Tag: Ifeatu Melifonwu

Ifeatu Melifonwu back on Lions injured reserve a day after being activated

The Lions placed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu back on injured reserve a day after being activated

No, it’s not a misprint. The Detroit Lions did indeed place safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve on Tuesday.

Yes, it’s also true the Lions activated Melifonwu from I.R. on Monday.

What gives?

Melifonwu is back on I.R. for at least four more weeks with a finger injury. He had previously missed all of the 2024 campaign through Week 11 with an ankle issue suffered in Detroit’s second preseason game. Melifonwu injured his finger in practice last week after already being designated to return from I.R.

As head coach Dan Campbell explained on Monday, Melifonwu was going to be out for more time than the end of his 21-day activation window, which was originally slated for after the Week 12 trip to Indianapolis. The oft-injured reserve safety is now out until at least Week 16.

Melifonwu is eligible to be activated from I.R. a second time, though the team has a limited number of activations and several other players (Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, John Cominsky, Jalen Reeves-Maybin) also slated to come back at some point.

Lions add defensive help to the active roster, place Anzalone on I.R.

The Lions added a veteran LB and activated (with an asterisk) Ifeatu Melifonwu, while placing Anzalone on I.R.

The Detroit Lions made some injury-forced roster moves on Monday. The most notable is placing linebacker Alex Anzalone on the injured reserve list a day after the defensive captain broke his forearm in the team’s blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Replacing Anzalone on the active roster will be safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was activated off injured reserve. That activation probably deserves an asterisk, as Melifonwu is poised to be sidelined again with a new finger injury suffered last week in practice.

“Well, look, because this is going to come up anyway, he had something come up and he’s not going to be – he won’t be ready for a while,” Campbell said of Melifonwu. “He’s not going to be ready for a while.”

The Lions also added veteran linebacker David Long to the practice squad. Long was recently released by the Miami Dolphins after losing his role in their defense.

 

Lions vs Jaguars: Final injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Jaguars: Final injury report and medical analysis for the Week 11 matchup in Detroit

For the Detroit Lions who are mathematically at >99% to make the playoffs, the balance of playing vs resting players is rightfully getting nudged towards the side that helps with playoff performance.

With an 8-1 record, the Lions have earned the opportunity to rest minor playable injuries and employ selective load management. That strategy may have been a factor in the decision to sideline Taylor Decker last week and Sam LaPorta this week. There is still the extremely valuable #1 seed bye up for grabs so keeping the foot on the regular season gas does have playoff benefits.

The Jaguars are on the opposite side of the mathematical spectrum with a <1% chance of making the playoffs. But they may end up with the same answers as the Lions to the “play vs rest” question.

While the Lions are focusing on the 2025 playoffs, the Jaguars are focusing on the 2026 playoffs. Key long-term players like Trevor Lawrence, who is considering season-ending AC joint surgery, may decide to sacrifice the present for a better future.

During the week, the Lions had a new minor injury to Carlton Davis who broke his thumb, and an upgrade with Taylor Decker’s shoulder. Overall, the Lions active roster is in good health.

The Jaguars have multiple offensive skill players dealing with injuries including their #1 QB, #1 RB, and #1-3 WR’s. The team’s injury report is lengthy with many limited practices, but most of the players will be in.

DETROIT LIONS

Carlton Davis CB (hand UL LP FP – In)

Davis said he broke his thumb in practice but will play through with a cast. No concerns here, but a repeat 2-interception performance will be more challenging.

Ben Niemann LB (ankle UL UL NP – Questionable)

Presumably, Niemann hurt his ankle in practice. An NP on Friday means he’s likely out on Sunday. He played 19% of defensive snaps last game which was 4th amongst linebackers.

