The Detroit Lions were back on the practice field on Thursday preparing for a Week 11 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Ford Field, and once again they were without Matthew Stafford.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Lions though as running back Ty Johnson and edge rusher Romeo Okwara were able to return to the field for limited practices.

Let’s take a closer look at what we know.

Thursday’s changes to the participation report

RB Ty Johnson (concussion) — upgraded to limited
DE Romeo Okwara (groin) — upgraded to limited
LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion) — upgraded to full
NT John Atkins (wrist) — upgraded to full
CB Darius Slay (neck) — downgraded to limited practice
S Will Harris (quad) — downgraded to limited practice
DT Damon Harrison (groin) — veteran rest day

Johnson getting back on the field is a step in the right direction for him clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol, but he’s not out of the woods yet. Johnson is in the later stages of the process, but doctors’ examinations and time may still be needed.

Okwara has been unable to practice for the last seven days, but a return to the field today suggests he has a chance to play this weekend. Tomorrow’s participation level will get us closer to knowing his game status but he may be headed to a game-time decision.

Like Johnson, Killebrew appears to be moving through the league’s concussion protocol. From an outside perspective, it appears as he only needs to pass an independent medical exam to be cleared for game day.

Atkins’ injury appears to only be minor as he has missed very little time because of it. He’s on track to play.

Slay was not on the injury report for one day, then suffered a neck injury that limited him today. He continues his season of injury and his status will be worth monitoring tomorrow.

Harris was also a full participant on Wednesday, then a quad injury limited him today. Mid-week injuries tend to be problematic, so this is another situation worth paying attention to tomorrow.

Harrison practiced in full yesterday and is getting his weekly rest day today, as is typical since injuring his groin. Expect him to be a limited or full participant on Friday and carry a questionable designation into the game.

Not Practicing Thursday

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)

Stafford missing another practice is not ideal but it’s also not surprising. At this time, there is no timetable for his return to game action.

Wagner not taking the field today suggests his status for this weekend’s game is very much in doubt, as passing the league concussion protocol will be difficult. If he is unable to play, Tyrell Crosby will continue to start at right tackle.

Hand and Walker continuing to miss practices indicate they may be long shots to play this Sunday. There’s still time, but these look like they are the type of long-term injuries that the Lions like to take their time with.

Limited

P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Martin is limited once again, but with no other punter on the roster, he appears on track to play.

Full participants

DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
WR Danny Amendola (hand)

Good news for all three participants here, as consistency here, equals progress.