Tag: Hunter Bryant

Lions Week 14 rookie report: D’Andre Swift’s on track to return to action

Examining the Detroit Lions rookie’s roles as they prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

Riding high after a win against the Chicago Bears last weekend, the Detroit Lions will be hosting the Green Bay Packers in another NFC North matchup.

With Darrell Bevell taking the reigns as the interim head coach, the Lions have seen some optimistic changes to their playbook and how players are utilized on the field.

With a second week to learn more from Bevell and a tough divisional matchup ahead of them, what is to be expected from Detroit’s 2020 rookie class?

CB Jeff Okudah

The 2020 season has not been kind to the Lions’ first-round pick.

Okudah missed the first game of the season because of an injury. Once he was healthy, his first career matchups were against some of the league’s top talents. He has had more than his fair share of rookie mistakes, and now it seems his debut year is over as he prepares for his upcoming surgery and heads to the injured reserve list.

Expect Amani Oruwariye and Darryl Roberts to be Detroit’s outside cornerbacks while Justin Coleman mans the slot.

RB D’Andre Swift

After missing the last two games due to a concussion and issues with migraines, it appears Detroit’s up-and-coming rookie running back will make his return.

Assuming he does play, Swift may need some time to reacclimate to the game. Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson have been sharing snaps in the Lions backfield, with Peterson doing most of the work on the ground and Johnson playing more as a receiver.

If Swift returns, he could immediately fill both of those roles for Detroit’s offense. The rookie has 606 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on the season. If the Lions want to stay competitive in this matchup, they better hope that Swift can play.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

Not much has changed for the roles of either rookie offensive lineman in recent weeks.

Jackson struggled a little more than usual last week against Chicago, but was luckily bailed out by some Bears defensive penalties. The rookie out of Ohio State will still get the start at left guard. He has allowed four sacks on the season and has committed the same number of penalties.

Stenberg took the field for the first time in his pro career last week, albeit just for three special teams snaps. The fourth-round pick will continue to serve as a reserve offensive lineman and should be active for the game as the Lions’ eighth lineman.

WR Quintez Cephus

Filling in for Kenny Golladay, rookie Quintez Cephus had quite the showing in Chicago. Cephus had the best game of his young career with two receptions for 63 yards and one very impressive touchdown.

He took the field for a little less than half of the team’s offensive snaps last weekend and that isn’t expected to change this week. The rookie should still be considered as Detroit’s second option behind Marvin Jones and will split some snaps with Mohamed Sanu as well.

DL John Penisini

After taking over as Detroit’s starting nose tackle, Penisini came through for the defense with three tackles as well as an important fumble recovery late in the game against Chicago.

Unfortunately, the sixth-round rookie’s status for the Packers game is questionable as he deals with a shoulder injury he suffered late in the week during practice.

If he can’t play, the Lions have no other rostered nose tackles and will have to try and utilize Kevin Strong and Frank Herron in the attempts to stop Aaron Jones and the rest of Green Bay’s rushing attack.

TE Hunter Bryant

Bryant saw the field for the first time in his NFL career last weekend and is expected to play again this week. The undrafted rookie took a mere 11 snaps in that game – five on offense and the rest on special teams.

Bryant still sits behind T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James on the depth chart, so don’t expect too much from the rookie against Green Bay.

S Bobby Price

Another undrafted rookie to make his NFL debut against Chicago, Price was given a substantial role on special teams right away. The safety, who was just elevated from the practice squad, saw the field for almost two-thirds of the Lions’ special teams snaps and made one tackle.

With fellow safety and core special teamer C.J. Moore questionable to play, Price may find himself in that role once again.

Lions Week 13 Rookie report: Late-round picks move into starting lineup

With injuries and opportunities rising, the Detroit Lions are leaning on late-round rookies Quintez Cephus and John Penisini to start.

The Detroit Lions are headed to Soldier Field short-handed to play the Chicago Bears in Week 13.

This marks the first game without coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn running the team and interim head coach Darell Bevell has a tough assignment ahead of him, as injuries plague the roster and the Lions sit with a losing record.