Sam LaPorta TE (shoulder NP NP NP – Out)

LaPorta suffered a left AC joint sprain last game which Dan Campbell has called “day-to-day”. Letting him rest is a good idea not just for the AC joint but in case of any residuals from his previous injuries this year:
• hamstring (preseason)
• right low ankle sprain (week 3)
• possible right knee hyperextension (week 7)

Taylor Decker OT (shoulder LP FP FP – In)

Decker suffered a rotator cuff strain in practice last week and missed the last game. Good news that it is minor and he’ll be playing on Sunday.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (ankle LP FP FP – In)

After missing two games with a left ankle sprain, Rodriguez is ready to go.

Brodric Martin DT (knee FP FP FP – Out)

After a right knee hyperextension in preseason, Martin had his 21-day practice window opened on October 30. Expect him to be moved to the active roster next week by November 20.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S (ankle/finger FP LP NP – Out)

The downgrade is a concern. Hopefully, it is only related to the finger injury and not an aggravation of a suspected Achilles tendonitis. Defensive backs can play through finger dislocations or fractures (see Carlton Davis) so the finger shouldn’t impact his timeline.

Melifonwu’s practice window opened November 6 which means he should move to the active roster by November 27, the day before Thanksgiving.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (pec FP FP FP – Out)

Recovering from his torn pec in August, Moseley’s 21-day practice window opened November 6. Like Melifonwu, Moseley should move to the active roster before Thanksgiving.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Trevor Lawrence QB (shoulder NP NP NP – Out)

A left, non-throwing, AC joint sprain will keep the Jaguars’ starting QB out for a second straight game. He may even decide to call it a season and get AC joint surgery. Mac Jones, who was 14/22 for 111 yards last week in a 12-7 loss to the Vikings, will start again.

Tank Bigsby RB (ankle NP NP NP – Out)

The Jaguars #1 RB with 519 yards has been dealing with an ankle issue for 2-3 weeks and aggravated it last game. Expect Travis Etienne, who has 298 yards, to get the bulk of the carries.

Maason Smith DT (ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)

This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last four games.

Keilan Robinson RB (toe FP FP FP – Questionable)

With 3x FP, this 5th-round rookie should be available, but he has yet to play this year.

Ezra Cleveland LG (ankle LP LP LP – Questionable)

This starting LG missed the last two games but might be ready to return this Sunday.

Brian Thomas WR (chest LP LP LP – In)

The Jaguars #1 WR with 607 yards hurt his ribs two weeks ago but has been playing through. He only had 2 catches for 12 yards last game though.

Gabe Davis WR (shoulder LP LP LP – In)

Davis hurt his shoulder three weeks ago but did return to play last week with 1 catch for 19 yards. He is the team’s 4th-leading receiver with 236 yards on the year.

Josh Hines-Allen DE (shoulder LP LP LP – In)

This star pass-rusher has five sacks on the year.

Blake Hance OL (knee LP LP LP – In)

Hance started last game at LG and may start again if Ezra Cleveland can’t go.

Brandon Scherff RG (knee LP LP LP – In)

This starting RG has not missed a game this year.

D’Ernest Johnson RB (hamstring LP LP LP – In)

Johnson is 3rd on the team with 114 rushing yards this year.

Tyson Campbell CB (shoulder LP LP LP – In)

Campbell missed a few games with a hamstring earlier in the year but has started the last four games.

Daniel Thomas S (hamstring LP LP LP – In)

This backup has not played a defensive snap the past four games.

NOTABLES

Christian Kirk, the Jaguars 2nd-leading WR, was placed on IR two weeks ago with a broken clavicle.

Lions injury update: Taylor Decker among those with changed practice status

Lions injury update: Taylor Decker among those with changed practice status from Wednesday, a list that also includes Carlton Davis

There was some good news and bad news from the Detroit Lions injury report after Thursday’s practice ahead of Week 11.

