Tag: Darryl Roberts

Detroit Lions Week 15 injury report: Matthew Stafford, Frank Ragnow, Kenny Golladay not practicing Wednesday

Examining the Detroit Lions Wednesday injury report as they prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 of the 2020 season.

The Detroit Lions (5-8) are taking on the Tennessee Titans (9-4) in Week 15, and like most weeks near the end of the season, Wednesday’s practice was a mixed bag of positive and negative results.

Frank Ragnow surprisingly showed up with a horrific injury, while Matthew Stafford and Da’Shawn Hand were downgraded with new injuries after last week’s game.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ full injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

Injured reserve

Vaitai has begun practicing this week, and with several injuries on the offensive line, his return can’t come soon enough.

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Rib/Right Thumb No Practice
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice
Jason Cabinda Illness No Practice
Frank Ragnow Throat No Practice
Tyrell Crosby Ankle No Practice
Da’Shawn Hand Ankle No Practice
Darryl Roberts Hip No Practice

Stafford reportedly suffered a rib cartilage injury on Sunday, and while things are not off to a great start on Wednesday, Interim coach Darrell Bevell isn’t ruling him out from playing this week: “I’m totally comfortable with him not practicing and playing in the game, I’ve seen him do it.”

“I’m not counting myself out,” Stafford said of his status for the weekend.

As The Athletic’s Chris Burke pointed out, this is day 45 of being out for Golladay, and while reports continue to be very positive on his recovery, his inability to get on the field is concerning.

Ragnow suffered an unimaginable fractured throat — technically called a Laryngeal Fracture — last Sunday and his status is still being determined by doctors. He seems very vulnerable to miss this week’s game and if he does the Lions will likely turn to former starting guard Joe Dahl, currently starting guard Jonah Jackson, or look to promote a practice squad center in either Marcus Martin or Evan Brown.

Crosby being unavailable further complicates things for the Lions’ offensive line. If Crosby misses another game, and Vaitai is unable to return from injured reserve, the Lions will once again lean on Matt Nelson to start and may have to sign protected practice squader Dan Skipper to give them at least one healthy reserve tackle.

Hand only saw 30-percent of the Lions defensive snaps last Sunday and it’s worth noting that he no longer has a groin injury but is being listed as having an ankle injury. He was not identified as having an injury issue during the game, so it’s unclear when this happened.

Roberts went down in last week’s game and was not able to return. With Okudah also unavailable, the Lions only have three healthy corners, Amani Oruwariye, Justin Coleman, and Mike Ford.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Adrian Peterson Forearm Limited Practice
John Penisini Shoulder Limited Practice
Austin Bryant Thigh Limited Practice
Tracy Walker Shoulder Limited Practice

Peterson and Walker were not tabbed as being injured during the game, so hopefully, these are not significant injuries and just management.

Penisini and Bryant were able to play through their injuries last week, so limited practice is a good sign for their availability for this weekend’s game.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
C.J. Moore Ankle Full Practice

Despite getting in limited practices, Moore missed last week’s game with an ankle injury and was replaced on special teams by Bobby Price. A full practice is a very positive sign for his availability this week.

Titans’ Report

Lions activate Darryl Roberts from IR, sign Frank Herron, and release Marvin Hall, Isaac Nauta

The Detroit Lions have activated CB Darryl Roberts from IR, signed DT Frank Herron, and released WR Marvin Hall, TE Isaac Nauta on Saturday.

The Detroit Lions announced a series of roster moves Saturday, activating cornerback Darryl Roberts from injured reserve, re-signing defensive tackle Frank Herron (who was previously on the practice squad), confirming the previously reported release of wide receiver Marvin Hall as well as releasing tight end Isaac Nauta.

Additionally, the Lions have elevated undrafted rookie safety Bobby Price to the active roster for Week 13. Assuming he is active — if only for special teams purposes — Price will be making his NFL debut on Sunday.

Roberts was injured in the Lions’ Week 8 game versus the Indianapolis Colts, was placed on injured reserve, and began practicing this week. During his seven games played in 2020, Roberts started one game — Week 4 versus the New Orleans Saints — accounted for 20 tackles, one interception, and three pass breakups.

