Tag: Detroit Lions Injury Report

Lions rule out Sam LaPorta for Week 11, Carlton Davis will play

Lions rule out TE Sam LaPorta for Week 11, while CB Carlton Davis is among the wounded who will play against the Jaguars

Detroit Lions ight end Sam LaPorta will not play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. While that was expected ever since LaPorta suffered a shoulder injury in the Lions Week 10 win in Houston, it’s now official.

LaPorta was the only player on the active roster ruled out by the Lions for Sunday’s game. Reserve linebacker Ben Niemann is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that kept him from practicing on Friday.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, cornerback Carlton Davis and left tackle Taylor Decker were all full participants in Friday’s practice and carry no injury designation for the visit from Jacksonville. Decker and Rodriguez missed last week’s games, while Davis popped up on the injury report with a hand issue.

All three players who are on injured reserve and designated for return remain out: Brodric Martin, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Emmanuel Moseley.

Lions post-Week 10 injury report and medical analysis

Lions post-Week 10 injury report and medical analysis after the win in Houston and getting ready for Week 11 and the Jaguars

I just returned from Houston where I voluntarily and eagerly overdosed on smoked brisket and Tex-Mex fajitas. Conversely, I involuntarily and begrudgingly overdosed on watching interceptions. At least the final result was a panacea.

Other notes from the stadium:

  • The Texans Battle Red helmets looked fantastic with the mirror red finish. The Lions silver helmets look much shinier and sparkly in person than they do on TV. With the Lions blueberries, this could have been a gorgeous color rush game but alas.
  • The roof was open for only the second time since 2021 which afforded a nice view of the moon and the fireworks. Fortunately, there was not even a hint of wind as that could easily have changed the outcome of the game with how tight Jake Bates’ field goals were to the uprights.
  • Credit to the Texans fans for being raucous all game and the Lions fans for bringing the heat in the fourth quarter. It was an excellent Sunday night atmosphere all the way around.

The game was overall a very healthy one for the Lions. Nothing live at the game jumped out to me from an injury standpoint. There were some minor concerns upon TV review, but the initial injury report is reassuring. The main concern was Sam LaPorta and there is early good news with him.

DETROIT LIONS

Sam LaPorta TE (NP) shoulder

LaPorta suffered a left AC joint sprain. Dan Campbell on Wednesday called it “day-to-day”. If this was the playoffs or a significant regular season game, I would fully expect him to play. Since it’s not, I expect him to miss at least this Sunday vs the Jaguars. There is no long-term concern though.

Taylor Decker OT (LP) shoulder

Decker stated he had a rotator cuff strain in practice last week. He has a history of shoulder labrum surgery in 2017 to the same side. Fortunately, the signs are that this is a minor, short-term issue. Dan Campbell on Wednesday stated “I feel better about having Decker this week… I think he’s going to be able to make it”.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (LP) ankle

After two straight weeks of NP’s, upgrading to an LP on Wednesday is a good sign that he may be ready to go after missing two games.

Brodric Martin DT (FP) knee

After being on IR all year with a right knee hyperextension, Martin had his 21-day practice window opened on October 30. Expect him to be out for the Jaguars game and moved to the active roster early next week.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S (FP) ankle

Coming off IR with a suspected Achilles tendonitis, Melifonwu’s practice window opened November 6. He’s very likely out on Sunday but should be moved to the active roster before Thanksgiving.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (FP) pec

Recovering from his torn pec in August, Moseley’s 21-day practice window opened November 6. Like Melifonwu, he’s also likely out this Sunday but will move to the active roster before Thanksgiving.

Za’Darius Smith DE (FP) personal

Smith got a personal bye week after the trade and should be raring to go this week.

NOTABLES

Graham Glasgow in the first drive vs the Texans landed on his head and got up shaking his head. This was not shown on TV but I noticed it at the game. Fortunately, there has been no concussion diagnosis.

Carlton Davis in the 3rd quarter got kneed hard in the back of the right lower leg and limped off the field. This was likely just a contusion as he returned to play. Direct impact to that area can lead to a much worse outcome as we saw with Aidan Hutchinson’s tib/fib.

Alim McNeill appeared to be having right TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain in the 3rd quarter. I reviewed video of the play as well as multiple previous plays of his and didn’t see any trauma to that area. Possibly, he just bit down hard and injured that joint. He was able to return to the game and should be fine going forward. Most TMJ pains will resolve on their own without significant treatment. Injecting the joint is an option to relieve pain and inflammation.

