The Lions injury report from Thursday shows considerable improvement

The Lions injury report from Thursday shows considerable improvement, with several players returning after missing Wednesday’s session

It’s still not nearly as clean as hoped for, but the Detroit Lions practice participation report for Thursday’s session looks a lot more promising than Wednesday’s first edition.

After nine players were idle on the first practice of Week 16, all but three returned in some capacity to Thursday’s practice. Two of the three who remained out are starting offensive linemen, however.

Left guard Graham Glasgow and center Frank Ragnow both remain sidelined. Glasgow is listed with a knee injury, while Ragnow has a back malady. The injury status could help explain the substandard performances from both in the Week 15 loss to Buffalo.

The other player remaining out is running back David Montgomery, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with an MCL injury. Montgomery and the Lions are still in the evaluation process on how to handle his torn knee ligament.

Safety Brian Branch upgraded from out with a listed calf issue on Wednesdsay to full participant on Thursday.

Five players who rested on Wednesday returned in full:

LT Taylor Decker
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
DT DJ Reader
RG Kevin Zeitler
EDGE Za’Darius Smith

It was also the first sighting of LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin. He’s been on I.R. for several weeks but has started his 21-day activation window. Reeves-Maybin, a key special teams player as well as subpackage LB, was limited with his neck injury.

Another player designated to return from I.R., safety Ifeatu Melifonwu made it through a second straight practice as a full participant. He’s missed the entire season with an ankle injury and a subsequent hand injury that forced the Lions to activate him — only to immediately place him back on I.R. His second activation window began on Monday.

 

 

Lions offensive line has 3 of the best linemen at not losing on plays

The Lions offensive line has 3 of the best linemen at not losing on plays, including the best center and tackle in blown block/pressure rate

By this point of the season, it’s well established that the Detroit Lions have one of the best overall offensive lines in the NFL. Many analysts and analytics label the Lions line as No. 1 in the league.

One of the reasons why is the consistency of performance. Every lineman is going to have a bad play here or there, but the Lions are very good at having a lot fewer than normal. Three Detroit linemen in particular rank in the top eight in the entire league in blown block rate.

Center Frank Ragnow checks in at No. 2 in the rate of fewest blown blocks and pressures allowed, as determined by FTN Advanced NFL Stats data. Only perennial Pro Bowler, guard Brandon Scherff of the Jaguars (and formerly the Commanders) tops Ragnow’s 1.19 percent combined metric.

That rate is the best among centers, with Ragnow tied with Steelers rookie Zach Frazier. Ragnow has one blown block and eight pressures allowed in 758 snaps.

Lions right tackle Penei Sewell has the top blown/pressure blocking rate amongst all tackles at 1.54 percent. Sewell is the only tackle in the top 20 listings. He’s No. 7 overall, one spot ahead of Lions teammate Kevin Zeitler, who plays to Sewell’s inside shoulder at right guard.

These metrics are all subjectively determined, so the actual figures aren’t as important as the place in the overall pantheon of blocking. And the Lions have three of the eight most consistent at getting their job done, including the best center and tackle in the league.

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 see some changes in the latest injury report

Lions see some changes in the latest injury report, including a full return by Brian Branch but a setback for Kevin Zeitler

The injury and practice participation report from the Detroit Lions on Thursday didn’t feature any new names from the previous day. That’s a good thing for the Lions as they prepare to head to Minnesota to play the unbeaten Vikings in Week 7.

Thursday’s report featured upgrades to safety Brian Branch and reserve offensive lineman Dan Skipper. Both practiced in full. Branch, the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, was limited with a knee issue on Wednesday. Skipper sat out Wednesday with a rib injury. Center Frank Ragnow returned as a full participant after his veteran rest day on Wednesday.

Alas, there was a setback with one offensive lineman. Starting right guard Kevin Zeitler was listed as limited with a groin injury. That’s a downgrade from Zeitler’s status on Wednesday, when he sat out as a veteran rest day.

Remaining sidelined is starting cornerback Carlton Davis. He is dealing with a quadriceps issue. It is not related to the potential brain injury he suffered in the Week 6 win in Dallas.

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Lions vs Vikings: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Vikings: Wednesday injury report medical analysis for both Detroit and Minnesota

DETROIT LIONS

Carlton Davis (NP) quad, CB

Davis left the game after getting a cleat to the head early in the 3rd quarter. Good to see no concussion or head on the report.

As far as his quad, there were no signs of any leg issue during his final drive. Guessing this is a precautionary issue and we will see him with an LP/FP on Thursday which would put him on track to play.