So how will all of this impact Detroit’s 2020 rookie class? Here’s what to expect from the rookies:

CB Jeff Okudah

The third-overall pick in 2020 has been ruled out once again this week as he deals with a lingering shoulder injury. Expect veteran Darryl Roberts to take his place as the second outside cornerback alongside Amani Oruwariye, with Justin Coleman primarily in the slot.

RB D’Andre Swift

The Lions’ star running back has had his rookie season hindered by injuries. Over the last two weeks, he has sat out of multiple practices due to a concussion (when has cleared) and illness. His official status for this game is ‘doubtful’ so don’t expect Swift to see the field in Chicago.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

Overall, the Lions’ offensive line has been a bright spot on an otherwise struggling team.

Jackson will continue to start for Detroit at left guard. So far, the rookie out of Ohio State has committed just two penalties and allowed four sacks while playing as both right and left guard. Jackson may catch a break this week as several of Chicago’s starting defensive linemen have been sidelined from practices with various injuries.

Stenberg is on the back end of the Lions’ offensive line depth chart. He may be active this week due to the number of injured players on the active roster, but don’t expect the rookie to see the field.

WR Quintez Cephus

Cephus could be primed for a much bigger role this week following the release of wide receiver Marvin Hall.

While the rookie has seen more work in the slot, he should now take over as Detroit’s third or fourth receiver and could be used in the deep-threat role that Hall had before his release.

The rookie has 12 receptions for 174 yards on the season but has yet to find the endzone. With Kenny Golladay out and Marvin Hall no longer on the roster, Cephus could end up being the number two guy in Detroit behind Marvin Jones.

Expect a handful of receptions and a score from the rookie receiver against the Chicago Bears.

DL John Penisini

His role has already been increasing from week-to-week, and starting nose tackle Danny Shelton going to the injured reserve, Penisini will now assume the starting role for Detroit’s defensive line.

The rookie nose tackle has outperformed his draft position and shown versatility as a run stuffer and someone who could provide pressure form the interior of the line.

Against a struggling Chicago offensive line, expect big things from this rookie.

TE Hunter Bryant

Bryant recently got brought back to the active roster after a stint on injured reserve. The much-talked-about undrafted rookie impressed enough during training camp to make the initial roster and now will see his first action as an NFL player.

His role will be limited as he sits behind T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James, but the rookie could still see the field in certain offensive situations and could make his first career reception against the Bears.

S Bobby Price

Another undrafted rookie who could make his debut as a pro against Chicago, Price was elevated from the practice squad for this game. While he could provide depth at the safety position, but he is more likely to see the field on special teams.

Detroit Lions Week 13: Comprehensive depth chart

Examining the Detroit Lions depth chart as they take on the Chicago Bears in Week 13.

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

With Darrell Bevell now running the team, there’s a lot of things that could potentially change, but based on the personnel available, this is our best guess at this time.

Here’s a look at the Lions depth chart as they take on the Chicago Bears in Week 13.

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

Quarterback

  • Matthew Stafford (9) — Questionable, expected to play
  • Chase Daniel (4)
  • David Blough (10) – INACTIVE

Running back

Third Down back

  • Kerryon Johnson (33)
  • D’Andre Swift (32)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)

Fullback

  • Jason Cabinda (45)

Wide receiver

Slot receiver

  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)
  • Hunter Bryant (86)

Tight end

Expected starting offensive line

  • LT — Taylor Decker (68)
  • LG — Jonah Jackson (73)
  • C — Frank Ragnow (77)
  • RG — Oday Aboushi (73)
  • RT — Tyrell Crosby (65) 

Reserve offensive line

  • LT – Tyrell Crosby (65), Matt Nelson (67)
  • LG – Joe Dahl (66), Logan Stenberg (61)
  • C – Joe Dahl (66), Jonah Jackson (73)
  • RG – Joe Dahl (66), Logan Stenberg (61)
  • RT – Matt Nelson (67), Joe Dahl (66)

Interior defensive line

EDGE Rushers

  • Romeo Okwara (95), DDE, 3T, JACK
  • Everson Griffen (98), DDE, 3T
  • Austin Bryant (94), JACK, DDE — Doubtful (thigh) – INACTIVE