Terrion Arnold, on the Lions final defensive play, had his right ankle area banged a couple times which left him limping off the field. Good to see him unlisted which means it’s likely just a contusion.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Trevor Lawrence QB (NP) left shoulder

Lawrence missed last game with a non-throwing AC joint sprain and will also miss the Lions game. Mac Jones was 14/22 for 111 yards last game vs the Vikings.

Tank Bigsby RB (NP) ankle

Bigsby is the Jaguars #1 RB this year with 519 yards. He has been having an ankle issue the past 2-3 weeks and aggravated it last game. With an NP, there is a good chance he’ll get some time off which would mean Travis Etienne Jr. (298 yards) likely takes the bulk of the carries.

Brian Thomas WR (LP) chest

Thomas, the Jaguars #1 WR, hurt his ribs two weeks ago but hasn’t missed a game. Expect him to play on Sunday.

NOTABLES

Christian Kirk, the Jaguars 2nd-leading WR, is on IR with a clavicle fracture suffered two weeks ago.

Here is the full report:

 

Lions vs Texans: Final injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Texans: Final injury report and medical analysis for the Week 10 matchup in Houston

I’m currently in Houston where it is warm (good) and very humid (bad). As a person who doesn’t like the feeling of having to take a shower every five minutes, I’m looking forward to watching the Lions in the air-conditioned comfort of the Texans indoor stadium. Technically, the roof is retractable so there is a chance it is opened to the night air, but it has only been open for one game since the 2021 season.

I’m also looking forward to seeing the fresh energy of multiple key Lions who got some non-injury-related time off – Brian Branch (ejection), Josh Paschal (shoulder mass excision), and Jameson Williams (suspension).

The Lions got a surprise downgrade this week with Taylor Decker who is out. The Lions haven’t played a backup OT yet this year (except for garbage time), so this could impact the game significantly. The rest of the Lions active starting roster on both sides of the ball is intact.

The Texans will be missing a star player on defense (Will Anderson), and likely their #1 WR on offense (Nico Collins). While Collins’ status is technically up-in-the-air, I have multiple reasons listed below why I suspect he won’t play.

The Texans #2 WR, Stefan Diggs is already out with an ACL. Thus, the Texans may be without their top three WR’s as there was a surprise downgrade during the week to #3 WR Tank Dell.

DETROIT LIONS

Taylor Decker OT (UL LP NP – Out) shoulder

Decker presumably hurt his shoulder in practice this week. Dan Campbell stated it’s probably not “something major” which is reassuring. Decker has a history of shoulder surgery in 2017 and it’s unknown if the current injury is related.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB (NP NP NP – Out) neck

The 3x NP is a bit concerning after being injured last game. It’s reassuring that he returned to the game late for the onside kick which suggests there were no signs of a spinal issue. Whether he is put on IR this weekend will tell us a lot.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP NP NP – Out) ankle

Rodriguez suffered a scary-looking left ankle sprain early in the Titans game and missed the last game. There was optimism he might be available this weekend but that won’t happen. With 3x NP this week, next game vs the Jaguars is also in doubt.

Za’Darius Smith DE (NP NP FP – Questionable) personal

Smith got two days off to acclimate to his trade from the Browns. He hasn’t had a bye yet and the Lions did, so the Lions may give him a game off at some point. That game might be this Sunday.

Josh Paschal DE (FP FP FP – In) illness

Paschal is ready to go after missing two games for a benign shoulder mass excision.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (FP FP FP – Out) pec

Moseley’s tore his pec in August and has been out all year. His 21-day practice window opened November 6 which keeps him tracking along the 16-week timeline of CJ Gardner-Johnson’s pec tear of last year. Expect Moseley to be available around Thanksgiving.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S (FP FP FP – Out) ankle

Melifonwu has been out since the middle of preseason with a suspected Achilles issue. His 21-day practice window opened on November 6 which is a good sign that he’ll be available later this month.

Sione Vaki RB (FP FP FP – In) knee

Vaki hurt his knee late in the Titans game and missed the last game. Good news that it was minor.

Mekhi Wingo DT (FP FP FP – In) ankle

Wingo hurt his ankle presumably in practice last week and missed the last game. He is a valuable backup at the DT position.

Brodric Martin DT (FP FP FP – Out) knee

Martin is in his 2nd week of his 21-day practice window. Expect him to be moved to the active roster around November 20.

