Lions vs Vikings: Initial injury report and medical analysis for Week 18

Lions vs Vikings: Initial injury report and medical analysis for Week 18

The Lions had no major surprises on the initial injury report which means two straight games with no significant injuries. The team is now in the process of adding players with Kalif Raymond and Alex Anzalone who should be ready soon.

The Vikings had a couple concerns coming out of last game in Pat Jones and Aaron Jones. Otherwise, their active roster is looking healthy.

(Abbreviations: UL=unlisted, NP=no practice, LP=limited practice, FP=full practice)

DETROIT LIONS

 

Alex Anzalone LB, forearm (LP)

Anzalone broke his forearm 6.5 weeks ago on November 17. Good news that his 21-day practice window opened today.

Being a veteran who has been with this team for four years, his mental game won’t be a limitation. It’s simply a matter of when he feels physically comfortable. Dan Campbell today stated: “Tomorrow is going to be a really big day for us to see where he’s at.”

Players have come back earlier than this with forearm fractures. Dallas Goedert last year was playing in 5 weeks with a protective splint. If Anzalone doesn’t play this Sunday, he’s almost certain to be ready for the playoffs.

 

Kalif Raymond WR, foot (FP)

Raymond has not played since November 24. He started his 21-day practice window last week which was immediately after his 4-week IR stint. That’s a sign he could be ready at any time. There is a very good chance he returns to action vs the Vikings.

 

David Montgomery RB, knee (NP)

Montgomery hurt his MCL and possibly more on December 15 which was 2.5 weeks ago. NP’s all this week would not be surprising. The hope is he will be back by the 2nd round of the playoffs which is in 2.5 weeks. He is not on IR thus can practice and play at any time.

Jack Campbell LB, rib (LP)

Campbell played 100% of the defensive snaps last game. I didn’t see any issue on my initial watch. A rib fracture is not out of the question but can be played through. The LP status suggests it’s nothing too serious, and he should be available Sunday night.

Amik Robertson CB, calf (LP)

Robertson played 100% of defensive snaps last game without sign of injury. The LP suggests it’s nothing major, and he should play vs the Vikings.

Emmanuel Moseley CB, illness (NP)

Moseley was active last game but did not log a single snap on defense or special teams. Hopefully, we see an upgrade in the next two days. He has yet to play a defensive snap all year.

Notables not on the report

Graham Glasgow had a knee issue last week.

Brian Branch appears to be playing through a right leg or calf issue over the past 3-4 weeks.

Penei Sewell left early for halftime vs the 49ers due to a thumb issue.

Amon-Ra St. Brown appeared to bang his left knee last game.

Jake Bates was seen massaging his left leg on the 49ers turf.

IR LIST STATUS UPDATE

Mid-Late playoff return is possible

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring 11/23 – Was eligible to return two weeks ago, but his 21-day practice window is still not open. This implies he is at least three weeks away.
  • Carlton Davis, jaw fracture 12/15 – Initial estimated recovery of six weeks would put him at the NFC championship game, but Dan Campbell stated two weeks ago: “It doesn’t look optimistic to get him back”. An unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture 10/13 – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl. Currently at 11.5 weeks post-injury, the bone is likely fully healed. He has posted videos regularly showing gradual progress in activity. There is still leg atrophy as expected. In 3rd year of 4-year rookie contract with 5th-year option. Expect an extension this coming offseason.

Not expected to return

  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – On December 18, Dan Campbell stated he was unlikely to return this season. Unrestricted free agent after this year.
  • Alim McNeill, right ACL – Expect his return around October-November of 2025. Signed an extension this past offseason through the 2028 season.
  • Khalil Dorsey, right ankle/leg fracture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL – Expect his return around October 2025. Next season will be the final year of his rookie contract.
  • Marcus Davenport, left elbow – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Kyle Peko, left pec rupture – Unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Mekhi Wingo, unspecified right knee – In 1st year of four-year rookie contract.

IR return count (7 of 10 used)

  • Lions have used 7 of 10 returns with Anzalone, Raymond, Brodric Martin, Moseley, Reeves-Maybin, and Ifeatu Melifonwu twice.
  • The last 3 will likely go to Rakestraw, Davis, and Hutchinson.
  • The Lions can use all 3 remaining returns in the playoffs if they choose.
  • During the regular season, the Lions can only use a max of 8 returns but that’s not an issue as Davis and Hutchinson won’t be ready until late playoffs.

 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Pat Jones DE, knee (NP)

Last game, video suggested a right MCL sprain which would make it difficult for him to be ready by Sunday

Jones has 7 sacks on the year so this could be a big loss for Vikings pass rush. He’s 3rd on the team in sacks behind Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5) and Jonathan Greenard (11).

Kamu Grugier-Hill LB, illness (NP)

Illnesses usually resolve in a couple days so there’s a good chance he’ll be available. He’s a backup who has not played a defensive snap the last two games.

Aaron Jones RB, quad (LP)

Jones had an issue with his right upper leg previously this year in week five. Last game, he had a wrap in a similar location which was reported as a quad contusion. There may be a mild soft tissue strain going on as well. Jones has not missed a game this year and that trend is very likely to continue.

He has had a very productive year with 1093 rushing yards (4.5 per carry) and 46 receptions for 378 yards.

Harrison Smith S, foot (LP)

This long-time starting safety played 100% of snaps last game. He’s probably playing vs the Lions.

CJ Ham FB, quad (LP)

Ham plays a lot on special teams and is a part-time player on offense. He has 5 catches and 2 carries this year.

Fabian Moreau CB, hip (LP)

Moreau has seen only limited action this year and has missed the last two games.

Josh Oliver TE, wrist (FP)

Oliver has 20 catches for 242 yards this year.