’s knee was a surprise listing. We don’t know the diagnosis but Dan Campbell said Friday, “he’s good… no issues.”, thus expect him to be in.

Terrion Arnold (NP NP LP) illness, CB

A “stomach bug,” in medical terms, is likely an infectious gastroenteritis that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It typically resolves without any special treatment such as antibiotics. In rare cases, similar symptoms can be due to appendicitis, so glad that’s not the problem here.

With gastroenteritis, dehydration is common, so Arnold will need to make sure he is staying well-hydrated as he heads into the dry desert. I’m currently in Arizona, where the daytime temperatures are a toasty 90-100 degrees, although the climate will be significantly more reasonable in the hotel and stadium.

The finger was confirmed to be a simple dislocation. Sometimes, dislocations can result in fractures or other complications that require surgery, so good he avoided that.

A simple dislocation typically heals within 3-6 weeks and can be protected with a splint or buddy tape while healing.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (FP FP FP) IN quad, WR

He had a definite left thigh contusion last game and possibly a mild muscle strain as well. With 3x FP, there is minimal concern of an aggravation.

Ennis Rakestraw (NP NP NP) OUT hamstring, CB

Rakestraw hurt his hamstring in pregame warm-ups before the Bucs game. With 3x NP, there is concern for a more severe strain. Whether he goes on IR or not this weekend will tell us a lot.

Marcus Davenport (FP FP FP) IN groin, DE

Good that the groin issue was nothing serious. Groin issues are often due to simple muscle strains.

Kerby Joseph (LP FP FP) IN back, S

Nice to see Joseph’s hamstring from last week never popped back up.

Isaiah Williams (LP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE abdomen, WR

Williams was out with an ab last week and it’s a good sign he got 3x LP this week. He’s likely an inactive not just because of the injury but because all the receivers ahead of him are healthy and Tim Patrick looked good last game.

Ifeatu Melifonwu (NP NP NP) OUT ankle, S

Hurt likely during the 2nd preseason game, Dan Campbell on Friday said he’s “progressing”. Having an entire week of NP suggests that he’s still not that close, though.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kelvin Beachum ( — LP NP) QUESTIONABLE hamstring, OT

This new hamstring injury during the week could be a major factor on Sunday. The NP on Friday likely means he’s out for the game.

Already without starting RT Jonah Williams, the Cardinals may be playing their 3rd-string RT. Another chance for Aidan Hutchinson to have a monster day.

Greg Dortch ( — — LP) Questionable hamstring, WR

This is the other hamstring that popped up during the week. Dortch has been a productive player this year with eight catches for 58 yards.

Dante Stills (LP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE shoulder, DT

Stills played 40% of snaps in Week 1 but missed Week 2.

Will Hernandez (FP FP FP) IN ankle, G
Xavier Weaver (FP FP FP) IN oblique, WR
Xavier Thomas ( — NP FP) IN non-injury-related, LB

Notables Unlisted

Jonah Williams RT starter on IR
Darius Robinson DE 1st round rookie on IR
Zay Jones WR suspended
BJ Ojulari DE on IR
Elijah Jones CB 3rd round rookie on IR
Kyler Murray was listed with a knee last week but is off the report this week. Whatever knee issue he had certainly didn’t limit him last Sunday.