NOTABLES

Jameson Williams returns from his two game suspension.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Nico Collins WR (NP NP LP – Questionable) hamstring

The Texans top WR logically will be out for multiple reasons:
1)Hamstrings benefit from gradual ramp-up to prevent aggravation and a single LP is as steep a ramp as you can have.
2)He’s already missed four weeks to this injury so if he was going to try to play this Sunday, he would have started practicing on Wednesday. It’s not like those two extra rest days is making a significant difference in recovery for a game this weekend.

Tank Dell WR (UL UL LP – Questionable) back

If Dell can’t go, that would mean the Texans might be without their top 3 receivers on the year.

Will Anderson DE (NP NP NP – Out) ankle

On video, this star pass-rusher appeared to suffer a left high ankle sprain last game. Even mild high ankles can take a while to recover from, especially at the DE position (see Micah Parsons). Anderson leads the team with 7.5 sacks on the year so this is a big loss.

Derek Barnett DE (NP LP FP – In) calf/shoulder

Barnett is a part-timer at DE and has 2 sacks on the year. He likely will have a larger role with Anderson out.

NOTABLES

Stefan Diggs, the Texans 2nd-leading WR, is out for the year with a right ACL.

Mario Edwards, starting DT, is serving a suspension and is out for this game.

Kenyon Green, starting LG, is out for the year and was replaced by Kendrick Green last game.

Here is the full Texans report:

Lions Monday medical report after wet Lambeau Field victory

Lions Monday medical report and injury analysis after wet Lambeau Field victory in Week 9

The Packers game appears to have been a generally healthy one for the Lions, and we might have the rainy weather to thank for that. Slow conditions can decrease injury risk given Newton’s second law of motion (force = mass x acceleration).

The slipperiness of the field may have also helped Jahmyr Gibbs avoid a serious ankle or knee injury as explained below.

In Dan Campbell’s Monday press conference, he was not asked and did not comment about any injuries.

Here are the injuries seen on initial watch along with possible diagnoses:

Jahmyr Gibbs, left ankle sprain or right knee bone bruise – 3q 11:00

Gibbs had his left foot dangerously trapped which can cause a high ankle sprain or fracture. While this wasn’t a hip-drop tackle, the mechanism of injury is the same. On video, there is a slight external rotation of the ankle which may have caused a mild high ankle sprain. Gibbs’ foot is able slip out to avoid a more serious injury.

On the subsequent step, the right leg extends outward and plants hard which put him at risk for a knee hyperextension. The slippery field may have helped prevent a more serious injury as his right foot is able to slide just a bit. Fortunately, the video did not show any knee deformity, although a knee bone bruise is still possible.

Gibbs was limping later in the drive but was still able to end the drive with a touchdown. He didn’t play much after that although he did return to the game in the 4th quarter which is reassuring. I expect him to be fine for the Texans game but we’ll see what the Wednesday injury report brings.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin, left shoulder – 4q 13:01

His left arm appears to be slightly tugged by the Packer player’s bent legs during the tackle. The main concern is a subluxation of the shoulder joint. He was nursing his left arm during the next play and went to the bench after that. Good news is that he did return to the game late for the onside kick.

He’ll likely get imaging on the shoulder to check for any damage like a labral tear. Hopefully, the results are negative and this is just a mild shoulder sprain.

Carlton Davis, right shoulder/arm – 4q 10:34

Davis’s right arm or shoulder was bothering him after the play. A stinger is possible as his neck was torqued to the left and he was flexing his fingers afterwards which could indicate tingling or sensation loss. Also possible is a contusion due to the direct impact to the right shoulder.

The unlikely worst-case scenario would be a pec tear which can happen when a runner breaks away while a tackler is wrapping up. We saw this earlier in the year with Kyle Peko.

Davis missed some plays but returned to the game later which is reassuring. We should know by Wednesday whether there is any significant concern.

Penei Sewell, right low ankle sprain – 4q 3:42

Sewell’s ankle appeared to suffer a mild inversion which can cause a low ankle sprain. I didn’t see anything more concerning than that although the video was partially obscured. He was able to finish out the rest of the game. A mild low ankle sprain would be a good outcome and would not affect his availability for the Texans game.

Sewell suffered a mild right ankle sprain back in week one which is likely healed at this point, but an aggravation of that injury is a possibility.