Capable of playing in the slot and on the outside, Roberts is returning to the field at just the right time, as the Lions lost Desmond Trufant to IR earlier in the week and Jeff Okudah was ruled OUT on Friday.

The Lions will enter this game with Amani Oruwariye and Justin Coleman starting, but when they shift to a base nickel, it will likely be Roberts who takes the field. Mike Ford — who recently cleared concussion protocols — will likely act as the Lions’ fourth option.

Herron has been on the Lions practice squad most of the season but was elevated to the active roster twice in Weeks 10 and 11. Having exhausted his elevation eligibility, the only way the Lions could get him back on the field this season was to sign him to the active roster.

With Danny Shelton placed on IR earlier in the week, and Da’Shawn Hand ruled OUT on Friday the Lions need Herron for depth, despite also signing Kevin Strong to the active roster earlier in the week.

The Lions will likely start Nick Williams at the 3T and John Penisini at nose tackle, with Herron and Strong backing up both spots.

Last night, it was reported that the Lions were planning on releasing Hall in order to make room for younger players on the roster and that likely means more playing time for Quintez Cephus — potentially even a starting role while Kenny Golladay remains out.

Nauta is being released in favor of Hunter Bryant for the second time this season, the other happening at roster cutdowns. With other areas of the roster needing attention, the Lions could not afford to keep a fourth tight end at this time and the team clearly prefers the talented undrafted rookie as the third option.

Price being elevated likely covers the Lions in two areas. First, he’s a highly athletic young player they will get a chance to get an extended look at in order to determine his long-term potential. Second, he will give the Lions special teams depth as safety, as Tracy Walker is questionable for this game. Walker’s wife Bella just delivered the couple’s first child, and Lions historically allow their player’s paternity leave.

Lions activate TE Hunter Bryant from I.R., sign DT Kevin Strong to active roster

The Detroit Lions announced that they have activated rookie tight end Hunter Bryant from injured reserve and signed defensive tackle Kevin Strong to the active roster.

The Detroit Lions made a series of roster moves on Wednesday, including placing defensive tackle Danny Shelton and cornerback Desmond Trufant on injured reserve.

That transaction opened up two spots on the active roster and in a corresponding move, the Lions activated rookie tight end Hunter Bryant from injured reserve and signed defensive tackle Kevin Strong off of the practice squad.

Strong was just re-signed to the practice squad yesterday, but after spending the majority of the last 18 months on the roster, he is very familiar with the Lions defensive scheme and should be an immediate contributor.

While switching out Shelton for Strong seems like a one-to-one swap, they play at different spots on the defensive line, with Shelton splitting time between the nose and 3T, while Strong is a 3T, with range to play at defensive end in big sets.

Instead, expect sixth-round rookie nose tackle John Penisini to be injected into the starting lineup.

Bryant was a favorite target of Matthew Stafford in training camp and that relationship, along with above-average athleticism, will give him a shot to contribute right away, if healthy.

Bryant’s health is still a bit in question, as he has not seen the field this season, and this promotion could have come, not because he was healthy, but because his 21-day evaluation window was coming to a close. Meaning if the Lions wanted to play him at some point this season, he needed to be placed on the active roster this week.

Like Bryant, Julian Okwara and Darryl Roberts have completed their stints on injured reserve. While Bryant began practicing three weeks ago, Okwara and Roberts are just beginning to practice today which will start the clock on their 21-day evaluation period.

One final housekeeping note, the promotion of Strong to the active roster opened up a spot on the practice squad and that was filled by cornerback Alex Meyers. Undrafted in 2019, Meyers spent his rookie season on the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad before being released earlier this year.

Detroit Lions Week 10 injury report: T.J. Hockenson, Jarrad Davis miss practice on Thursday

Examining the Detroit Lions Thursday injury report for Week 10 as they prepare to take on the Washington Football Team.

