Tag: Hal Vaitai

Detroit Lions Week 16 injury designations: Kenny Golladay and Tyrell Crosby ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions (5-9) have declared their injury designation for their Week 16 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5).

The Detroit Lions (5-9) have declared their injury designations for their Week 16 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5).

Despite the close contact exposures to the COVID-19 virus keeping several coaches away from Allen Park, the players remain available to practice and they were back out on the field again today.

Lions players took the field with a new coaching staff structure, led by wide receivers coach Robert Prince, who will be temporarily taking over interim coaching duties from Darrell Bevell, who has not yet been cleared.

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

Ruled OUT

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice No Practice No Practice
Tyrell Crosby Ankle No Practice No Practice No Practice

No real surprises here as Golladay and Crosby continue to miss games. Golladay has been out since Week 9, while Crosby has missed the last two and a half games due to injuries.

With only one game left in the season after this week, it’s possible one or both of them get placed on injured reserve so that the Lions could add depth to the 53-man roster.

Questionable

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Matthew Stafford Rib/Right Thumb Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice
Frank Ragnow Throat No Practice No Practice Limited Practice
Taylor Decker Groin Limited Practice No Practice Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Concussion No Practice Limited Practice Full Practice
Jamie Collins Neck No Practice No Practice No Practice
Darryl Roberts Hip Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice
Jayron Kearse Hip Not Listed Not Listed Limited Practice
Matt Prater Back Not Listed No Practice Limited Practice

Stafford is ahead of where he was last week at this time and he looks good to play this week. His availability will make new offensive play-caller Sean Ryan’s (QB coach) job a bit easier this week.

Ragnow was scheduled to see a specialist today, and while we have not received any word on the results of that exam, the fact that he was listed as limited could be a good sign.

With Crosby out, the Lions will be hoping Decker and Vaitai will be available to man the offensive tackle positions for this game. Decker getting back to a limited practice is encouraging, while Vaitai still needs to be medically cleared by an independent doctor — he has cleared the on-field concussion protocols.

Collins not practicing all week is concerning, but the questionable tag leaves the door open. This could very well be extra rest for a banged-up veteran on a short week.

Roberts getting in a nice week of practice is a good sign he could return to the starting lineup opposite Amani Oruwariye and Justin Coleman.

Kearse is a new addition to the injury report today which is cause for concern, as most late week injuries limit players on game day. If he is not ready to go, expect the Lions to turn back to Tracy Walker in the starting lineup.

Prater was back at practice today, and with no other placekicker on the roster, the tea leaves say he will most likely be ready to play.

No injury designation

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Julian Okwara Knee On Injured Reserve Full Practice Full Practice
Mike Ford Foot Limited Practice Full Practice Full Practice

Okwara was just added to the active roster this week and his two full practices, along with no designation, is a terrific sign for his availability this week.

Ford looks ready to return to his fourth cornerback role, while also offering insurance against Roberts being limited.

Injured reserve/COVID-19

Detroit Lions Week 16 injury report: Taylor Decker downgraded to no practice on Wednesday

Examining the Detroit Lions Wednesday injury report as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16.

The Detroit Lions (5-9) reported two positive COVID-19 results on Tuesday and closed their Allen Park training facility. The practice report for that day was an estimated report only. Today, the team announced that they had no new positive COVID-19 results and would hold an outdoor practice.

Unfortunately, several coaches had been identified as close contact exposures — including interim coach Darrell Bevell, defensive coordinator Cory Undlin, and nearly the entire defensive coaching roster — and those identified have been isolated from the training facility, meeting only virtually with the team.

Bevell did say they still had enough coaches to cover all the position groups at practice, but until things play out a bit further, he did not feel comfortable disclosing the team’s plans for replacing coaches who do not clear COVID-19 protocols ahead of Saturday’s game.

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

Injured reserve/COVID-19

No Practice

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice No Practice
Frank Ragnow Throat No Practice No Practice
Taylor Decker Groin Limited Practice  No Practice
Tyrell Crosby Ankle No Practice No Practice
Jamie Collins Neck No Practice No Practice
Matt Prater Back Not Listed No Practice

Golladay continues to miss practices, and with Everson Griffen and Danny Shelton returning to practices today, it’s fair to speculate that he could be a candidate to be placed on I.R. in order to make room for one of them to be added to the active roster later in the week.