Lions vs Packers: Final injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Packers: Final injury report medical analysis for the Week 9 NFC North matchup in Green Bay

Despite lengthy injury reports for both teams, most of the listed players will be ready for the 1st-place divisional showdown at Lambeau.

The rainy weather in Green Bay may be a factor for the biggest question mark going into this game which is Jordan Love’s groin. Instead of a frozen tundra, the field will be more like a soggy swamp. The wet, slippery field could increase the chance of a groin aggravation.

It will be interesting to watch whether wetter weather tethers Love to the bench altogether.

DETROIT LIONS

Jared Goff QB (NP FP FP – In) ankle

Goff suffered a right low ankle sprain in the 1st quarter last game and played through. Video suggested mild severity and with a good tape job, the ankle shouldn’t be an issue on Sunday.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP NP NP – Out) ankle

Very early last game on punt coverage, video showed a Titans player crashing into Rodriguez from the side which was worrisome for a left high ankle sprain or even a fracture. Fortunately, he dodged any serious injury and it’s just a mild ankle sprain. While he won’t play this week, he might be back next week vs the Texans.

[lawrence-related id=110544]

Taylor Decker OT (NP LP FP – In) chest

Unsure what the exact injury is here. The “chest” designation can refer to a lung injury which would be concerning but I have not heard any reports suggesting that. I reviewed all his plays in the 2nd half and didn’t notice anything. The pec and ribs are in the chest area but are usually listed as such. Fortunately, whatever the injury is, it’s not serious and he’ll be ready for Sunday.

Josh Paschal DE (NP NP NP – Out) illness

Paschal has not practiced for two whole weeks and missed last game due to this illness. It’s probably not a routine illness like a respiratory infection or gastroenteritis, but fortunately, it isn’t anything serious like a recurrence of his melanoma.

Dan Campbell on Friday stated: “nothing long-term, we’re hopeful we’ll get him back next week.”

Mekhi Wingo DT (UL LP NP – Doubtful) ankle

This 6th-round rookie played 39% of snaps last game which is his usual. An ankle injury presumably occurred during the week in practice and will keep him out this weekend.

Sione Vaki RB (NP FP NP – Doubtful) knee

Video review showed that he came up limping on punt coverage in the 4th quarter with an injury to his right leg. He didn’t go down and didn’t need help coming off the field which hopefully signifies something minor.

It was a roller coaster at practice this week as he went from NP to FP back to NP. The doubtful designation puts him out but suggests the injury is not long-term and he has a chance to be back next week.

Brodric Martin DT (FP FP FP – Out) knee

Martin suffered a right knee hyperextension on August 24 and his practice window opened October 30. He is out this week but should be activated at the latest by November 20. Martin’s timeline could get shortened depending on injuries at DT like with Wingo.

Dan Campbell on Friday stated “He looks like he’s fresh…. Do we feel like after this three weeks, can he help us?”

Frank Ragnow C (NP FP FP – In) rest

Kevin Zeitler OG (NP FP FP – In) rest

Levi Onwuzurike DT (NP FP FP – In) rest

DJ Reader DT (NP FP FP – In) rest

Graham Glasgow OG (NP FP FP – In) rest

NOTABLES

Jameson Williams WR

Williams is serving the second and final game of his suspension. He should be back next week vs the Texans.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jordan Love QB (NP LP LP – Questionable) groin

The reassuring MRI result and the return to practice on Thursday and Friday suggest Love has a good chance of playing this weekend.

Jaire Alexander CB (NP NP NP – Questionable) knee

This starting CB played 100% of snaps last game but was hurt on the final defensive play in the 4th quarter. The video was limited so it was hard to see what happened. An MRI this week was negative which reassures that it’s not long-term, but with 3x NP, he’s likely out vs the Lions.

Josh Jacobs RB (NP LP LP – Questionable) ankle

This offseason free agent addition has been excellent for the Packers this year with 667 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry. He hurt his ankle this past Sunday, but he has stated himself that he expects to play vs the Lions.

Josh Myers C (NP NP NP – Doubtful) wrist

Myers is the starting center and played all snaps last game. He’s almost certainly out which could have a big impact on the game.

Quay Walker LB (FP FP FP – In) concussion

Walker missed last game due to concussion but is on track to play Sunday.

Kenny Clark NT (LP LP LP – In) toe/shoulder

Clark is an important part of the defensive line logging 70% of snaps this year.