First, the good news. Left tackle Taylor Decker was a full participant in Thursday’s session with his shoulder. Decker missed the Week 10 win in Houston and was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. That puts Decker in good position to play in Sunday’s game at Ford Field against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez also upgraded to a full participant. Rodriguez has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

Now, the bad news…

Starting CB Carlton Davis was downgraded with a hand injury. Davis was not listed on Wednesday’s report, indicating he suffered some form of malady during the session.

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu also downgraded in status. Still on injured reserve but designated to return from a lingering ankle injury, Melifonwu dropped to a limited participant with a new finger listing.

Tight end Sam LaPorta sat out for the second consecutive day with a shoulder injury. LaPorta is not expected to play against Jacksonville.

Lions begin clock for two injured defenders to return from I.R.

The Lions are starting the 21-day return window for injured DBs Emmanuel Moseley and Ifeatu Melifonwu

Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered some positive injury news on two Detroit defenders who are set to return from the injured reserve list. The Lions are starting the 21-day windows to return for cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu as of today, November 6th.

Almost as an afterthought at the end of his press conference on Wednesday, Campbell added this nugget,

“Oh, we are going to start the clock on E-Man (Moseley) and Iffy (Melifonwu).”

Moseley has been out since tearing a pectoral muscle during the preseason. He had been the Lions’ first-team slot corner prior to his injury. The veteran corner has played just two regular season snaps in over two years after tearing each ACL, one with the 49ers in 2022 and another last year with Detroit.

Melifonwu also has not played in 2024. He has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the Lions’ second preseason game and practiced just twice before being placed on I.R. earlier this season. Melifonwu was repping as the Lions’ second-team strong safety behind Brian Branch prior to suffering his injury.

Moseley and Melifonwu are eligible to be activated at any time. They must be activated from I.R. before November 27th or else they are lost for the rest of the season and postseason.

[lawrence-related id=114591]

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 place S Ifeatu Melifonwu on I.R. after missing first 3 games

Melifonwu has barel practiced since suffering the injury in mid-August

There was a bit of a surprise on the Detroit Lions final game status report for Week 4. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was not listed with an injury status for the Monday Night Football matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

That’s because Melifonwu was placed on the injured reserve list by the Lions on Saturday. Melifonwu has missed every practice but two since suffering an ankle injury in Detroit’s second preseason game in Kansas City. He was limited participant in two practices in Week 1 but has not participated at all since.

Melifonwu played quite well down the stretch in 2023, including the postseason. However, injuries have dogged his four-year Lions career. He’s now missed 21 of a possible 55 games with various ailments since the Lions drafted him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

There was no immediate addition to the 53-man roster. Melifonwu will now miss at least the next four games, including Week 4.

Lions vs Seahawks: Thursday injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs Seahawks: Thursday injury report medical breakdown for both teams entering Week 4

Thursday is the first injury report since the game is on Monday. Thankfully, there were no further surprises on the Lions report this week. The Seahawks will be without their starting RT and possibly a few other impact players as well.

DETROIT LIONS

Brian Branch LP concussion, S

Good news that Branch is presumably asymptomatic based on the LP today. This puts him on track to pass through the NFL 5-step protocol and play Monday.

However, it still might be a good idea to give him a week off because of a hit he took in game one. In that game, Branch took a hard hit to the side of the head, was down briefly, but not diagnosed with a concussion.

While there were no external signs of a concussion to warrant a diagnosis, mild concussions may only have vague symptoms that require self-reporting like headache, nausea, and fogginess. Looking back, if he indeed had some concussion symptoms, then this would be two concussions in three weeks which might warrant some precaution.

Sam LaPorta NP ankle, TE

A right low ankle sprain didn’t stop LaPorta from intermittently returning to the game last week. He won’t be fully healed by Monday night, but I expect him to play.

Frank Ragnow NP pectoral, C

Ragnow strained his left pec early in the game but battled to the finish.

Dan Campbell stated Thursday: “We’re going to put Frank down this week”. After further clarification, Ragnow is apparently not being euthanized and could return for week six vs the Cowboys.