Ragnow will see a specialist tomorrow, who will most likely determine if he can play on Saturday or not.

Decker being downgraded to no practice is awful news. With Ragnow and Crosby also vulnerable to miss this game, the Lions could be down three starters — not ideal.

Collins misses another practice and now it’s time to be concerned about his status this week. The Lions need his speed at the second level in order to stay competitive.

Prater went from not being listed to missing practice, which is typically not a good sign, but he may also just be getting a veteran rest day. Kicker is literally the only position on the roster where there is not a backup on the active roster or practice squad — but the fact that they have not added another kicker this week is a positive note for his status.

Limited practice

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Matthew Stafford Rib/Right Thumb Limited Practice Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Concussion No Practice Limited Practice 
Darryl Roberts Hip Limited Practice Limited Practice

Stafford said his ribs are sore but not any worse than they were last week, and the fact that he is getting limited practices are both encouraging signs he will play on Saturday.

While Decker was downgraded, Vaitai was upgraded. He still needs a full practice tomorrow, then to be cleared by an independent doctor before he can clear the league’s concussion protocol. If he can, he has the potential to play right or left tackle, but if he doesn’t, this offensive line could be in big trouble.

Roberts getting in another limited practice is encouraging but he is not out of the woods yet.

Full Practice

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Julian Okwara Knee On I.R. Full Practice
Mike Ford Foot Limited Practice Full Practice

It was unclear if Okwara was added to the active roster because the Lions ran out of time on his 21-day evaluation clock or because he was ready to return, but a full practice indicates the latter is the more likely option.

Ford being upgraded to full will be a massive help to the Lions depth at corner. If he can play, he is the fourth option at worst, with the potential to find himself starting again.

Bucs’ Report

Detroit Lions Week 16 injury report: Estimated 4 OL limited or unable to practice on Tuesday

Examining the Detroit Lions Tuesday injury report as they prepare for a Saturday matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16.

The Detroit Lions (5-9) have officially been eliminated from the 2020 playoffs, but they still have two games remaining on their schedule, both at home. First up is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) in a Week 16 matchup that was flexed to Saturday, December 26, at 1:00 p.m. EST

Because it’s a Saturday game, the practice schedule gets moved up a day, meaning the team will release practice reports on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.

Unfortunately, the Lions reported two positive COVID-19 results this morning and needed to shut the facilities down, meaning today’s injury report was only an estimated guess from coaches.

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

Injured reserve/COVID-19

No Practice

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Kenny Golladay Hip No Practice
Frank Ragnow Throat No Practice
Tyrell Crosby Ankle No Practice
Hal Vaitai Concussion No Practice
Jamie Collins Neck No Practice

Golladay estimated to have been unable to practice again today. Conversations surrounding shutting him down should be happening behind the scenes.

Ragnow is still unable to talk much, per Bevell, but he has another appointment with a specialist on Thursday when the team will get an update on his health and “that will tell us all the information that we need to know – how well he’s healed, and if he’s healed well enough to go out there and perform.”

Crosby enters his fourth week in a row of being unable to practice. Last week, he was replaced by Vaitai at right tackle, who suffered a concussion, pushing Matt Nelson back into the starting lineup again. Recently signed Dan Skipper will continue to be an emergency option.

On a short week, and with practice not an option today, Vaitai may have trouble passing through the league’s concussion protocols. If the building is shut down tomorrow, and he is not able to get in a limited practice, he will not be available on Saturday.

Collins’ injury is a new one, and he didn’t noticeably miss time last Sunday, so it’s unclear the severity of this issue.

Limited practice

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Matthew Stafford Rib/Right Thumb Limited Practice
Taylor Decker Groin Limited Practice
Mike Ford Foot Limited Practice
Darryl Roberts Hip Limited Practice

“He was sore, obviously coming out of the game,” interim coach Darrell Bevell said of Stafford. “He did take a couple hits in that game that we talked about yesterday. Again, he’s tough as they come. He’s tough as nails. So we’ll basically do the same plan. I think he may be a little bit better than he was last week, but again, we’ll just continue to take it day-to-day.”

Decker’s injury is new, and he did not miss a snap in last week’s game, so an expected limited practice is an encouraging sign he will be available on Saturday.

Ford injured his foot during the game but was able to return to action. This looks like early week rest for the Lions’ third option at corner.