Rasheed Walker OT (NP LP LP – In) knee

Walker is the starting LT and played all snaps last game.

Elgton Jenkins G (NP LP LP – In) glute

Jenkins is a starting OG and played last game through this glute injury.

Devonte Wyatt DT (LP LP LP – In) ankle

This former 1st-round pick in 2022 has missed three games this year but typically plays around 50% of snaps when he’s available.

Corey Ballentine DB (LP LP LP – Questionable) ankle

This CB has had minimal defensive snaps this year. He missed last game but has a chance to play this Sunday.

Evan Williams S (NP NP NP – Out) hamstring

Williams is a 4th-round rookie who has started 2 games for the Packers this year.

Lukas Van Ness DE (UL UL LP – In) ankle

Lions get 7 back at Thursday’s practice but lose another DL

Lions get 7 back at Thursday’s practice from Wednesday rest day but lose another DL

As Detroit head coach Dan Campbell promised before Wednesday’s practice session, it was a day of rest for many Lions players. Seven vets who sat out the first practice ahead of the NFC North battle in Week 9 in Green Bay returned to full action on Thursday.

That group includes several keys to the Lions’ 6-1 start:

QB Jared Goff

RG Kevin Zeitler

LG Graham Glasgow

C Frank Ragnow

DT DJ Reader

DL Levi Onwuzurike

RB Sione Vaki

Left tackle Taylor Decker (chest) upgraded from being out on Wednesday to limited on Thursday. That improvement portends well for Decker to play in Green Bay.

Unfortunately, the Lions lost another defensive linemen during Thursday’s practice. Rookie Mekhi Wingo was listed as a limited participant with an ankle injury after being a full go on Wednesday. No information on the extent of Wingo’s wound is known yet.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle) and DE Josh Paschal (illness) sat out fully once again.

[lawrence-related id=114248]

Lions vs Packers: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Packers: Wednesday injury report medical analysis on both teams, including Jared Goff, Malcolm Rodriguez and Jordan Love

The Lions and Packers will be dueling for first place this Sunday. While both team’s QBs suffered injuries last game, the bigger question mark is the status of Jordan Love.

Love left the last game due to a groin injury and did not practice today. He is also still wearing a knee brace related to an MCL sprain suffered in week one.

The Lions came out of the Titans game very healthy after dodging a severe injury to Malcolm Rodriguez. Many Lions got rest days today which could be a routine precaution or related to previous injuries that I will reference below.

DETROIT LIONS

Jared Goff QB (NP) ankle

In the 1st quarter, Goff suffered a mild inversion injury to his right ankle which can cause a low ankle sprain. He didn’t miss any plays and only left in garbage time.

A rest day was expected and is not a concern. He might get some extra tape but should be a full-go vs the Packers.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP) ankle

Early in the 1st quarter on punt coverage, a Titans player crashed into his left ankle from the side which can cause a high ankle sprain, medial ankle sprain, or a fracture. Fortunately, reports are that the injury is minor and not a high ankle sprain. While he likely won’t play this week, he might be back next week.

Josh Paschal DE (NP) illness

Paschal did not practice all last week and missed the Titans game due to an illness. For an illness to last this long is slightly unusual, but fortunately, early reports are it is minor. Most importantly, the illness isn’t a recurrence of the life-threatening melanoma he had in 2018.

Brodric Martin DT (FP) knee

Martin suffered a right knee hyperextension on August 24. Good to see that his 21-day practice window has opened with an FP. We could see him moved to the active roster at any point, even as soon as this weekend. More likely he’ll use up most of his practice window before getting activated.

Taylor Decker OT (NP) chest

Not sure what to make of the chest designation but I’m not too concerned at this time. The pec and ribs are in the chest area but are usually listed as such. There is worry for internal organ injury (typically lungs) with a chest designation but there were no signs of a serious injury during the game.

I reviewed all his plays in the 3rd quarter and didn’t notice anything. He didn’t play in garbage time of the fourth quarter.

Sione Vaki RB (NP) knee

Video review showed that he came up limping on punt coverage in the 4th quarter. He was not in frame for most of the play. The limp suggested a right leg injury. He did not go down after the play which hopefully means it’s minor.

Frank Ragnow C (NP) rest

Ragnow has had a chronic toe issue for years and has gotten regular rest days since then.