Brian Branch (LP) knee, S

The knee listing is a surprise but the LP suggests there is nothing serious going on. It’s possible he landed hard on his knee during his interception return early in the 4th quarter. He played the first two plays of the next drive without obvious issues, but then was replaced by Brandon Joseph the rest of garbage time. Branch looked to be in good spirits on the sideline.

Unless there is a surprise NP on Thursday, I’d expect him to play vs the Vikings.

Dan Skipper (NP) ribs, OT

Skipper hurt his right ribs in game three vs the Cardinals but didn’t miss a game. He was wearing a visible protective pad on that right side during the Cowboys game. Regardless, he felt good enough to “run” a WR route late in the 4th quarter. Expect him to be available vs the Vikings.

Frank Ragnow (NP) rest, C

Good to see that Ragnow’s pec is not on the report. He strained his left pec 3.5 weeks ago and the Cowboys game was his first game back. He was taken out late in the 4th quarter during garbage time but will be available vs the Vikings.

Kevin Zeitler (NP) rest, OG

Like Ragnow, Zeitler was removed from the game late in the 4th during garbage time. He will also be available on Sunday.

Christian Mahogany (FP) illness, OG

After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for over 1.5 months. Because he is so far behind from a mental standpoint, I expect him to max out the full 21-day practice window. Expect him to be put on the active roster around October 29.

NOTABLES

Aidan Hutchinson was placed on IR with a left tib/fib fracture. Expect him back in limited fashion for the Super Bowl.

Kyle Peko was placed on IR with left pec surgery. He is out for the year.

Kerby Joseph hurt his hamstring during practice last week. Good to see he is unlisted this week.


MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Blake Cashman (NP) toe, LB

A turf toe issue will likely keep this important LB out this Sunday. He played 100% of snaps the past two games.

Aaron Jones (NP) hamstring, RB

A right hamstring (or iliotibial band issue based on where it was wrapped) will very likely keep Jones out. The Vikings traded for Cam Akers this week so we may see a lot of him.

Harrison Phillips (NP) shoulder, DT

This starting nose tackle would be a big loss in the middle.

TJ Hockenson (LP) knee, TE

Hockenson may not be ready to play this week coming off his ACL suffered against the Lions last year.

Akayleb Evans (NP) hip, CB

Evans is a special teamer who hasn’t played on defense in the past four games.

Patrick Jones (NP) shoulder, DE

Jones has five sacks on the year so his loss could be impactful.

Dalton Risner (LP) back, OG

Risner has yet to play this year due to injury.


The full report:

Lions vs Cowboys: Final injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Cowboys: Final injury report medical analysis for the Week 6 matchup in Dallas

It’s early in the week but the Lions look to have the health advantage heading into the Cowboys game. The Cowboys just recently lost three impact edge rushers in Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Marshawn Kneeland. Similarly but to a lesser caliber, the Lions lost two edge players recently in Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes.

The Cowboys also have had two players’ expectations downgraded over the course of the week in Eric Kendricks and DaRon Bland.

On the positive side, the Lions are returning a couple key players coming out of the bye in Frank Ragnow and Brian Branch, while the Cowboys are likely returning Caelen Carson.


DETROIT LIONS

A new listing popped up during the week with Kerby Joseph.

Kerby Joseph (UL LP FP – IN) hamstring, S

A hamstring strain in practice landed him on the Thursday report but won’t keep him out. Recall that Joseph also strained a hamstring before game 2 but did not miss the game.

Frank Ragnow (FP FP FP – IN) pec, C

After straining his left pec three weeks ago, he is ready to play vs the Cowboys with no concerns.

Brian Branch (FP FP FP – IN) illness, S

Branch missed one game after a concussion three weeks ago and an illness two weeks ago. He is more than ready to go now with no concerns.

Christian Mahogany (FP FP FP – OUT) illness, OG

After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for over 1.5 months and the 3x FP supports this. He will be inactive though since he is far behind mentally and there are many players ahead of him on the depth chart.


DALLAS COWBOYS

Downgrades in expectation over the week include DaRon Bland and Eric Kendricks.

With three of their top edge players out, the Cowboys will be relying on Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat. Golston is a 4th-year player, who has five sacks in his career and picked up a half sack last game. Wheat is a 2nd-year player with 0.5 career sacks who got significantly more playing time last game.

Micah Parsons (NP NP NP – OUT) ankle, LB

This elite pass rusher will miss the Lions game due to a high ankle sprain.

Eric Kendricks (NP NP NP – OUT) calf/shoulder, LB

Kendricks played 100% of defensive snaps last game which makes his out designation a surprise. This could be a big loss in the middle of the defense. Lions fans are very familiar with Kendricks who played eight years in Minnesota.

DaRon Bland (FP FP NP – Questionable) foot, CB

This 1st-team All-Pro CB has been out the whole season due to a stress fracture in his 5th metatarsal but was expected to make a limited return this Sunday. However, an NP on Friday puts his return in doubt.

Bland’s injury is in the location of a Jones fracture which is a tricky injury due to the higher risk of malunion (non-healing bone) and refracture. The NP could indicate a setback of some kind.

Caelen Carson (FP FP FP – Questionable) shoulder, CB

Carson has been inactive the past two weeks but with 3x FP, I expect him to play on Sunday. He played 98% of defensive snaps three weeks ago so his return will boost the Cowboys secondary.

Nick Vigil (NP NP NP – Questionable) foot, ILB

Vigil has not played a defensive snap the last three games but plays regularly on special teams. Three NP suggests out.

Tyler Guyton (FP FP FP – IN) knee, LT

This 1st-round rookie starter exited the last game due to a left knee injury. The injury is reportedly minor and the 3x FP confirms this. He will start on Sunday. In case there is an aggravation, look for Tyler Smith to move from LG to LT and TJ Bass to insert at LG.

Trevon Diggs (FP NP FP – IN) ankle/illness, CB

Diggs played 100% of defensive snaps last week. A new issue popped up during the week but won’t keep him out.

Zack Martin (NP NP FP – IN) rest/back, OG

 

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Demarcus Lawrence DE, right foot Lisfranc – IR

This star DE is a big loss for the Cowboys and may be out for multiple months.

Marshawn Kneeland DE, right knee meniscus – IR

This 2nd-round rookie who was filling in for the loss of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence left the last game due to a torn lateral meniscus. He had arthroscopic surgery this week and is on IR.

Brandin Cooks WR, right knee infection – IR

A joint infection is a serious issue that requires IV antibiotics and drainage. The loss of Cooks may not have a significant impact as the Cowboys have a dangerous WR corps of CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. The Lions secondary will be getting no breaks here.


Here is the full report:

All Lions on the active roster are healthy coming out of the bye week

All Lions on the active roster are healthy coming out of the bye week, including All-Pro C Frank Ragnow

The Detroit Lions are coming out of the bye in Week 5 in very good condition. In fact, all of the players on the active 53-man roster are healthy enough to practice ahead of the Lions’ Week 6 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

Detroit technically did not practice on Wednesday thanks to the bye week and coming off Monday Night Football in Week 4, so the practice participation report released by the team is only an estimate. But every single Lions player, including C Frank Ragnow and S Brian Branch, were estimated to be full participants if the team did hold a practice.

Branch and Ragnow each missed the win over Seattle. They are the only players on the active roster who earned any injury designation on the update. Rookie OL Christian Mahogany was also designated as a full participant as he continues to progress toward activation from the non-football illness list. Mahogany began his 21-day window to be activated during Tuesday’s practice.

Lions Monday Medical Update after the bye week

Lions Monday Medical Update after the bye week on the status of Frank Ragnow, Brian Branch, Derrick Barnes and more from the bye week

Good news and bad news came out of Dan Campbell’s press conference on the Monday after the bye.

GOOD NEWS: Regarding the status of Frank Ragnow and Brian Branch, “They were both out there practicing today. As of right now, they look good.”

BAD NEWS: Regarding Derrick Barnes potential return, “It’s tough to say right now. We will be fortunate to get him at any point this year.”

With this information, here is my updated analysis of these players’ injuries:


Frank Ragnow left pec strain

Ragnow hurt his pec two weeks ago on September 22 with an expected short-term recovery. With the news that Ragnow is already practicing, that’s further evidence that the pec strain was not severe and may not have even involved the tendon. Expect him to play vs the Cowboys.


Brian Branch concussion/illness

Branch’s concussion was two weeks ago on September 22. He had cleared the protocol and was set to play last Monday night, but an unspecified illness the day prior sidelined him. Just speculating here, but there may have been a concern that some of the illness symptoms were possible post-concussion symptoms so giving him a game off was a “better-safe-than-sorry” move.

His doubtful designation (vs out) for last Monday implied that the illness was nothing long-term, thus neither the concussion nor the illness was expected to keep him out for the next game. With Branch practicing today, that means there have been no setbacks and he should play vs the Cowboys.


Derrick Barnes right knee

Barnes injury was on September 22 and video suggested a possible MCL sprain or more. Campbell’s comments today are not optimistic but there is still a chance Barnes could be back this year. It’s not a complete ACL tear as there would be no talk of a return.

Lions bye week medical status report and outlook for return

Lions bye week medical status report and outlook for return for players like Frank Ragnow, Derrick Barnes, Ifeatu Melifonwu and more

With four games in the books and entering the bye week, it’s a good time to recap where the Lions are at from a medical standpoint. Overall, despite some injuries, the Lions are in good shape coming out of the bye.

Not listed here are a couple pending concerns from the Seahawks game in Kerby Joseph and Carlton Davis (see my postgame article for details).


MAJOR LOSSES

Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport missed game two due to a groin injury and game four due to a left elbow injury. The elbow is expected to be a season-ender.

Signed to a 1-year contract as a free agent, the Lions were hoping that Davenport would solidify the edge position opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

With Davenport out, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and James Houston will have increased opportunities.

Derrick Barnes, LB

This versatile LB took a direct impact on his right knee in game three, which may have caused a hyperextension, MCL sprain, and possibly more. He was placed on IR after the game.

The earliest he could return is Week 9 vs the Packers, but he’s expected to be out longer than that with the possibility it’s even a season-ender.

With Barnes out, Malcolm Rodriguez and Ben Niemann saw a big increase in snaps at the LB position against the Seahawks.


MINOR LOSSES

Frank Ragnow, C

This 2nd-team All-Pro is a major player, but he’s in the minor category because his left pec injury is not expected to be a long-term issue. He hurt the pec early in game three and missed game four.

The diagnosis is a partially-torn pec which translates to a grade 1 or 2 strain. If the strain is mild and does not involve the tendon, Ragnow could be back after the bye vs the Cowboys. Even if a longer recovery is needed, I would not expect him to be out much longer than that. He was not placed on IR which suggests an injury of less than four weeks.

To fill Ragnow’s void, Graham Glasgow moved from LG to C, and Kayode Awosika inserted at LG. Both played well against the Seahawks.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, S

A persistent ankle issue landed Melifonwu on IR before game four. The injury suffered likely in the second preseason game on August 17 was not initially expected to be a long-term issue, otherwise the Lions would have put him on IR much sooner. Melifonwu’s earliest possible return is in week nine vs the Packers.

If starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph stay healthy, Melifonwu’s absence is not a major problem. But if either go down, it would be valuable to have Melifonwu who made numerous splash plays in the second half of last season.


REINFORCEMENTS COMING SOON

Brodric Martin, DT

This 2023 3rd-round pick hyperextended his right knee on August 24 and was placed on IR at the 53-man cutdown. This means he could return to the team at any time now although Dan Campbell’s comments suggest he is not quite ready yet. I would expect him to start practicing sometime in the next three weeks.

With the loss of Davenport for the year, having Martin available on the defensive line will give the Lions more flexibility if they choose to play Levi Onwuzurike at the DE position.

Christian Mahogany, OG

The Lions 6th-round pick missed all of camp due to mononucleosis and started the season on NFI (non-football-injury). He is now eligible to return anytime and Dan Campbell says he is close.

His mono was likely diagnosed around July 20 and is typically a 3-4 week recovery unless there are complications like persistent splenomegaly. He was able to resume training before the start of the regular season which was a good sign.

Mahogany’s return is dependent on his strength, conditioning, and mental readiness. For a rookie who missed all of camp, the mental game might be the limiting factor.

I’m not expecting Mahogany to play much of a role this season, but any injuries to the guys ahead of him could change things in a hurry.


LONG RANGE HOPEFULS

Emmanuel Moseley, CB

After two straight ACL tears, Moseley tore his pec around August 5 this year. Assuming this was a complete rupture, expect a return around Thanksgiving if he follows the same 16-week timeline as CJ Gardner-Johnson of last year.

John Cominsky, DT/DE

An MCL tear on July 30 was complicated enough to require surgery. The initial estimated recovery was 5-6 months which would mean a return in January-February. Optimistically, the fact that Cominsky made the initial 53-man roster before being placed on IR means the Lions think there is a chance of a return this year.

Week 4 inactives: Jerome Baker and 6 others will not play on MNF

Week 4 inactives: Jerome Baker and 6 others will not play on MNF

The Seattle Seahawks are headed into a Monday Night Football showdown with the Detroit Lions rather shorthanded. They have already ruled out stud defenders Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams and Boye Mafe. Unfortunately, it appears linebacker Jerome Baker will be joining them.

The Seahawks will have to face a Lions team desperate to keep pace with the surprisingly 4-0 Minnesota Vikings, and find a way to snap their losing streak to Seattle.

The full inactives list for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks Inactives:

  • LB Uchenna Nwosu
  • LB Jerome Baker
  • G Sataoa Laumea
  • T Michael Jerrell
  • DT Byron Murphy II
  • DE Leonard Williams

Lions Inactives:

  • DB Brian Branch
  • OL Giovanni Manu
  • C Frank Ragnow
  • WR Isaiah Williams

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for live updates, analysis and highlights during tonight’s Monday Night Football showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.

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