The reason Ford is the third option at corner is that Roberts was unable to play this last game. If he is able to find his way back on the field this week, he could push Ford into a more comfortable fourth corner role in the secondary.

Full Practice

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

There are no players listed in this section at this time.

Bucs’ Report

Lions place DL Da’Shawn Hand on I.R., activate OL Hal Vaitai from I.R., sign OT Dan Skipper

The Detroit Lions have placed DL Da’Shawn Hand on injured reserve, activated OL Hal Vaitai from I.R., and signed OT Dan Skipper.

The Detroit Lions have placed defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand on injured reserve, activated offensive lineman Hal Vaitai from injured reserve, and signed offensive tackle Dan Skipper off of the practice squad. With only three games remaining, Hand’s season is over.

For the third December in a row, Hand has finished the Lions season on injured reserve.  In 2018 Hand’s knee cost him the final few games, last year it was a lingering ankle injury, and this year his ankle came back to bite him again.

Over the last two years, Hand has had to fight through a plethora of injuries, from the elbow and ankle injuries costing him 13 games last season to the chest, groin, and yet another ankle injury this season costing him another six games.

Hand was able to play through his chest injury this year, but it did limit his play on the field. He would finish the season with 19 tackles, just one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, along with zero sacks and zero quarterback hits. Hand’s last sack came during Week 9 of his rookie season.

Vaitai is returning from his stint on injured reserve at just the right time.

While he was replaced by Oday Aboushi at right guard in Week 12, he likely won’t return to guard this week. Instead, with right tackle Tyrell Crosby (ankle) being ruled out, Vaitai will likely take over there, pushing Matt Nelson back to the bench.

Skipper, having exhausted his practice squad elevations, has been signed off the practice squad for offensive line depth and so the Lions can take advantage of a new 2020 game-day roster rule. He will take the roster spot opened up after Jeff Okudah was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

His signing gives the Lions 10 offensive linemen on their active roster, but with Crosby ruled out, and Frank Ragnow downgraded to out, the Lions only have eight healthy offensive linemen — which is the exact minimum amount of offensive linemen they need to have active in order to expand their game-day roster from 46- to 48-players.

Detroit Lions Week 12 injury designations: Kenny Golladay OUT, D’Andre Swift Questionable

The Detroit Lions have declared the injury designations for their Week 12 Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Houston Texans.

The Detroit Lions (4-6) have declared the injury designations for their Week 12 Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Houston Texans (3-7), and six players have been ruled out including starting wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola.

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

Injured reserve

Vaitai was added to injured reserve earlier today and he will be unable to play until after Week 14 at the earliest. As we have seen with the players listed above, eligibility does not necessarily mean a player will return on time.

Ruled OUT

Player Injury Monday Tuesday Wednesday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice* No Practice* No Practice OUT
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice* Limited Practice* No Practice OUT
Da’Shawn Hand Groin No Practice* No Practice* No Practice OUT
Austin Bryant Thigh Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Limited Practice OUT
Jeff Okudah Shoulder No Practice* No Practice* No Practice OUT
Mike Ford Concussion No Practice* No Practice* No Practice OUT

*estimate

Golladay’s contract season is beginning to look like a lost one, as he is inactive yet again, making this his sixth game missed on the season — he has only partially played in five.

Golladay isn’t the only starting receiver out as Amendola will miss his second week in a row. Based on last week’s depth chart, Marvin Hall will likely take on Golladay’s starting role, while Jamal Agnew will rep in Amendola’s place. This also further explains the move to add Mohamad Sanu to the active roster earlier today.

Hand and Bryant will also be missing their second consecutive game, and practice squad defensive tackle Albert Huggins has been elevated to the active roster to give back end depth.

Dee Virgin was also elevated to the active roster. He will give the Lions depth at corner and will almost assuredly take over Ford’s starting gunner position. With Ford and Oruwariye OUT, the Lions only have four cornerbacks available on the active roster this week: Desmond Trufant, Justin Coleman, Amani Oruwariye (who is injured and listed as questionable), and Virgin.

Questionable

Player Injury Monday Tuesday Wednesday Designation
D’Andre Swift Concussion No Practice* Limited Practice* Limited Practice Questionable
Reggie Ragland Ankle Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Limited Practice Questionable
Amani Oruwariye Back Not Listed Not Listed Limited Practice Questionable

*estimate

Swift has now completed one non-contact and one practice with contact and will just need to receive medical clearance from an independent doctor outside of Allen Park in order to be cleared of his concussion. If he passes this final stage of the league’s protocol, he would be available to play on Thursday.