Kevin Zeitler OG (NP) rest

Zeitler missed the Cowboys game three weeks ago due to a groin/hip issue but has played the last two games. He also had a shoulder issue in training camp.

Levi Onwuzurike DT (NP) rest

Onwuzurike has made a remarkable recovery from L5-S1 lumbar fusion in October 2022. Getting regular rest days may help keep his back healthy.

DJ Reader DT (NP) rest

Reader had a right quad tendon tear in December 2023. He made his first appearance in game two and has been reliable so far. Rest days might be a good idea to keep his leg strong.

Graham Glasgow OG (NP) rest

Glasgow had a minor knee issue back in week two.

NOTABLES

Kalif Raymond

On a day he won special teams player of the week, Raymond had his head slammed onto the turf in the 4th quarter. He did pass the sideline concussion evaluation and seemed fine after the game. Good news that there are no signs of delayed concussion symptoms.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jordan Love QB (NP) groin

The MRI this week did not show anything severe which suggests this won’t be a long-term injury. Whether he plays vs the Lions is up in the air and likely comes down to many factors including severity and risk tolerance.

Lean in:

  • This is an important game in the division.
  • The bye after the game allows for extra recovery time.

Lean out:

  • The groin isn’t an area that can be effectively protected with a brace or tape like an ankle or knee. Thus an aggravation during the game is certainly possible.
  • He’s still recovering from his week one MCL sprain and wears a knee brace.
  • It’s still early in the season so risking an aggravation to the groin or MCL may not be worth it.
  • Malik Willis has won two games as a starter this year beating the Colts and Titans.

Jaire Alexander CB (NP) knee

This starting CB played 100% of snaps last game. An MRI this week was negative which suggests he has a good chance of playing vs the Lions.

Josh Jacobs RB (NP) ankle

Jacobs has been an impact player for the Packers this year with 667 rushing yards. He hurt his ankle this past Sunday but he’s expected to be ready for the Lions.

Quay Walker LB (FP) concussion

Walker missed last game due to concussion but is on track to play Sunday.

Josh Myers C (NP) wrist

Myers is the starting center and played all snaps last game.

Rasheed Walker OT (NP) knee

Walker is the starting LT and played all snaps last game.

Elgton Jenkins G (NP) glute

Jenkins had the glute injury before last game and still played.

Corey Ballentine DB (LP) ankle

This CB has had minimal defensive snaps this year. He missed last game but may be on track to be back this Sunday.

Kenny Clark NT (LP) toe

Evan Williams S (NP) hamstring

Devonte Wyatt DT (LP) ankle

Lions vs Titans: Final injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Titans: Final injury report medical analysis for both teams ahead of their Week 8 matchup

The NFC-leading Detroit Lions active roster is mostly in good health as they take on the Tennessee Titans. During the week, the Lions lost Jameson Williams due to suspension and Josh Paschal due to an illness. The Titans lost DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones due to trades. They also got downgrades to T’Vondre Sweat and Jarvis Brownlee, but an upgrade to Calvin Ridley.

For the Lions, the loss of Williams is cushioned by the fact that all the other offensive weapons are healthy. Elite stars like 2nd-team All-Pro Sam LaPorta have yet to have a breakout game this year, so there is plenty left in the arsenal.

For the Titans, whose record is 1-5, it’s understandable if the focus of the team is already shifting towards next season. Long-time Lions fans are nodding our heads in empathy.

Dan Campbell in his Friday press conference made comments on multiple players which I will include below.

DETROIT LIONS

Josh Paschal DE (NP NP NP – Out) illness

Paschal gave a positive update about his illness today. Here is the full article by Benjamin Raven of MLive. 

Paschal was treated for malignant melanoma in 2018 which is life-threatening due to its potential to metastasize. Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like the current issue is related.

Skin screenings are something I recommend during routine health physicals of almost all ages as melanomas can occur in otherwise young, healthy people.

To help replace Paschal, Dan Campbell stated “we’ll use Isaiah Thomas”. The Lions signed this DE off the Bengals practice squad two weeks ago, so one of the newest members of the team might see his first action vs the Titans.

Christian Mahogany OG (FP FP FP – Out) illness

Dan Campbell on Friday stated “he’s made strides every week”. Mahogany’s  mono illness should be long-resolved and the multi-week string of FP’s corroborates this.

