Tag: Detroit Lions injury update

Lions RB Kerryon Johnson is ‘at one with the knee brace’

Lions RB Kerryon Johnson is accepting of having to always wear a brace on his oft-injured right knee

Lions running back Kerryon Johnson has a lengthy injury history that has stymied his burgeoning NFL career. In two seasons he’s been able to start just 14 of 32 games, with both seasons marred by separate knee injuries.

The affable Johnson now sports a knee brace fulltime in football activities. In his Zoom media session after Saturday’s sun-soaked practice session, Johnson admitted he’s made peace with the cumbersome-looking device on his right leg.

“(I am) one with the knee brace,” Johnson declared. “The knee brace is me now. I am the knee brace guy.”

Johnson’s status heading into his third season has been a question, though the brace has helped keep him active in all of training camp so far. Rookie D’Andre Swift and backup Bo Scarbrough both missed the last two days with undisclosed ailments. Kerryon has been the lead back, with Ty Johnson seizing the No. 2 RB role in their absences.

Bo Scarbrough still sidelined from Lions practice

Jonathan Williams has impressed while getting BoScar’s reps

Our Erik Schlitt is in the socially distanced media scrum in Allen Park today to report live from the action. One player Schlitt and the rest of the Lions won’t see on the practice field on Friday is running back Bo Scarbrough.

Coach Matt Patricia announced that the powerful RB remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Scarbrough has not practiced in full since Monday’s first session at the Lions training facility.

His extended absence helps explain why the Lions signed free agent Jonathan Williams earlier this week. Like Scarbrough, Williams is a power-based inside runner with a lengthy injury history of his own.

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T.J. Hockenson shows more muscle in a weight room training video

T.J. Hockenson shows more muscle and looks recovered from his broken ankle in a weight room training video posted to his Facebook feed

One of the frequent criticisms of Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson in his rookie season was that he needed to get stronger. At 6-foot-5, Hockenson was a relatively lean 247 pounds in 2019 and he often lacked power and bulk in blocking and contested catch situations.

Hockenson apparently heard the criticism and took it to heart. In a video published to his Facebook story this week, Hockenson shows off considerable upper-body definition and muscle mass that wasn’t there at this time last year.

Hockenson is working his way back from a nasty broken ankle suffered late in the season. He looks good making athletic moves in the video, a nice sign for his availability for training camp and the upcoming season.

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Injuries forced the Lions to play 11 rookies vs. Washington

It’s not an excuse for the loss. It’s a fact of life in the NFL that injuries happen and the depth will be tested. Detroit’s depth is being tested harder than most teams right now, and it failed in Washington.

The list of the injured Lions is almost longer than the roster members who aren’t walking wounded. Check the Week 12 inactives list for Detroit’s game in Washington.

Matthew Stafford remained out with his broken back. Center Frank Ragnow, the Lions’ best offensive lineman and the man responsible for the line calls, also missed Sunday’s game. So did top defensive linemen Trey Flower and Da’Shawn Hand. Don’t forget safety Tracy Walker, the most consistent player in pass defense on the roster.

Between those guys who couldn’t go on the active roster and the ample list of running backs and linemen on IR already, several rookies were thrust into action.

Four players were active for a regular season game for the first time in their rookie careers. Draftees Austin Bryant and Isaac Nauta joined UDFA Beau Benzschawel and Cowboys draft pick (signed off their practice squad) Michael Jackson picked up their first game checks.

They were among 11 rookies playing in the game. Nearly a quarter of the Lions roster for the Redskins game was rookies. Some played well, including CB Amani Oruwariye snagging his first career interception.

It’s not an excuse for the loss. It’s a fact of life in the NFL that injuries happen and the depth will be tested. Detroit’s depth is being tested harder than most teams right now, and it failed in Washington.

Lions postgame injury report: Trey Flowers and Frank Ragnow evaluated for concussions

Two more critical starters went down with injuries in the loss to Dallas

Already starting a backup quarterback and a running back promoted from the practice squad due to a rash of injuries across the roster, the Detroit Lions had more injury woes after the team’s 35-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Starting defensive end Trey Flowers and starting center Frank Ragnow are both being evaluated for concussions following the game in Ford Field. Coach Matt Patricia mentioned them specifically in his postgame press conference. Both players departed the game in the second half.

Right tackle Rick Wagner missed this game with a concussion of his own. If Ragnow winds up being sidelined for any amount of time, the meager depth on the offensive line will be severely tested.

Matthew Stafford still out from Lions practice with his broken back

Lions QB Matthew Stafford was at Wednesday’s practice session but did not participate due to the broken bones in his back

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There was some guarded optimism that Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford would be back in action at practice on Wednesday. That did not materialize.

While Stafford and his injured back were physically present at the team’s facility in Allen Park, the longtime starting QB did not participate in any of the physical reps. He never put a helmet on and was not dressed for action.

Stafford remains week-to-week with the fractured vertebrae. He missed his first start since 2011 in Week 10. Jeff Driskel got the start in Chicago and projects to continue in that role until Stafford is capable of returning.