Off-the-ball linebacker

  • Jamie Collins (58), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Reggie Ragland (59), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Christian Jones (52), JACK, WILL — No injury designation
  • Jahlani Tavai (51), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Jarrad Davis (40), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44), MIKE, WILL
  • Miles Killebrew (35), Hang

Cornerback

Slot cornerback

  • Justin Coleman (27)
  • Darryl Roberts (29)

Safety

  • Duron Harmon (26), Single-high, JOKER
  • Jayron Kearse (42), JOKER
  • Tracy Walker (21), JOKER, Single-high — Questionable (Paternity)
  • Will Harris (25), JOKER, Single-high
  • C.J. Moore (49), Single-high
  • Miles Killebrew (35), JOKER
  • Bobby Price (47), JOKER — Elevated for Week 13

Third-safety

  • Tracy Walker (21)
  • Will Harris (25)
  • C.J. Moore (49)

Kicking team

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

Kick returns

  • Jamal Agnew (39) — kick returner and punt returner
  • Danny Amendola (80) — reserve returner

Kick coverage

  • Jamal Agnew (39) — gunner
  • Mike Ford (38) — gunner
  • Bobby Price (47) — reserve gunner
  • Tracy Walker (21) — reserve gunner
  • Miles Killebrew (35) — five-phase specialist
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
  • Jason Cabinda (53) — five-phase specialist
  • Will Harris (25) –five-phase specialist
  • C.J. Moore (49) — Personal Protector (PP)

Teams final injury reports

Injured reserve/PUP list

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lions’ Hunter Bryant returns to practice, begins 21-day evaluation window

Detroit Lions’ rookie tight end Hunter Bryant, who is currently on injured reserve, returns to practice today and begins a 21-day evaluation period.

Detroit Lions’ rookie tight end Hunter Bryant has been bitten by the injury bug at the beginning of his NFL career. After just a week of training camp, Bryant injured his hamstring and it was significant enough to keep him out through the Lions bye in Week 5. Ready to return to action post-bye, Bryant then suffered a concussion, which landed him on injured reserve.

Today, Bryant is healthy enough to begin partaking in football activities again, and he will participate in Wednesday’s practice. This will start a 21-day evaluation period where the Lions will use practices to determine if he is healthy enough to return to the active roster.

Bryant is eligible to return to the active roster at any time during the evaluation period, and for the time being, he will remain on injured reserve. If he is activated, the Lions would have to make a corresponding move to make space for him on the 53-man roster.

If the Lions determine he is not healthy enough to return to the active roster, they can either put him on season-ending injured reserve or release him from his contract.

Considering how long the Lions have kept him on the active roster, despite not playing an NFL down, it’s a safe assumption that the team will do their best to get him on the field as soon as possible.

Lions make series of roster moves ahead of Week 6 matchup

The Detroit Lions have made a series of roster moves ahead of their Week 6 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Detroit Lions have made a series of roster moves ahead of their Week 6 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The biggest move is the return of starting guard Joe Dahl, who was activated from injured reserve and placed on the 53-man roster. His return will allow the Lions to potentially trot out their preferred starting five offensive linemen, while also having coverage at center if Frank Ragnow is unable to play. Ragnow is currently listed as questionable, but the fact that he was not downgraded to out today is a solid sign he will get a chance to test his groin in pre-game and could still potentially play.

The Lions have also signed quarterback David Blough off of their practice squad and placed him on the active roster. It’s not totally clear why the Lions felt the need to make this move at this time, as the Lions have yet to use Chase Daniel for a single snap so far this season, but it’s possible another team tried to poach him off the practice squad and the Lions offered to sign him to keep him in Detroit.

Update: Chris Burke of The Athletic confirmed our speculations that Blough was indeed offered a contract from the Dallas Cowboys and that led to the Lions signing him.

To make room for Dahl and Blough, the Lions placed rookie tight end Hunter Bryant on injured reserve on Friday and released cornerback Chris Jones on Saturday in corresponding moves.

Additionally, the Lions elected to take advantage of a new COVID-19 rule for 2020, and have elevated tight end Isaac Nauta from the practice squad to the active roster. Nauta will be allowed to play on Sunday — a move that makes sense with only two other tight ends on the roster — and following the game, he will revert to the Lions practice squad and will not be subject to waivers.

Lions activate Joe Dahl to the 53-man roster

The Detroit Lions announced starting guard Joe Dahl has been removed from injured reserve and placed back on the 53-man roster.

On Friday the Detroit Lions placed rookie tight end Hunter Bryant on injured reserve, freeing up a spot on the 53-man roster. Today, the Lions filled that spot by removing starting guard Joe Dahl from injured reserve and placing him back on the active roster.

After a solid Week 1 outing, Dahl injured his groin during Week 2 practices and was placed on injured reserve. After three weeks of recovery, Dahl returned to the practice field this week and coach Matt Patricia was pleased with what he saw.

“I thought on Wednesday with the pads on, I thought Joe looked pretty good,” Patricia said at his Friday press conference. “Came out, his pad level was good, I thought he moved well, that was a good competitive practice for us.”

The Lions have been shuffling their offensive line all season, and now with Dahl back in the fold, the Lions have a chance to put their preferred combination on the filed — assuming Frank Ragnow can overcome his questionable tag and resume his role at center.

If Ragnow is unable to play, Dahl could be the preferred option to take over at center. Jonah Jackson also has experience at the position, but asking the rookie to start at three different positions over his first five games is a big ask — but not out of the question.

At the end of the day, the Lions appear to favor a Top-6 offensive linemen with a debate about who is number five and who is number six — choosing between Hal Vaitai and Tyrell Crosby, who can both play tackle and guard. If Ragnow plays, one of them will be on the bench. If Ragnow is out, both play and a shuffling of players on the interior begins.

Here’s a look at some of the offensive line combinations we could see on Sunday.

The original starting 5

Left Tackle Left Guard Center Right Guard Right Tackle
Taylor Decker Joe Dahl Frank Ragnow Jonah Jackson Hal Vaitai

Crosby outplays Vaitai

Left Tackle Left Guard Center Right Guard Right Tackle
Taylor Decker Joe Dahl Frank Ragnow Jonah Jackson Tyrell Crosby

Dahl replaces an injured Ragnow

Left Tackle Left Guard Center Right Guard Right Tackle
Taylor Decker Jonah Jackson Joe Dahl Hal Vaitai Tyrell Crosby

Jackson replaces an injured Ragnow

Left Tackle Left Guard Center Right Guard Right Tackle
Taylor Decker Joe Dahl Jonah Jackson Hal Vaitai Tyrell Crosby

We will have to wait until Sunday to see how it plays out, but any which way, Dahl returning couldn’t have come at a better time.

Detroit Lions Week 6 injury designations: Frank Ragnow Questionable, Desmond Trufant OUT

Identifying the Detroit Lions injury designations for their Week 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Detroit Lions saw quite a bit of improvement on their Week 6 injury report on Friday, but they’re not out of the woods yet with one of their most important players on offense.

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

Injured reserve/PUP list

Ruled OUT

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Desmond Trufant Hamstring No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT
Hunter Bryant Concussion No Practice No Practice No Practice Placed on IR

Trufant was not able to overcome the injury set back he suffered in Week 4 and he will miss his third game of the season. Expect Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah to start, with Darryl Williams in the slot.

We’re going to have to wait at least another three weeks before we will get to see the Bryant make his NFL debut after he was placed on injured reserve today.

Questionable

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Frank Ragnow Groin Limited Practice No Practice Limited Practice Questionable
C.J. Moore Calf Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice Questionable

Ragnow suffered a groin injury in practice on Wednesday, missed practice on Thursday, and was limited again on Friday. Another few days of rest could do wonders for his availability on Sunday, but with the Lions traveling this week, he’ll need to pass through another medical check on Saturday. If he shows positive improvement, he could make the trip to Jacksonville, but could still be a game-time decision.

If Ragnow can’t play, early expectations are that starter Joe Dahl could return from injured reserve tomorrow — taking the roster spot vacated by Bryant being placed on IR — and start at center. If Ragnow can play, Dahl could still be activated and the offensive line could return to the original/preferred starting lineup — something we have yet to see in 2020.

Moore is recovering from his third separate injury in six weeks, and while he was able to upgrade to a full practice on Friday, the questionable label is a strong indication he’s headed towards a game-time decision.

Not listed with an injury designation

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Adrian Peterson Illness Not listed No Practice Full Practice No Designation
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation
D’Shawn Hand Chest Full Practice Full Practice Full Practice No Designation
Nick Williams Shoulder Full Practice Full Practice Full Practice No Designation

Peterson’s illness lasted just 24-hours and he returned to a full practice on Friday. He should be good to go on Sunday.

Jones has been limited in practice since Week 4 but it hasn’t impacted his playing time as of yet. Couple that with a full practice on Friday, and no injury designation, and he should be ready to roll on Sunday.

Hand and Williams both got in a full week’s worth of practices and won’t carry an injury designation into Sunday’s game. If the Lions are concerned about their ability to play a full game, Kevin Strong could be promoted from the practice squad, but they appear to be in a good spot.

Detroit Lions place TE Hunter Bryant on Injured Reserve

The Detroit Lions announced they have placed undrafted rookie tight end Hunter Bryant on Injured Reserve.

The Detroit Lions announced they have placed undrafted rookie tight end Hunter Bryant on Injured Reserve.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL has adjusted the short-term IR rules for 2020, meaning Bryant will be eligible to return in three weeks — after Week 8 — instead of the normal eight weeks stint.

It’s been a rough start to his NFL career for Bryant. He looked sharp through the first week of training camp but a late-week hamstring injury sidelined him for the remainder of the offseason. Fortunately, he showed enough in camp to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, with the hope that he would return by Week 3 and was not placed on IR.

Unfortunately, his hamstring lingered and he missed the first four weeks of the season. He returned to full strength during the bye but a concussion heading into week six put him back on the shelf and eventually led to his placement on IR.

This move cleared a space on the roster and the early expectation is that starting left guard Joe Dahl will be activated from his stint on IR. It’s possible that reserve running back Bo Scarbrough or reserve corner Mike Ford could also return on the off chance Dahl isn’t ready, as all three practiced this week and their health is currently being evaluated. If a move happens, it should come on Saturday.

Detroit Lions Week 6 injury report: Frank Ragnow doesn’t practice on Thursday

Examining the Detroit Lions Thursday Week 6 injury report as they begin their preparation for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Detroit Lions got some bad news on Thursday when starting center Frank Ragnow was unable to practice after suffering a groin injury on Wednesday. If he is unable to play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it will be a huge loss for the Lions offense.

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

Injured reserve/PUP list

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Frank Ragnow Groin Limited Practice No Practice
Adrian Peterson Illness Not Listed No Practice
Desmond Trufant Hamstring No Practice No Practice
Hunter Bryant Concussion No Practice No Practice

While coach Matt Patricia didn’t want to discuss how or when Ragnow’s injury happened, he did suggest it was a recent issue saying it was “something that popped up yesterday”. Couple that comment with Ragnow being unable to practice on Thursday, and it’s not great news for Ragnow or the Lions, as mid-week injuries typically impact a player’s ability to perform on Sunday — if they play at all.

If Ragnow is unable to play, rookie Jonah Jackson could end up as his replacement at center, which would be his third position player in his first five NFL games. Other options include the team activating Dahl from IR or elevating Beau Benzschawel from the practice squad.

Peterson’s illness is being reported by local media as non-COVID-19 related.

Trufant is considered day-to-day according to Patricia, but after missing two practices, he would need a significant improvement on Friday in order to be game ready on Sunday. Expect an Amani Oruwariye-Jeff Okudah starting lineup at corner once again.

Bryant continues to sit out practices and with the NFL concussion protocols being what they are, he will likely miss this weekend’s game.

Limited Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
C.J. Moore Calf Limited Practice Limited Practice

Jones was limited in Week 4 but played in that game and appears to be on the same path in Week 6. His situation is still worth keeping an eye on, but this is an early lean towards availability.

Moore could be on the path to the playing field once again, but he has been so banged up this season, it’s hard to project anything at this stage.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
D’Shawn Hand Chest Full Practice Full Practice
Nick Williams Shoulder Full Practice Full Practice

Two full practices for Hand and Williams is a strong indicator that they will be good to go on Sunday, barring a Friday setback of course.