His 21-day practice window is ending next week. If the Lions don’t put him on the roster at the end of his practice window, he is ineligible to return the rest of the year. It wouldn’t make sense for the Lions to have started his practice window this early in the season if they weren’t planning to put him on the roster. Thus, expect to see him on the roster on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Kevin Zeitler OG (FP FP FP – In) groin

Zeitler missed last game due to the groin, but he is ready to go on Sunday. The typically reliable Kayode Awosika had a rough game vs the Vikings so it’s good to get Zeitler back.

Taylor Decker OT (NP FP FP – In) rest

In the offseason, Decker had ankle/foot surgeries including a sesamoidectomy, bone spur removal, and deltoid ligament repair. This warrior played through all those issues last year. The sesamoidectomy and bone spurs can be signs of chronic issues that would benefit from regular rest days as he battles through them during a season.

Graham Glasgow OG (NP FP FP – In) rest

Glasgow had a minor knee issue in week two but has otherwise been healthy.

Frank Ragnow C (NP FP FP – In) rest

Ragnow is now 4.5 weeks removed from his left pec strain and has looked like his usual All-Pro self in the past two games.

Levi Onwuzurike DT (NP FP FP – In) rest

Onwuzurike had a minor right knee issue in week three but otherwise has been healthy this year. He does have a significant history of a remarkable recovery from an L5-S1 lumbar fusion in 2022.

NOTABLES

Jameson Williams

Williams is out due to a two-game suspension for stimulants or diuretics (masking agents). He’ll also miss next game vs the Packers but will be back vs the Texans on Sunday Night Football.

Ifeatu Melifonwu

On Friday, Dan Campbell said, “he’s better than when we put him on injured reserve… he’s progressed nicely”. Melifonwu hurt his ankle area around August 17 and has yet to play this season. There were some scattered reports that the injury might actually be an Achilles.

An Achilles tendonitis would explain the uncertain, longer-than-anticipated timeline for Melifonwu as neither player nor medical want to take any chances it could lead to an Achilles rupture. We are seeing a similar situation play out with Christian McCaffrey, who has yet to play this year due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis.

Melifonwu is eligible to return from IR next week vs the Packers.

 

TENNESSEE TITANS

Will Levis QB (LP LP LP – Questionable) right shoulder

Levis missed last game with a right AC joint sprain and reports strongly suggest he’s out against the Lions with Mason Rudolph making another start. His status may be more of a coach’s decision than a medical decision.

L’Jarius Snead CB (NP NP NP – Out) quad

Snead is a starting CB who missed last game and is out again this Sunday. This is a big loss for the Titans.

Jarvis Brownlee DB (UL UL LP – Questionable) ankle

This 5th-round rookie starting CB has played 100% of snaps the past two games. The Titans could be missing both starting CB’s if Brownlee can’t go.

Calvin Ridley WR (NP NP FP – IN) foot

This starting WR has 12 receptions for 183 yards on the year.

T’Vondre Sweat DT (UL LP NP- Questionable) hip

With an NP on Friday, he’s likely out. This 2nd-round rookie has played around 75% of snaps in every game this year so he could be a big loss.

Jerome Baker (UL NP LP – Questionable) rest

Baker joined the team this week in the Ernest Jones trade.

Tyjae Spears RB (LP LP LP – Questionable) hamstring

Spears has 33 carries for 114 yards this year.

Cedric Gray LB (FP FP FP – Out) shoulder

Gray is a 4th-round rookie who has yet to play this year due to injury.

Jaelyn Duncan OT (NP NP NP – Out) hamstring

Duncan plays limited snaps on offense.

NOTABLES

DeAndre Hopkins WR

Hopkins, who has 15 receptions for 173 yards this year, was traded this week for a pick.

Ernest Jones LB

This starting LB, who has played close to 100% of snaps this year, was traded this week to the Seahawks in exchange for Jerome Baker and a 4th-round pick.

Here’s the full report:

Lions injury report: Lots of good news from Thursday’s practice

Lions injury report: Lots of good news from Thursday’s practice, with only one player out

Thursday’s practice session at the Lions training facility in Allen Park featured almost full participation. That’s a great uptick after several Lions players sat out of Wednesday’s practicLions players sat out of Wednesday’s practice.

All players on the active roster except one were full participants on Thursday. The one missing was starting DE Josh Paschal, who sat out with an undisclosed illness. Everyone else was back, including all five offensive linemen who missed the prior day.

Also, Thursday was the first sighting of safety Ifeatu Melifonwu in more than a month. Melifonwu is on injured reserve with an ankle injury, but he was spotted working with trainers off to the side. He will be eligible to return from I.R. in Week 9.