Examining the Detroit Lions (3-5) Thursday injury report for Week 10 as they prepare to take on the Washington Football Team (2-6). Overall the team’s health improved significantly since yesterday, except for the fact that T.J. Hockenson and Jarrad Davis were added.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ full injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

Injured reserve

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice No Practice
T.J. Hockenson Toe Not Listed No Practice

Hockenson being added to the injury report after practicing in full on Wednesday indicates this is a recent injury, with the severity unknown at this time. Mid-week additions are typically bad news for Sunday — which would make matters even worse for the Lions, as they are expected to also be missing Golladay — but we won’t know how significant this is until tomorrow.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Jamal Agnew Ribs Limited Practice Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice Limited Practice
Joe Dahl Back Limited Practice Limited Practice
Nick Williams Shoulder No Practice Limited Practice
Jarrad Davis Knee Not Listed Limited Practice
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
Jayron Kearse Ankle Limited Practice Limited Practice

Davis, like Hockenson,  moving from a full practice to a limited practice indicates he was injured in practice this week, and like Hockenson his status for Sunday is in question. With Davis being limited today, it either means he was injured on Wednesday and is getting rest today, or he was injured today and couldn’t finish practice — the latter of which would be worse.

Vaitai and Williams were upgraded from no practice on Wednesday to limited on Thursday, pointing to them seeing improvement in their injuries or that they are not as significant as originally anticipated.

Agnew, Dahl, Jones, and Kearse have got in back-to-back limited practices, which is encouraging, especially for Agnew and Dahl who missed last week’s game.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Neck Full Practice Full Practice
Tyrell Crosby Ankle Limited Practice Full Practice
Everson Griffen Non-injury No Practice Full Practice
Danny Shelton Chest Limited Practice Full Practice
Jeff Okudah Ankle/Groin Limited Practice Full Practice
Mike Ford Hip Limited Practice Full Practice
Tracy Walker Foot Limited Practice Full Practice

Of the original 14 players listed on this week’s injury report, half of them are already getting in full practices. That’s a good sign for this team’s overall health, especially considering five of them are starters.

Washington Report

Detroit Lions Wednesday Week 10 injury report: Kenny Golladay continues to miss practice

Examining the Detroit Lions Wednesday injury report as they prepare for a Week 10 matchup with the Washington Football Team.

The Detroit Lions (3-5) are preparing for a Week 10 matchup with the Washington Football Team and they have 14 players listed on this week’s Wednesday injury report, including 10 starters.

The most notable name is, of course, Matthew Stafford but he got in full practice and looks on track to play. While the most worrisome name is Kenny Golladay, who continues to miss practice and could miss another week.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ full injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

Injured reserve

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice
Nick Williams Shoulder No Practice
Everson Griffen Non-injury No Practice

Golladay is expected to be out sometimes and his absence today was expected.

Vaitai left the game in the second half after re-aggravating his ankle injury. No practice on Wednesday could be a rest strategy on a lingering injury, but it could also be a problem. Of he can’t start this week, expect Tyrell Crosby (RT) and Joe Dahl (RG) to get the nod — though both are also banged up and limited this week.

Williams’ shoulder injury is likely a big factor in the Lions decision to protect Frank Herron on the practice squad this week. The last time Williams missed a game — Week 2 — it was Kevin Strong who was promoted in his place. But with Strong released today, it’s another solid indicator Herron could be a Saturday call up if Williams can’t go.

Griffen missed this practice with a non-injury, which typically doesn’t impact a player’s availability for the game.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Jamal Agnew Ribs Limited Practice
Tyrell Crosby Ankle Limited Practice
Joe Dahl Back Limited Practice
Danny Shelton Chest Limited Practice
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice
Jeff Okudah Ankle/Groin Limited Practice
Mike Ford Hip Limited Practice
Tracy Walker Foot Limited Practice
Jayron Kearse Ankle Limited Practice

Agnew did not practice or play last week, so a limited return is a big step in the right direction.

With Vaitai injured, the Lions could really use Crosby and Dahl to be available to start. Crosby played 100-percent of snaps last week, so he seems to be in good shape at this time, while Dahl missed last week’s game with his back injury, so his status is a little more vulnerable. If Dahl can’t go, Oday Aboushi is the next man up.

Shelton played a significant amount of snaps last week and didn’t look limited. He also looks in good shape to contribute on Sunday.

Jones has been dealing with his knee injury for almost a month now, and while he continues to get limited reps during the week, he plays a full game without issue. Expect the same.

Okudah was injured and left last week’s game early. Dealing with two injuries is not ideal, but it’s also something that’s possible to overcome if they aren’t too significant. Unfortunately, we won’t know how significant until later this week.

Ford has been relegated to special teams duties, but he took over a starting gunner role last week with Agnew out. Now that the Lions have placed McRae on IR, Ford could be an important factor at the gunner spot moving forward.

Walker didn’t get in a single practice rep last week, so like with Agnew, this is a big step in the right direction. Kearse, who took over Walker’s starting role last week, played on all but two defensive snaps, so like Crosby and Shelton above, there’s not a lot to worry about at this juncture.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Neck Full Practice

First a COVID-19 scare, then a concussion evaluation, and now a neck injury — it’s been a rough week for Stafford.

A full practice is a strong indicator there isn’t much to worry about, but whenever the starting QB shows up on the injury report, it’s worth taking note.

Washington Report

Detroit Lions Week 9: Comprehensive depth chart

A comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions depth chart as they take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 of the 2020 season.

In this comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions roster, we will be examining not only the positional depth chart but also looking at who coaches will turn to in specific situations, including who will step up in case of injury.

Here’s a look at the Lions depth chart as they take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 of the 2020 season.

Note: Starters will be listed in BOLD and you will see some players listed more than once as they have multiple roles.

Quarterback

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Running back

Third Down back

  • Kerryon Johnson (33)
  • D’Andre Swift (32)

Fullback

  • Jason Cabinda (45)

Wide receiver

  • Kenny Golladay (19) — Ruled OUT
  • Marvin Jones Jr. (11)
  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Jamal Agnew (39) — Ruled OUT
  • Marvin Hall (17)
  • Quintez Cephus (87)

Slot receiver

  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Quintez Cephus (87)

Tight end

Expected starting offensive line

  • LT — Taylor Decker (68) — No injury designation
  • LG — Jonah Jackson (73)
  • C — Frank Ragnow (77)
  • RG — Hal Vaitai (72) — Questionable
  • RT — Tyrell Crosby (65)

Reserve offensive line

  • LT – Tyrell Crosby (65), Matt Nelson (67)
  • LG – Oday Aboushi (76), Logan Stenberg (61), Matt Nelson (67)
  • C – Jonah Jackson (73), Marcus Martin (60) — elevated for Week 9
  • RG – Oday Aboushi (76), Logan Stenberg (61), Matt Nelson (67)
  • RT – Hal Vaitai (72), Matt Nelson (67)
  • NOTE: Joe Dahl (66) — Downgraded to OUT

Interior defensive line

  • Danny Shelton (71), NT — No injury designation
  • Nick Williams (97), DT
  • Da’Shawn Hand (93), Big DE, DT
  • John Penisini (91), NT

EDGE Rushers

Off-the-ball linebacker

  • Jamie Collins (58), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Jahlani Tavai (51), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Christian Jones (52), JACK, WILL — Questionable
  • Reggie Ragland (59), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44), MIKE, WILL
  • Miles Killebrew (35), Hang

Cornerback

  • Desmond Trufant (23) — No injury designation
  • Amani Oruwariye (24)
  • Jeff Okudah (30)
  • Justin Coleman (27)
  • Mike Ford (38)
  • Tony McRae (34)
  • NOTE: Darryl Roberts (29) — has been placed on IR

Slot cornerback

  • Justin Coleman (27)
  • Tony McRae (34)

Safety

  • Duron Harmon (26), Single-high, Slot, JOKER
  • Tracy Walker (21), JOKER, Single-high, Slot — Ruled OUT
  • Jayron Kearse (42), Slot, JOKER
  • Will Harris (25), Slot, JOKER
  • C.J. Moore (49), Single-high, Slot
  • Miles Killebrew (35), JOKER, Slot

Third-safety

  • Will Harris (25)
  • C.J. Moore (49)

Kicking team

  • Matt Prater (5) — placekicker
  • Jack Fox (3) — punter, holder, kickoffs
  • Don Muhlbach (48) — long snapper

Kick returns

  • Jamal Agnew (39) — kick returner and punt returner — Ruled OUT
  • Danny Amendola (80) — reserve punt returner
  • Marvin Hall (17) — reserve kick returner

Kick coverage

  • Tony McRae (34) — gunner
  • Jamal Agnew (39) — gunner — Ruled OUT
  • Miles Killebrew (35) — five-phase specialist
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
  • Jason Cabinda (53) — five-phase specialist
  • Will Harris (25) –five-phase specialist
  • C.J. Moore (49) — Personal Protector (PP)

Teams final injury reports

Injured reserve/PUP list

Austin Bryant activated from PUP, Darryl Roberts placed on IR

The Detroit Lions announced that they have activated EDGE Austin Bryant from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and placed corner Darryl Roberts on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

The Detroit Lions announced that they have activated EDGE Austin Bryant from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and placed corner Darryl Roberts on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Bryant has been on and off various injury reports since he was drafted in 2019, only playing in the final four games of his rookie season. He has yet to see game action in 2020 but he began practicing two-and-a-half weeks ago and is finally healthy enough to return to the active roster.

With Trey Flowers landing on injured reserve and newly acquired Everson Griffen just joining the team earlier this week, the Lions need depth on the edge and Bryant should help give them that.

Roberts has been dealing with hip and groin injuries for two week’s now, and with the Lions getting healthy at cornerback — Justin Coleman returned last week and Desmond Trufant is expected to return Sunday — the team is in a position where they can give him an opportunity to rest and recover over the next three weeks.

Roberts will be eligible to return to the active roster after Week 11.

Detroit Lions Week 9 injury designations: Kenny Golladay, Tracy Walker, Jamal Agnew ruled OUT

Examining the Detroit Lions Week 9 injury designations for their Sunday matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Detroit Lions (3-4) are readying for their Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings (2-5) and they have to make some roster adjustments, as they will be playing without several key players.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

IR/PUP/Reserve-COVID-19

Ruled OUT

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT
Jamal Agnew Ribs No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT
Tracy Walker Foot No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT

Golladay was always expected to miss this week’s game, but also losing Agnew leaves the Lions with just four healthy wide receivers. If the Lions feel the need to add a fifth receiver to the active roster for this week’s game, they could elevate Tom Kennedy, Victor Boldin, or newly signed veteran Mohamed Sanu — who seems like the early favorite — from the practice squad.

Walker being ruled out will push former Viking Jayron Kearse into the starting lineup against his old team and Will Harris into the third safety role he held during Kearse’s suspension.

Questionable

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice Limited Practice Full practice Questionable
Joe Dahl Back Limited Practice No Practice No Practice Questionable
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Darryl Roberts Hip/Groin Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable

Vaitai is listed as questionable but he got in a full practice on Friday and seems very likely to play.

Dahl is also listed as questionable, but after not practicing on Thursday or Friday, he will likely be evaluated on Saturday to determine if he is healthy enough to travel to Minnesota. If he does travel, he could still be a game-time decision.

If Dahl is ruled out, it likely means the Lions will go back to the offensive line combination they used when he was on injured reserve — Taylor Decker (LT), Jonah Jackson (LG), Frank Ragnow (C), Hal Vaitai (RG), and Tyrell Crosby (RT). This was the offensive line combination where the Lions running backs found the most success running behind this year.

Jones has been banged up for a few weeks now but has managed to play through the pain and is expected to do so again this week.

Roberts is the only one of the Lions seven corners who is limited by injury — see Desmond Trufant in the next section — and with Justin Coleman pushing him to a reserve role, Roberts could easily be declared inactive this week and allowed to rest and recover.

No injury designation

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice Full Practice Full Practice No designation
Taylor Decker Back No Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No designation
Danny Shelton Wrist Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No designation
Desmond Trufant Hamstring Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No designation

Hockenson, Decker, and Shelton all got in at least one full practice and look to be locked into their starting roles this week.

Trufant met with the media on Friday, which is a strong indication he will be ready to play on Sunday and no injury designation should seal the deal. Trufant has only played in Week’s 1 and 4, and he did not finish either, leaving both with a hamstring injury. Expect a three-man rotation on the outside between Trufant, Amani Oruwariye, and Jeff Okudah, with Justin Coleman manning the slot.

Detroit Lions Thursday Week 9 injury report: Taylor Decker and Hal Vaitai return to practice

Examining the Detroit Lions Week 9 injury report as they take the field in preparation to face the Minnesota Vikings.

The Detroit Lions (3-4) were back on the practice field again on Thursday as they prepare for their Wek 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings (2-5). Two starters on the offensive line returned to practice, while another starting offensive lineman was downgraded to a non-participant status. Two steps forward and one step back.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

IR/PUP/Reserve-COVID-19

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice No Practice
Jamal Agnew Ribs No Practice No Practice
Joe Dahl Back Limited Practice No Practice 
Tracy Walker Foot No Practice No Practice

Golladay is expected to miss this week’s game, but if they are also missing Agnew, that leaves only four healthy wide receivers. Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola are locked in as starters, but it’s unclear if the team will turn back to Marvin Hall or Quintez Cephus to replace Golladay — or maybe a combination of the two.

Walker missing a second practice in a row is discouraging. If he is not able to play, expect more playing time for Jayron Kearse and Will Harris to get back into the mix.

Dahl wasn’t noticeably injured in the last week’s game, then was limited on Wednesday and downgraded to no practice on Thursday, suggesting this may be a recent injury and could threaten his availability for Sunday.

Limited Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Taylor Decker Back No Practice Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice Limited Practice
Danny Shelton Wrist Limited Practice Limited Practice
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
Desmond Trufant Hamstring Limited Practice Limited Practice
Darryl Roberts Hip/Groin Limited Practice Limited Practice

Decker and Vaitai returned to practice today, and if they are able to play, but Dahl is not, it sets up the Lions to return to their previous offensive line structure — where they found success in Week 6 and 7:

Left tackle Left guard Center Right guard Right tackle
Taylor Decker Jonah Jackson Frank Ragnow Hal Vaitai Tyrell Crosby

Shelton and Jones getting in back-to-back limited practices is a good sign for their availability on Sunday. Friday’s participation will be the deciding factor, but things are looking good right now.

Trufant is finally stringing together several limited practices and could be ready to return to action this week if the trend continues. If he does return, it’s unclear if he will jump back into a starting role, meaning the Lions will rotate Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah again or is Trufant will be part of a rotation as he re-acclimates to game action.

Roberts has been relegated to a reserve role now that Justin Coleman is healthy, but the Lions could still use his depth on the roster.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice Full Practice

Hockenson being upgraded to full practice is terrific news for the Lions as he may the team’s top and most consistent receiving option with Golladay likely out.

Vikings Report

Detroit Lions Wednesday Week 9 injury report: 11 players OUT/limited, including 9 starters

Examining the Detroit Lions Week 9 injury report as they take the field on Wednesday in preparation to face the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite adding Matthew Stafford and Jarrad Davis to the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Detroit Lions (3-4) were cleared to return to the practice field on Wednesday as they prepare to host the Minnesota Vikings (2-5) in Week 9.

What’s troubling is that there were still another 11 players listed on the injury report, including nine starters — meaning 10 players, including Stafford, that started against the Indianapolis Colts are limited or not practicing this week. Not ideal.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

IR/PUP/Reserve-COVID-19

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice
Jamal Agnew Ribs No Practice
Taylor Decker Back No Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice
Tracy Walker Foot No Practice

Golladay’s injury is expected to keep him out of Sunday’s game, per a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport earlier in the week, so it’s very possible he misses the entire week of practices as well.

Decker and Walker didn’t appear to suffer injuries during last weekend’s game and both played on 100-percent of available snaps. It’s unclear at this time if the Lions’ are taking it easy with them to start the week, or if their injuries will threaten their availability for this Sunday’s game.

Agnew and Vaitai did appear to suffer their injuries during the game and neither was able to return to the game. This is slightly more concerning, but we will likely find out how severe their injuries are after Thursday’s practice.

Limited Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice
Joe Dahl Back Limited Practice
Danny Shelton Wrist Limited Practice
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice
Desmond Trufant Hamstring Limited Practice
Darryl Roberts Hip/Groin Limited Practice

Trufant and Roberts’ injuries are carryovers from last week, with Trufant’s preventing him from playing, while Roberts’ may have limited him to special teams only work — though it also could have been due to the return of Justin Coleman.

Hockenson, Dahl, Shelton, and Jones’ injuries are all new this week and we will likely have to wait until Thursday’s practice to get a better feel for the severity of their injuries. Limited is typically a positive, as long as they entered practice with the injury, rather than suffered one during today’s practice.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
NONE Full Practice

No players qualify for this section at this time.

Vikings Report