Alim McNeill LP shoulder, DT

Dan Campbell stated Thursday: “Alim’s doing better… he’s day to day, he’ll be out there running around today, so we’re pretty good there”.

Great news for McNeill to be practicing already after missing the entire 2nd half of the Cardinals game. He might have a left AC joint sprain with how he landed on the ground. Sounds like he’s in for Monday.

Alex Anzalone FP concussion, LB

Anzalone is firmly on track to play Monday. On the sidelines vs the Cardinals, he appeared mentally sharp while calling out defensive signals and pumping up the tens of thousands of Lions fans.

Dan Skipper NP ribs, OT

Skipper landed on a defender’s elbow which likely caused a right rib bruise/strain with a small chance of a fracture. Unless something unexpected showed on XR, I expect him to be available on Monday.

Ennis Rakestraw LP hamstring, CB

After hurting his hamstring in pregame of week two, Rakestraw has missed the past two games. Not putting him on IR meant that this was likely a short-term issue. He had 3x NP last week so it’s good to see an LP today which puts him on track to make his MNF debut.

Levi Onwuzurike LP knee, DL

Onwuzurike was hurt in the 1st quarter last game and there was no video of the injury. Medical appeared to be examining his right knee. He finished out the game without noticeable problems. With an LP early in the week, I expect him to play vs the Seahawks.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NP ankle, S

With an NP, he’s likely out this week. Hopefully, the bye will help Melifonwu’s ankle.

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Terrion Arnold was hit in the right knee area last game and was gimpy for a while on the sideline. He returned to the game and played well. Unlisted suggests there is no structural damage to the knee and he may have just had a contusion.

Graham Glasgow was a surprise listing last week with a knee but still played the entire Cardinals game. Good to see the knee is off the report.

Derrick Barnes was placed on IR after being hit in the right knee with a possible MCL sprain. He has a chance to return later this year.

Marcus Davenport was placed on IR due to a left elbow injury and reportedly is out for the year.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Leonard Williams NP ribs, DE

Williams is one of the Seahawks star defenders having signed a three-year, $64.5 million contract in the offseason.

Byron Murphy NP hamstring, DT

Murphy was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft and has already been impactful in his rookie year. Reports are that he is expected to be out for this game.

Kenneth Walker LP oblique, RB

MSU and U of M fans are well aware of Walker’s capabilities. He missed last game but is expected to be ready for Monday night.

Uchenna Nwosu NP knee, LB

This impact LB for the Seahawks sprained his MCL in preseason on August 24 and has yet to play in the regular season. His target return was Monday night but with an NP, that makes it much less likely.

NOTABLES UNLISTED

George Fant, the starting RT, was placed on IR a few days ago due to a right knee injury. This will be the fourth straight game the Lions opponent is missing a starting OT.

The rest of the lengthy Seahawks report is here:

 

 

Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown

Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown and outlook from Dr. Liao

For the Lions, the only starter I’m expecting to be out is Alex Anzalone. Otherwise, the Lions are healthy heading into Arizona.

The Cardinals started the week with a tiny injury report but had two players suffer new hamstring injuries during the week that could impact the game.

DETROIT LIONS

See my postgame report for videos of injuries to Anzalone, St. Brown, and Arnold.

Alex Anzalone (NP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE concussion, LB

The 2x LP to finish the week gives him a chance. But I’m guessing he and the Lions play it safe instead of trying to rush through the concussion protocol. If he’s out, his excellent speed will be missed as the Lions try to contain Kyler Murray.

Graham Glasgow (NP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE knee, OG

After playing 100% of snaps last game vs the Bucs with no obvious signs of knee injury on video, Glasgow’s knee was a surprise listing. We don’t know the diagnosis but Dan Campbell said Friday, “he’s good… no issues.”, thus expect him to be in.