Lions vs Titans: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Titans: Wednesday injury report with medical analysis of all the players listed by both teams

Good news for the Lions this week as all of the players who were hurt during the Vikings game did not end up with anything significant. Also, there were no surprises on the initial report.

The Titans traded away a couple key players this week and their QB situation is uncertain.

DETROIT LIONS

Josh Paschal DE, (NP) illness

Generally an illness early in the week won’t affect availability for Sunday and hopefully that stays true here.

Excellent news that Paschal’s elbow is not on the report. This supports my impression that it was just a simple elbow contusion. He landed hard on his right elbow but finished out the game with a small elbow pad.

Kevin Zeitler OG, (FP) groin

Zeitler missed last game due to the groin but the FP means he is on track to play vs the Titans. Could be just a mild hip flexor or adductor strain.

Graham Glasgow OG, (NP) rest

Glasgow had a minor knee issue back in week two but has otherwise been healthy.

Frank Ragnow C, (NP) rest

Ragnow is now four weeks removed from his left pec strain and resting him could be partially due to that.

Levi Onwuzurike DT, (NP) rest

Onwuzurike had a minor right knee issue in week three but otherwise has been healthy this year.

Taylor Decker OT, (NP) rest

Decker had an atypical rough outing vs the Vikings. Possibly a minor health issue contributed to that. Not all injuries will be listed on the official report.

Christian Mahogany OG, (FP) illness

Mahogany’s mono illness is in the distant rearview mirror at this point and his 21-day practice window is ending soon. He’s likely out again this week since the Lions don’t need him. Expect to see him put on the roster around October 29.

NOTABLES

David Montgomery landed hard on his left knee, and according to Dan Campbell, suffered a minor contusion to the back of his knee. His unlisted status is great news and means he should have no limitations vs the Titans.

Amon-Ra St. Brown appeared to suffer a right knee contusion last game and his unlisted status reassures that it was nothing significant.

Sam LaPorta appeared to suffer a very slight right knee hyperextension last game so excellent news that he’s unlisted.

Jameson Williams is likely out due to a 2-game suspension for taking a stimulant, diuretic, or masking agent. The exact drug is unknown and we have no other details. Dan Campbell on Wednesday said “you gotta pay for your sins”.

Best case scenario that everyone can hope for is that this is a one-time mental lapse. However, there is a chance of something more concerning. Stimulants like ADHD medications which are on the NFL banned list can be highly addictive and life-destroying. If there are any signs of this issue, it must be taken very seriously so that Williams can get the support and treatment he needs.

Emmanuel Moseley tore his pec around August 5. Dan Campbell on Wednesday said “we’re going to get him back… he’s doing good”. If Moseley has the same timeline as CJ Gardner-Johnson’s pec tear last year, he’ll be back for Thanksgiving vs the Bears.

Brodric Martin suffered a right knee hyperextension on August 24 and has been on IR. A bit disappointing that he didn’t start his 21-day practice window this Wednesday.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Will Levis QB (LP) R shoulder

Levis missed last game with a right AC joint sprain and it’s looking like he’ll miss the game against the Lions as well. His status may be more of a coach’s decision than a medical decision. If it is truly medical, the Lions secondary might be hoping for a quick recovery given his propensity towards interceptions (7) this year.

L’Jarius Snead CB (NP) quad

Snead is a starting CB who missed last game. The NP suggests he’ll be out again which would be a big loss for the Titans.

Calvin Ridley WR (NP) foot

This starting WR has 12 receptions for 183 yards this year so this would be a significant loss.

Jaelyn Duncan OT (NP) hamstring

Duncan plays very limited snaps on offense.

Tyjae Spears RB (LP) hamstring

Spears has 33 carries for 114 yards this year.

Keondre Coburn DT (LP) knee

Coburn has missed the last two games and generally plays limited snaps.

Cedric Gray LB (FP) shoulder

Gray is a 4th-round rookie who has yet to play this year due to injury.

NOTABLES

DeAndre Hopkins WR, who has 15 receptions for 173 yards this year, was traded to the Chiefs this week for a 5th-round pick that can become a 4th-rounder.

Ernest Jones LB, who had been playing close to 100% of snaps, was traded this week to the Seahawks in exchange for Jerome Baker LB and a 4th-round pick.

The full report: