Tag: Hunter Bryant

Detroit Lions Week 2 inactives: Jeff Okudah ACTIVE, Hal Vaitai OUT

The Detroit Lions have released their Week 2 inactives list and cornerback Jeff Okudah is active and expected to start.

The Detroit Lions have declared their Game Day inactives for their Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

The Lions have been hit with the injury bug this week — again — and have placed corner Justin Coleman and left guard Joe Dahl on injured reserve.  Additionally, they declared Kenny Golladay, Demond Trufant, and Hunter Bryant OUT after practices this week, as well as downgrading Nick Williams to OUT on Saturday.

To offset some of their depth issues, the Lions signed offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins and corner Chris Jones, as well as expanded their game-day roster to 55-players by promoting defensive tackle Kevin Strong and corner/gunner Dee Virgin from the practice squad.

Because the Lions have kept eight offensive linemen on their active game-day roster, they are now eligible to expand their roster from 46- to 48-players today — meaning they only need to declare seven players inactive today.

Here are those seven players.

Lions’ inactives list

  • WR Kenny Golladay, hamstring
  • TE Hunter Bryant, hamstring
  • DT Nick Williams, shoulder
  • CB Desmond Trufant, hamstring
  • RT Hal Vaitai, foot
  • EDGE Julian Okwara
  • CB Chris Jones

Golladay is reported to be “really close” to returning to the field but like last week, he will likely be replaced by rookie Quintez Cephus in the starting lineup.

Trufant also reportedly avoided a “significant hamstring injury” and could also be on track to return soon. He will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by third overall pick Jeff Okudah.

Williams will be replaced in the starting lineup by Da’Shawn Hand and in the defensive line rotation by Kevin Strong.

Vaitai (foot) was not able to practice all week but was listed as questionable — unfortunately, he was not able to get ready/cleared for this game and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Tyrell Crosby.

Packers inactive list

Lions rookie report: Expectations for Lions at Packers in Week 2

Projecting expectations for Detroit Lions rookies as they travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers in Week 2.

After a quiet showing in Week 1, will the rookies of the Detroit Lions be able to make an impact versus the Green Bay Packers?

The Lions have announced several roster moves and have had more than their fair share of injuries since the season began, leaving an opportunity for some members of their 2020 rookie class to make an impact.

Here’s what to expect from Detroit’s rookies this week against the Packers:

CB Jeff Okudah

Okudah missed the first game of the season due to a hamstring injury but will make his NFL debut today against Green Bay as he was a full participant in practices all week.

The third-overall pick from this year’s draft will likely start on defense opposite Amani Oruwariye while Desmond Trufant recovers from a hamstring injury.

It’s hard to know what to expect from the rookie cornerback, as we haven’t been able to see much of him in training camp or practice due to his injury, but there is a reason he was regarded as the best defensive back in this year’s draft. Hopefully, his college production will translate quickly to the pros.

RB D’Andre Swift

After a heartbreaking debut against the Bears, Swift will be determined to bounce back in Week 2.

The rookie running back wasn’t utilized much on offense last week — only getting six touches — and was the third back off the bench behind both Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson. Despite all that, he did prove that he can be of value to the team both in the passing game and two-minute offense.

Expect his role to remain the same this week.

[lawrence-related id=50459]

RG Jonah Jackson

Jackson was the Lions’ starting right guard last week, playing 90-percent of snaps on offense, and will reprise that role again this week.

His debut wasn’t perfect as he committed one false start penalty and was credited with allowing one sack from Bears’ defensive tackle Akiem Hicks. This week, he’ll have to brush off those rookie mistakes and prepare to face off against Green Bay’s elite pass rush.

JACK Julian Okwara

The younger Okwara brother had a near-silent game against Chicago, with just seven snaps on defense. He isn’t expected to contribute much on defense beyond a situational pass-rushing role but should see a lot of time on special teams.

OL Logan Stenberg

Despite a change-up to the starting offensive line this week, Stenberg likely won’t make his debut as a Lion today. He was a game-day inactive in Week 1, and is still sitting behind Oday Aboushi and Kenny Wiggins on the depth chart.

WR Quintez Cephus

Judging by the way he was utilized on offense last week, it’s clear that the Lions front office has confidence in the rookie fifth-round pick. In fact, he was the most-targeted receiver out of all rookies in the league. But despite having ten passes thrown his way, he was only to come away with three receptions.

With Kenny Golladay out again this week, expect Cephus to get the nod as a starter alongside Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola.

NT John Penisini

Though he didn’t see the field much in Week 1, Penisini may have more of an opportunity against the Packers. With starting defensive tackle Nick Williams designated out due to injury, the rookie out of Utah will likely split his snaps with Kevin Strong, who was called up from the practice squad and serves as the only other backup defensive tackle on the roster.

Both will still sit behind Da’Shawn Hand and Danny Shelton on the depth chart, but the chance of earning more defensive snaps has gone up this week.

TE Hunter Bryant

Bryant has been ruled out for the second week in a row due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Detroit Lions Week 2 injury designations: Kenny Golladay, Desmond Trufant, Joe Dahl ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions have declared their injury designations ahead of their  Week 2 matchup with the Packers in Green Bay.

The Detroit Lions have declared their injury designations ahead of their  Week 2 matchup with the Packers in Green Bay and they will be without three starters with another two listed as questionable.

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

Injured reserve

Ruled OUT

Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
WR Kenny Golladay Hamstring No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT
TE Hunter Bryant Hamstring No Practice No Practice Limited practice OUT
LG Joe Dahl Groin Not Listed Limited Practice No Practice OUT
CB Desmond Trufant Hamstring No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT

Golladay has not practiced in two weeks now and his absence will likely open the door for rookie Quintez Cephus to get his second straight start opposite Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola.

Trufant’s injury was reported to not be serious but it was still significant enough to keep him from practicing all week. He will likely be replaced by rookie Jeff Okudah in the starting lineup.

Dahl was injured in Thursday’s practice and like most mid-week injuries, he was not able to recover in time for the weekend’s game. He will likely be replaced by Oday Aboushi in the starting lineup at left guard.

Bryant was able to get in a limited practice on Friday but he is still not ready to go.

Questionable

Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
RT Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice No Practice No Practice Questionable
DT Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
CB Darryl Roberts Calf No Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
S C.J. Moore Hamstring Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable

Despite not being able to practice all week Vaitai has yet to be ruled out. Because this is a travel week, expect him to be tested by the team before they travel tomorrow and he will either make the trip to Green Bay where he will give it a shot or be downgraded to out. If he is not able to play, expect to see Tyrell Crosby at right tackle again.

Williams has been injured all week but able to get some practice time in. His status may come down to a Sunday decision.

Roberts was upgraded from no practice on Tuesday to limited the following days. If he is able to go on Sunday, he will likely be the Lions starting slot receiver.

Moore didn’t practice at all in Week 1 and was unable to play. This week he got in all limited practices so it’s possible he returns and gives the Lions’ special teams a boost.

No injury designation

Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
CB Jeff Okudah Hamstring Full Practice Full Practice Full Practice None
FB Jason Cabinda Ankle Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice None

Okudah has now completed a full week of practice and is expected to start opposite Amani Oruwariye. His recovery comes just in time for a heavily injured Lions secondary.

Cabinda upgraded to a full practice on Friday and does not carry an injury designation. Expect him to be available on Sunday, clearing holes for Adrian Peterson through a Kenny Clark-less Packer defensive line.

Detroit Lions Week 2 Thursday injury report:

The Detroit Lions announced their Week 2 Thursday injury report and first-round pick Jeff Okudah’s health is trending in the right direction.

On Thursday, the Detroit Lions held their second practice of the week as they prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of the 2020 season.

The Lions saw some health improvement from corner Darryl Roberts, while left guard Joe Dahl showed up as limited after not being listed on yesterday’s report.

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

Injured reserve

No practice on Thursday

Wednesday Thursday
WR Kenny Golladay Hamstring No Practice No Practice
TE Hunter Bryant Hamstring No Practice No Practice
RT Hal Vaitai Foot No Practice No Practice
CB Desmond Trufant Hamstring No Practice No Practice

Two practices in and it’s not looking good for any of these four players. Lions fans can still hold out hope for Trufant after the Tom Pelissero report from earlier in the week, suggesting Trufant avoided serious injury and could possibly play this weekend.

Limited participants

Wednesday Thursday
FB Jason Cabinda Ankle Limited Practice Limited Practice
LG Joe Dahl Groin Not Listed Limited Practice
DT Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice Limited Practice
CB Darryl Roberts Calf No Practice Limited Practice
S C.J. Moore Hamstring Limited Practice Limited Practice

A bit of good and bad in this section, as Roberts’ being upgraded to limited is a huge boost for the secondary, while Dahl being added to this list is mildly concerning. A mid-week injury is typically bad news — it cost Jeff Okudah last week’s game — so keeping an eye on Friday’s report is a must for Dahl. If he can’t go, Oday Aboushi would be the next man up at left guard.

Full Participants

Wednesday Thursday
CB Jeff Okudah Hamstring Full Practice Full Practice

Two straight days of being a full participant is great news for the rookie. If Trufant can’t play, expect Okudah to start opposite Amani Oruwariye, and hopefully, Roberts will be ready to take over in the slot.

Lions Week 2 Wednesday injury report: Jeff Okudah returns to practice in full

The Detroit Lions announced their Week 2 Wednesday injury report and Kenny Golladay, Hal Vaitai, and Desmond Trufant missed practice.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions held first practice of Week 2, as they prepare to travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers.

The Lions still have several players listed on the injury report this week, with the majority of them coming at the cornerback position, including Justin Coleman, Desmond Trufant, Daryl Roberts, and Jeff Okudah all at different stages of their recovery process.

Injured reserve

  • CB Justin Coleman

Coleman was placed in IR on Tuesday, and the Lions signed corner Chris Jones — who was with the team during the 2018 training camp — off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, and he filled the open spot on the active roster.

No practice on Wednesday

  • WR Kenny Golladay, hamstring
  • TE Hunter Bryant, hamstring
  • RT Hal Vaitai, foot
  • CB Desmond Trufant, hamstring
  • CB Darryl Roberts, calf

Golladay, Bryant, and Vaitai all missed last week so starting off the week in this group is not a great sign, but the fact that they were not placed on injured reserve to start the year is a good sign they may be further along than this practice indicates.

Despite not practicing today, Trufant’s injury isn’t expected to be longterm and it’s possible he could even be ready for this weekend’s game. Expect the Lions to take it very slowly with him this week in hopes of getting him ready.

Roberts’ injury was downplayed by coach Matt Patricia in his morning press conference, but this is another soft tissue injury here, so expect them not to push him.

Limited participants

  • FB Jason Cabinda, ankle
  • DT Nick Williams, shoulder
  • S C.J. Moore, hamstring

Cabinda and Williams are new additions to the report this week and their participation levels will have to be monitored to determine their availability. The fact that they could put in limited practice with soft tissue injuries is encouraging.

Moore was previously injured and unable to play last week, so a step up here could be a positive sign towards his return.

Full Participants

  • CB Jeff Okudah, hamstring

Okudah returning to full practice is very good news, considering the injures at the position. If Okudah’s health stays on track and he is able to play, the Lions should have two corners they can comfortably start — Amani Oruwariye being the other — and another two — in Trufant and Roberts — that they hope can recover in time to round out the group.

Detroit Lions Week 1 inactives: Kenny Golladay, Jeff Okudah OUT

The Detroit Lions have declared their Game Day inactives for their Week 1 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

The Detroit Lions have declared their Game Day inactives for their Week 1 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

In previous seasons, teams would have to remove seven players from their 53-man roster on game days, but in the COVID-19 environment of 2020, things are a bit different this season with more moving parts.

The first notable change to the Lions roster for this game was that it was expanded from 53 to 55 players yesterday with the practice squad elevations of OL Kenny Wiggins and RB Jonathan Williams. Wiggins and Williams will return to the practice squad tomorrow and neither will be subjected to waivers as this is their first elevation each.

Another rule the Lions will be taking advantage of today is the expanded game-day roster. By keeping eight offensive linemen active today, the roster can be increased from 46 to 48-players.

Bottom line: By adhering to the new protocols, the Lions still only have to decare seven players inactive for Week 1 — with the active roster and game-day roster both being increased by two players — and will have two additional players on the sidelines for today’s game.

Week 1 inactives list

  • WR Kenny Golladay, hamstring
  • CB Jeff Okudah, hamstring — reported earlier he would not play
  • RT Hal Vaitai, foot injury — ruled OUT on Friday’s injury report
  • TE Hunter Bryant, hamstring — previously ruled OUT
  • S C.J. Moore, hamstring — previously ruled OUT
  • G Logan Stenberg
  • RB Jonathan Williams

Golladay will likely be replaced by several reserve wide receivers with Marvin Hall likely being the next man up in the starting lineup.

Vaitai’s right tackle spot is expected to be occupied by third-year offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby, who has seven career starts over 26 games played — including six at right tackle.

Okudah was in a battle for a starting role with second-year corner Amani Oruwariye, who is expected to start alongside Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman.

Bryant being ruled out leaves the Lions with only two tight ends active, so keep an eye out for an extra offensive lineman when the offense goes into big sets — Wiggins and Oday Aboushi could see time in this role.

Moore missing today’s game will be felt more on special teams than defense and it’s unclear who will replace him in the third phase, but it will most likely be a combination of defensive backs like Darryl Roberts and Will Harris.

Despite being promoted yesterday, Williams is inactive, this likely means rookie running back D’Andre Swift is fully healthy and Williams’ promotion was just for insurance purposes.

Bears Inactives

Lions Week 1 Wednesday injury report: D’Andre Swift limited with hip injury

The Detroit Lions released their Wednesday injury report for Week 1 of the 2020 season and nine players’ open season with injuries.

The Detroit Lions held their first official practice of the 2020 regular season on Wednesday as they prepare to take on the Chicago Bears for a Week 1 matchup at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.

The Lions have nine players listed on the injury report this week and we finally got answers to why a few players missed time in training camp.

Injured reserve

No practice on Thursday

  • TE Hunter Bryant, hamstring
  • S C.J. Moore, hamstring

This matches an earlier report from coach Matt Patricia’s press conference when he acknowledged Bryant and Moore “will probably not doing much in practice here today. Everybody else will be working through.”

Bryant has been nursing his hamstring for over two weeks now but the fact that he hasn’t been placed on injured reserve — where he would have to miss at least three weeks — indicates the Lions believe he will be healthy and ready to contribute sooner than later.

Limited participants

  • RB D’Andre Swift, hip
  • WR Kenny Golladay, hamstring
  • WR Danny Amendola, hamstring
  • RT Hal Vaitai, foot
  • DL Da’Shawn Hand, groin
  • DE Julian Okwara, knee
  • CB Darryl Roberts, groin

Like Bryant, Swift has been dealing with a two-week camp injury — we now know is a hip injury — but he appears to be on a quicker path to recovery that his rookie teammate.

Another discovery from this injury report is that Hand is dealing with a groin injury. Thankfully that is not an ailment he had in last year’s injury-riddled season, and it is something he should be able to recover from quickly, rather than dealing with a lingering issue.

Full participants

There were no injured players who fully participated on Wednesday, and the remaining 44 players were healthy.

Lions injury report: Only Hunter Bryant and C.J. Moore idle at Wednesday’s practice

Matt Patricia indicated only Bryant and Moore would sit out Wed. practice

The Detroit Lions appear to be entering Week 1 against the Chicago Bears on a healthy note. Nearly the entire team practiced in Allen Park on Wednesday, just four days before the opener at Ford Field.

Coach Matt Patricia declared all but two players a full go for Wednesday’s practice during his pre-practice Zoom session with the media.

“We’re ready to go to practice, ready to get going here for the Bears,” Patricia said in his opening statement. “Two guys here, Hunter Bryant and C.J. Moore will probably not doing much in practice here today. Everybody else will be working through.”

That’s an indication that RB D’Andre Swift is back to being a full participant in practices. The rookie RB missed most of training camp with an undisclosed lower body injury.

Bryant is expected to miss at least Week 1 with a hamstring injury. The tight end is the only undrafted rookie to make the Lions 53-man roster this year.

[lawrence-related id=49538]

The team is required to release an official injury report later in the week, but Patricia offered no additions to the injury list during his press conference.

Hunter Bryant’s injury continues to keep the UDFA tight end sidelined

It’s hard to see Bryant making the Lions final roster after he’s missed weeks of practice with a hamstring injury

When the Detroit Lions first revealed their undrafted rookie class of 2020, Hunter Bryant was a popular favorite to be the most likely to make the 53-man roster. An undersized (6-2, 239) receiving-oriented tight end from Washington, Bryant offered the right promise of upside and ability at a position of weakness in Detroit.

Bryant earned some early praise from head coach Matt Patricia.

“I think, obviously, there’s a great deal that he does well in the passing game, and we’ve been able to see a little bit of that,” Patricia said in August. “And I think he’s done an outstanding job first and foremost of just taking advantage of his opportunity with maybe some of the other things that have gone on. And he’s gotten out there with some of those groups and has really just done a great job.”

Alas, Bryant’s strong start and chances of making the roster have been hamstrung by a hamstring injury. The rookie has not practiced since August 22nd and remains out with just two full days to go before the roster cutdown is due.

Coach Patricia initially left Bryant off his list of limited participants or those sitting out Wednesday’s practice. He was unusually (for Patricia) short on words when asked specifically about Bryant later in his Zoom press conference.

 “Thank you, I did skip that by accident. Hunter Bryant will not be at practice today,” Patricia said. Next question.
Unfortunately for Bryant, availability is an ability he has not shown in training camp. It’s difficult to project him making the final roster after missing the final two-plus weeks of training camp. Bryant could be a candidate for injured reserve as a rookie with a chance to try and prove he can make it in 2021.

Lions 2020 training camp participation report: Jeff Okudah misses time on Saturday

Updating the Detroit Lions player participation report during the fifth day of their 2020 training camp.

During Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia’s Saturday morning press conference, he acknowledged concerns around soft tissue injuries with the shortened offseason, as we have seen some of that with Lions players so far in training camp.

“Certainly in general, high-injury-rate players in the NFL are rookies and younger players, plus older-injured vets,” Patricia said. “Those are kind of the two groups that we always keep track of as far as injury histories and things like that. Sometimes we’re a little bit cautious with those guys.”

Today, two more rookies appeared to suffer soft tissue injuries, though the severity of each looks a bit different.

Jeff Okudah

After stretching, position groups split up and began warm-up drills. After his first or second rep, Okudah pulled up and was called off the field. A trainer and Okudah had a discussion for a few minutes, then Patricia was called over and appeared to shut him down for the day.

Okudah remained on the sidelines, following the position group around and chatting with coaches and players but he did not participate. On the surface, this looks precautionary but soft tissue injuries can be tricky so we will have to wait and see where he is tomorrow.

Hunter Bryant

Bryant pulled up during a TE vs S one-on-one drill and grabbed his hamstring. He was seen and stretched out by a trainer but after several minutes he slowly left the field and did not return.

D’Andre Swift and Bo Scarbrough remain sidelined

Also during his morning press conference, Patricia acknowledged that both running backs D’Andre Swift and Bo Scarbrough would be held out of Saturday’s practice. He didn’t address the type of injuries they are dealing with but noted that due to the pace of Saturday’s practice he didn’t want to expose them to at this point.

Desmond Trufant sits again

Friday looked like a rest day for Trufant but he remained on the sideline and not participating again on Saturday, which is mildly concerning. This could be a “pace of practice” issue, or potentially something more — but the fact that he was present is encouraging.

Marvin Hall returns in full

Hall left the field on Friday and his limp looked worrisome. Fortunately, Hall returned to the field on Saturday, took his place with the second team, and didn’t miss a rep.

Victor Bolden and Matt Nelson getting light work

On Friday the extent of Bolden’s participation was riding a stationary bike, and while he did that again on Saturday, he also was with his position group on the field which is a step in the right direction to returning.

Nelson only ran on Friday, and on Saturday he saw reps at right tackle when the Lions rolled three offensive lines — which was only a few times.

Nick Bawden, Isaac Nauta, Beau Benzschawel

Bawden, Nauta, and Benzschawel are with their position groups but not mixing in yet. Mostly just doing stuff off to the side and learning from the sidelines.

Austin Bryant remains on PUP

Bryant remains on the Physically Unable to Participate (PUP) list with an undisclosed injury. He is eligible to be removed at any time once he is deemed healthy.