Terrion Arnold (NP NP LP) illness, CB

A “stomach bug,” in medical terms, is likely an infectious gastroenteritis that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It typically resolves without any special treatment such as antibiotics. In rare cases, similar symptoms can be due to appendicitis, so glad that’s not the problem here.

With gastroenteritis, dehydration is common, so Arnold will need to make sure he is staying well-hydrated as he heads into the dry desert. I’m currently in Arizona, where the daytime temperatures are a toasty 90-100 degrees, although the climate will be significantly more reasonable in the hotel and stadium.

The finger was confirmed to be a simple dislocation. Sometimes, dislocations can result in fractures or other complications that require surgery, so good he avoided that.

A simple dislocation typically heals within 3-6 weeks and can be protected with a splint or buddy tape while healing.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (FP FP FP) IN quad, WR

He had a definite left thigh contusion last game and possibly a mild muscle strain as well. With 3x FP, there is minimal concern of an aggravation.

Ennis Rakestraw (NP NP NP) OUT hamstring, CB

Rakestraw hurt his hamstring in pregame warm-ups before the Bucs game. With 3x NP, there is concern for a more severe strain. Whether he goes on IR or not this weekend will tell us a lot.

Marcus Davenport (FP FP FP) IN groin, DE

Good that the groin issue was nothing serious. Groin issues are often due to simple muscle strains.

Kerby Joseph (LP FP FP) IN back, S

Nice to see Joseph’s hamstring from last week never popped back up.

Isaiah Williams (LP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE abdomen, WR

Williams was out with an ab last week and it’s a good sign he got 3x LP this week. He’s likely an inactive not just because of the injury but because all the receivers ahead of him are healthy and Tim Patrick looked good last game.

Ifeatu Melifonwu (NP NP NP) OUT ankle, S

Hurt likely during the 2nd preseason game, Dan Campbell on Friday said he’s “progressing”. Having an entire week of NP suggests that he’s still not that close, though.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kelvin Beachum ( — LP NP) QUESTIONABLE hamstring, OT

This new hamstring injury during the week could be a major factor on Sunday. The NP on Friday likely means he’s out for the game.

Already without starting RT Jonah Williams, the Cardinals may be playing their 3rd-string RT. Another chance for Aidan Hutchinson to have a monster day.

Greg Dortch ( — — LP) Questionable hamstring, WR

This is the other hamstring that popped up during the week. Dortch has been a productive player this year with eight catches for 58 yards.

Dante Stills (LP LP LP) QUESTIONABLE shoulder, DT

Stills played 40% of snaps in Week 1 but missed Week 2.

Will Hernandez (FP FP FP) IN ankle, G
Xavier Weaver (FP FP FP) IN oblique, WR
Xavier Thomas ( — NP FP) IN non-injury-related, LB

Notables Unlisted

Jonah Williams RT starter on IR
Darius Robinson DE 1st round rookie on IR
Zay Jones WR suspended
BJ Ojulari DE on IR
Elijah Jones CB 3rd round rookie on IR
Kyler Murray was listed with a knee last week but is off the report this week. Whatever knee issue he had certainly didn’t limit him last Sunday.

Lions vs. Cardinals: Final Detroit injury game status report for Week 3

Lions vs. Cardinals: Final Detroit injury game status report for Week 3

The Detroit Lions started off the Week 3 preparations with quite a few injury concerns. However, the final game status after Friday’s practice session looks a lot healthier than it could have been.

The Lions have ruled out just two players due to injury.

CB Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring)

S Ifeatu Melifonwnu (ankle)

Neither player practiced all week.

Four players are questionable after being limited during the practice week:

LB Alex Anzalone (concussion)

LG Graham Glasgow (knee)

CB Terrion Arnold (illness)

WR Isaiah Williams (abdomen)

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is not listed with any injury designation after suffering a wounded knee near the end of the Lions Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers. EDGE Marcus Davenport, who missed Week 2, is also free from injury designation and expected to play.