Ragland has been limited all week after injuring his ankle last Sunday, but signs point towards him being available as well.

Oruwariye being added to the injury report the day before a game is not ideal. It’s unclear if he injured his back today or earlier in the week, but the fact that he is listed as Questionable instead of OUT is a positive sign. He looks like he may be headed for a game-time decision tomorrow.

No injury designation

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Full Practice No designation
Marvin Hall Toe Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Full Practice No designation
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Full Practice No designation
Jonah Jackson Knee Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Full Practice No designation
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Limited Practice No designation
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice* Limited Practice* Limited Practice No designation
Will Harris Groin Limited Practice* Full Practice* Full Practice No designation

*estimate

Five starters have been upgraded from a limited to full practice today and no name among them is bigger than quarterback Matthew Stafford. He, along with coaches, have insisted Stafford has not been impeded by his injured thumb and a full practice backs this up.

Lions place OL Hal Vaitai on I.R., add WR Mohamad Sanu to 53-man roster

The Detroit Lions announced that they have placed offensive lineman Hal Vaitai on injured reserve and added wide receiver Mohamad Sanu to 53-man roster in a corresponding move.

The Detroit Lions announced that they have placed offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai on injured reserve and added wide receiver Mohamad Sanu to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move.

Vaitai has been dealing with a foot injury for the better part of the month and was pulled from last week’s game just before halftime. The Lions did not list him as being injured during the game, but coach Matt Patricia did acknowledge that Vaitai was “pushing through some things that have restricted him a little bit.”

Foot injuries can be tricky for NFL players and even the simplest of injuries can negatively impact a player’s performance. Unfortunately, the only way to fully heal is to rest the foot until it’s better — which is the direction the Lions have taken here.

Vaitai will be eligible to return after Week 14, as long as he is healed and capable of returning to the active roster. In the interim, Oday Aboushi and Joe Dahl will battle it out for the starting job at right guard.

Sanu signed with the Lions three weeks ago and they have thought enough of him to protect him each of those weeks. Last week, Sanu was elevated to the roster and played 15 snaps with zero stats earned.

The Lions now have seven wide receivers on the active roster, but with the rate that this position group has been injured this season, this isn’t an overly surprising move — especially with Kenny Golladay still unable to play.

Detroit Lions Week 12 Tuesday injury report: D’Andre Swift returns, Kenny Golladay downgraded

Examining the Detroit Lions injury report ahead of their Week 12 match up with the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving.

The Detroit Lions (4-6) held a walk-through practice as they prepare for a Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Houston Texans (3-7). Tuesday offered another set of estimated practice results as they only performed a walk-through, but it was full of both good and bad news.

Good news: D’Andre Swift returned to a limited practice and has a chance to play on Sunday if he continues to progress through the league’s concussion protocol. Bad News: Kenny Golladay was downgraded to no practice and appears unlikely to play.

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 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice* No Practice*
Da’Shawn Hand Groin No Practice* No Practice*
Jeff Okudah Shoulder No Practice* No Practice*
Mike Ford Concussion No Practice* No Practice*

*estimate

For the second week in a row, Golladay was a mid-week downgrade on the injury report. Things are not looking good for his chance of playing on Thursday.

Hand and Okudah being listed as estimated non-participants is not good news for their availability, as it is an indicator that trainers are not seeing improvements in their injuries.

Ford not being listed as a participant in any capacity means he will not be able to clear the league’s concussion protocols and will miss this week’s game. The Lions will once again be on the hunt to find a new starting gunner.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
D’Andre Swift Concussion No Practice* Limited Practice*
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice*  Limited Practice*
Marvin Hall Toe Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
Jonah Jackson Knee Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
Austin Bryant Thigh Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice* Limited Practice*
Reggie Ragland Ankle Limited Practice* Limited Practice*

*estimate

Swift and Amendola were upgraded today, improving their chances of being available on Thursday.

Swift being listed as limited means he is progressing through the league’s protocols and likely only has two steps remaining in order to be cleared to play: 1) get in practice with contact on Wednesday; 2) be medically cleared by an independent doctor — which could also happen ahead of Thursday.

Everyone else appears to be on the right track to play this week. The only note on the remaining players listed here is on Vaitai, as it’s not clear if he was benched last week or if it was injury-related.

At his Tuesday press conference, coach Matt Patricia said Vaitai “is out there battling every day, and I think he’s pushing through some things that have restricted him a little bit.” Which didn’t really clarify what happened with Vaitai last Sunday.

Full Practice

Player Injury Monday Tuesday Wednesday Designation
Will Harris Groin Limited Practice* Full Practice*

*estimate

Harris being estimated to have been available to participate in a full practice means the trainers are liking what they see with his injury.

Texans’ Report

This section will be filled in one the Texans release their Tuesday injury report.

Detroit Lions Week 12 injury report: 16 players estimated as injured

Examining the Detroit Lions injury report ahead of their Week 12 match up with the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving.

The Detroit Lions (4-6) are preparing to host the Houston Texans (3-7) for their annual Thanksgiving day game, and because it’s a Thursday game, the team injury reports will be released on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week.

After yesterday’s game, the Lions did not hold a full practice today, so the injuries listed are best guesses from coaches and not based on today’s performances.

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 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Designation
D’Andre Swift Concussion No Practice*
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice*
Da’Shawn Hand Groin No Practice*
Jeff Okudah Shoulder No Practice*
Mike Ford Concussion No Practice*

*estimate

Swift is still in the league’s concussion protocol and it’s not exactly clear how far along he is. If he were able to pass a workout regimen, then he would still have to make it through Tuesday’s practice in a non-contact capacity, then through Wednesday’s practice as a full-contact player. He would then have to be medically cleared by an independent doctor to be available for Thursday’s game.

Amendola missed all of last week with a hip injury and after being estimated as unlikely to have practiced today does not bode well for his availability on Thursday. It’s still early but not off to a great start.

Hand’s health is headed in the wrong direction. After being added to the injury report in the middle of last week, Hand looked like he had a chance to play on Sunday. Unfortunately, he was downgraded on Saturday and is now estimated to not have practiced today as well. Not a great start to the week.

Okudah was injured in yesterday’s game and was forced to leave the contest early. He has shown the ability to bounce back quickly from other injuries this year, but a short week complicates things.

Ford is in the same boat as Swift and will need to pass through all of the league’s protocols on a short week. He was also injured in yesterday’s game during a special teams play.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb Limited Practice*
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice*
Marvin Hall Toe Limited Practice*
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice*
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice*
Jonah Jackson Knee Limited Practice*
Austin Bryant Thigh Limited Practice*
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice*
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice*
Reggie Ragland Ankle Limited Practice*
Will Harris Groin Limited Practice*

*estimate

Stafford, Hockenson, Vaitai, Davis, and Jones were all on the injury report last week but were able to play last Sunday. Vaitai was the only one in this group that left the game early, but it’s unclear if this was injury-related or a benching.

Golladay and Bryant are being upgraded in this estimated scenario, which is very positive news for their progress. If Golladay is able to play on Thursday, it would be a massive upgrade for the Lions’ offense.

Hall, Jackson, Ragland, and Harris are all new additions to the injury report. The fact that they were listed as listed instead of did not practice is a good sign for their availability.

Full Practice

Player Injury Monday Tuesday Wednesday Designation
No Players Full Practice*

*estimate

No Lions’ players are estimated to be in this category at this time.

Texans’ Report

This section will be updated when the Texans release their injury report.

Detroit Lions Week 11 injury designations: D’Andre Swift, Kenny Golladay ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions (4-5) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Carolina Panthers (3-7).

The Detroit Lions (4-5) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Carolina Panthers (3-7) and they will be without offensive starters D’Andre Swift (running back), Kenny Golladay (wide receiver), and Danny Amendola (slot receiver).

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

Injured reserve

Ruled OUT

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
D’Andre Swift Concussion Not listed No Practice No Practice OUT
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice No Practice No Practice OUT
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT

Coach Matt Patricia gave no clear answers surrounding Swift’s mid-week injury at his Friday press conference, but based on the league’s concussion rules, it was pretty clear Swift was not going to be able to clear the protocols required to play this week. Running backs coach Kyle Caskey said that Adrian Peterson will get the start on Sunday, and Kerryon Johnson will fill the Swift role “as much as possible”. Jonathan Williams should see his first action of the season as a third option.

Golladay got some practice time in on Wednesday, and even tested himself on Thursday, but the Lions are taking it slow with him, likely hoping to get him back for Thanksgiving. Losing Golladay makes things challenging for the wide receiver group, but also losing Amendola makes things even harder.

With Marvin Jones the only starting wide receiver available, Marvin Hall, Quinte Cephus, and Jamal Agnew will all see their snaps increase regardless of who technically starts. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Mohamad Sanu elevated from the practice squad to give the group depth.

Questionable

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb No Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Da’Shawn Hand Groin Not Listed Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Austin Bryant Thigh No Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Will Harris Groin Not Listed Not Listed Limited Practice Questionable

Stafford missed practice on Wednesday, got in two limited practices on Thursday and Friday, was able to escape without any setbacks, and despite being listed as questionable, is expected to start on Sunday.

Vaitai missed last week after re-injuring his foot the week prior, and while a week of limited practices is encouraging, the fact he did not get in a full practice leaves the doubt door open.

Davis, like Vaitai, is coming off a missed game, and while limited is good, there are still some concerns.

Hand, Bryant, and Harris all suffered mid-week injuries so they are likely headed to a Saturday evaluation before the team travels. If they’re not downgraded then, expect them to be available on Sunday.

No Injury Designation

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Marvin Jones Knee No Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation
Jamal Agnew Ribs Full Practice Full Practice Full Practice No Designation
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation
Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice Full Practice Full Practice No Designation
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice No Designation
Jayron Kearse Ankle Not Listed Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation

Marvin Jones, Hockenson, and Kearse were all upgraded to full practices on Friday and do not carry an injury designation into this game.

Detroit Lions Thursday Week 11 injury report: D’Andre Swift misses practice with concussion

Examining the Detroit Lions Thursday injury report as they prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.

The Detroit Lions (4-5) are headed to Charlotte, North Carolina in Week 11 to take on a Carolina Panthers (3-7) team that is expected to be without their best player in Christian McCaffrey and potentially their quarterback Teddy Bridgewater — who is unlikely to play due to an MCL injury.

Unfortunately, the Lions are also dealing with injuries to some of their top offensive players including quarterback Matthew Stafford, RB D’Andre Swift, and WR Kenny Golladay.

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
D’Andre Swift Concussion Not listed No Practice
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice No Practice
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice No Practice

Based on the league’s rules surrounding returning from a concussion, it’s highly unlikely Swift will be able to clear the protocols ahead of Sunday. Swift would need to be symptom-free, then pass a workout regimen, participate in a non-contact practice, then a contact practice, and with only one practice remaining, it looks like he will be miss Sunday’s game. The Lions will likely turn to Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson, while Jonathan Williams should see his first action of the year.

Golladay being downgraded to no practice is a bit concerning but the pool media reporter suggested he looked ready to practice during the allotted media time — meaning there is a chance this could just be a rest and recovery day, but it could also mean he needs more time to heal.

Amendola missing two practices is not a good sign, as he rarely takes rest periods. The Lions do have options who can operate out of the slot — Marvin Hall, Jamal Agnew, and Quintez Cephus — but they are all different players than Amendola.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb No Practice Limited Practice
Marvin Jones Knee No Practice Limited Practice
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice Limited Practice
Da’Shawn Hand Groin Not Listed Limited Practice
Austin Bryant Thigh No Practice Limited Practice
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
Jayron Kearse Ankle Not Listed Limited Practice

The Stafford rollercoaster continues. Injured Sunday, but didn’t miss a snap. Negative X-rays on Monday, then Tuesday reports suggest “a partially torn ligament“. He missed practice on Wednesday, then got in some limited work on Thursday. Despite the ups and downs, the overriding theme has been that most expect him to play.

Marvin Jones and Bryant also saw upgrades in participation from Wednesday to Thursday, while Hand and Kearse were both added to the injury report, shifting from full to limited practices. We won’t know until tomorrow when their injuries occurred and how it will impact their status for the weekend.

[lawrence-related id=54269]

Hockenson, Vaitai, Davis, and Christian Jones getting in back-to-back limited practices is an encouraging sign for their chances to play on Sunday.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Jamal Agnew Ribs Full Practice Full Practice
Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice Full Practice

Williams now joins Agnew on the full participation list and both appear in good shape to play. Agnew could be key as he is Amendola’s direct backup and could see himself injected into the starting lineup.

Panthers Report

Picture via the team website