The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.
The Lions did not hold a practice on Monday, so yesterday’s injury report was a estimations only. Today, the Lions only slightly increased their practice level, holding a walkthrough.
With the Lions eliminating the physical aspect of the first two practices of the week, they are allowing their players to rest up and heal, but at the same time, it limits the full understanding of player’s abilities to overcome their injuries.
Keeping in mind that things could change between now and tomorrow’s report, let’s take a look at where things stand on Tuesday.
Missed practice
QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)
Maniacal efforts or not, Stafford doesn’t look like he is going to play this week.
Melvin, Agnew, and Hall being ruled out for a practice that was only a walkthrough is not a good sign for their status on Thursday.
If Melvin is unable to play it could mean more time for Amani Oruwariye at corner, while Agnew missing time means more Ty Johnson on kick returns. Hall would normally take over on punt return duties, but if he is also out, it likely means Danny Amendola will be back on punt return duties. Additionally, Hall’s absence may mean the Lions could be looking for a fourth wide receiver and that may mean the promotion of a practice squad player like Chris Lacy or Travis Fulgham.
Limited
QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion) — upgraded
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)
Driskel is still very sore but improving according to Patricia. Most expect him to play on Thursday, including Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano:
#Bears DC Chuck Pagano on the #Lions QB situation:
“We’re planning on Driskel going. I think we all know why he made the injury report.”
Says the scouts watched the entire #Lions game closely and feel confident Jeff Driskel will play.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) November 26, 2019
Flowers was upgraded on the injury report but is confirmed to still be in the NFL’s concussion protocol by coach Matt Patricia at his afternoon press conference. It’s unclear which stage he is currently at, but based on this designation he may be in the final stages. His status for Thursday is still very much an unknown but a full padded practice tomorrow would go a long way.
Hand and Walker have now had two practices where they were expected to be active (but limited) participants. This is a positive step in the right direction.
Hockenson is still dealing with a shoulder injury that popped up Saturday night but he managed to play last Sunday and expectations are he will see the field again on Thursday.
Harrison and Martin have been talking rest days for some time now, this isn’t overly concerning at this time.
Practiced in full
C Frank Ragnow (concussion) — upgraded
OL Kenny Wiggins (knee)
Ragnow is also still in concussion protocol, and with no contact during today’s practice, he likely was unable to pass the last few requirements. He will have a chance to do that tomorrow, which should help him continue moving through the process.
Wiggins was an expected full participant again, meaning the Lions are optimistic he will be available to play.