Tag: Ifeatu Melifonwu

Lions final Week 2 injury report: 2 ruled out, Davenport doubtful and 3 more questionable

Lions final Week 2 injury report: 2 ruled out, Marcus Davenport doubtful and 3 starters are questionable including Penei Sewell

The final injury status report for the Detroit Lions ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has some important names on it. Two players have been ruled out, one more is listed as doubtful and three others are questionable for Sunday afternoon’s game.

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams have been ruled out. Williams suffered an abdominal injury in Thursday’s practice and has not returned to the lineup. Melifownu continues to be sidelined by an ankle injury suffered in the team’s second preseason game in Kansas City a month ago. He practiced briefly last week before being ruled out of Week 1 and did not practice at all in Week 2.

Starting EDGE Marcus Davenport is listed as doubtful with a groin injury suffered in the Week 1 win over the Rams. Without knowing the severity of Davenport’s injury, it’s worth noting that no player who has been listed as doubtful on the final injury report has ever been active for a game under Dan Campbell.

Three players are questionable, including All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell (ankle). Sewell insists he will play Sunday.

Safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) and wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) are also listed as questionable. All three players with that designation participated in Friday’s practice on a limited basis.

Lions vs. Bucs Friday injury report – Medical breakdown

Lions vs. Bucs Friday injury report – Medical breakdown of all the injuries on both squads entering their Week 2 matchup

DETROIT LIONS

The two main injury concerns coming out of last game were Penei Sewell and Jameson Williams and they remain question marks for this Sunday. Surprises popped up during the week with starters Kerby Joseph and Marcus Davenport.

(NP = No Practice, LP = Limited Practice, FP = Full Practice, UL= Unlisted)

Penei Sewell NP NP LP QUESTIONABLE – ankle, OT

On video, Sewell appeared to get rolled up on the right leg which often causes a high ankle sprain. He didn’t miss any snaps and seemed fine immediately after the game.

However, high ankles can be tricky and sideline players longer than you might initially think. With an LP on Friday, it is possible Sewell could play.

Last year, Taylor Decker suffered a similar injury, finished the game, then missed the next two.

Also last year, Jonah Jackson had a similar injury, finished the game, then missed the next three.

A factor affecting Sewell’s availability this weekend is that the Lions might take extra caution in an expected 20-game season. Missing 1-2 games in a long season is not a huge deal and even carries benefits in load and risk reduction.

Jameson Williams LP LP LP QUESTIONABLE – ankle, WR

On video, there was a very slight external rotation of the left ankle which likely caused a mild high ankle sprain. He did finish the game in spectacular fashion with a 52-yard TD reception.

With three LP’s, I would expect him to play with minimal to no limitations. While his left ankle may be sore, after taking a look at the Bucs depleted secondary, it may magically feel a lot better.

Kerby Joseph NP LP LP QUESTIONABLE – hamstring, S

Last Sunday, he camouflaged himself in the end zone as he picked off Matthew Stafford. This Sunday, he might be camouflaging himself on the bench.

The hamstring was a surprise as there were no signs of injury during the game and he played until the final defensive snap. It’s possible he hurt it during the week. Having two LP’s to end the week is reassuring that it isn’t serious.

If this Joseph can’t go, the other Joseph (Brandon) will likely take his place.

Marcus Davenport NP NP NP DOUBTFUL – groin, DE

Davenport played until the penultimate defensive play. I didn’t see any signs of injury throughout the game but groin injuries are hard to see.

The groin is a very complex area with many possible injuries, so without any details, it’s difficult to prognosticate. Hopefully, it is just a mild muscle strain of the hip adductors or hip flexors.

While he will be out this Sunday, the doubtful designation is a good sign that this is a short-term issue and he may be ready within the next two weeks.

DJ Reader FP FP FP IN – quad, DT

The grueling, nine-month road to recovery from a quad tendon tear that also included a knee scope speed bump will end this Sunday. Expect limited snaps to ease this big man in.

Carlton Davis FP FP FP IN – chest, CB

After letting an interception slip through his hands, Davis landed on his elbow likely causing a mild rib or ab injury.

The disability will be minimal but there might be some discomfort with chest expansion movements like deep breaths, extending arms, or torso rotation. My medical advice would be to just catch the ball next time.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NP NP NP OUT – ankle, S

An injury likely suffered in the 2nd preseason game is still lingering and starting to become a chronic concern.

Loren Strickland FP FP FP IN – thumb, S

With Melifonwu out and Kerby Joseph questionable, the door could be open for this undrafted rookie to be active this weekend in a backup role.

Isaiah Williams UL LP NP OUT – abdomen, WR

Assuming Jamo is playing, Isaiah Williams’ absence will have minimal impact.

Dan Campbell Friday press conference decryption

Campbell seemed unsure about Sewell’s availability this weekend but it doesn’t sound long-term.

When asked if Sewell’s injury was a high ankle, Campbell said “I think it’s a little bit more medial than that”. High ankle isn’t really a medial vs lateral issue so hard to say what he meant here.

Campbell may have meant more distal which means the pain is lower down the leg thus any high ankle involvement is minimal which would be good.

If he truly meant medial, the deltoid ligament is on the medial side of the ankle and can be injured with the same mechanism of a high ankle sprain. For example, Taylor Decker had a deltoid ligament repair this offseason. If it was just a deltoid ligament sprain and not a high ankle syndesmosis injury, that should be a good thing.

TAMPA BAY BUCS

The Bucs suffered significant injuries coming out of week one specifically to the secondary where at least three players (Winfield, Hayes, Hall) and maybe four (Smith) from last week will be out. Also, line starters Kancey and Goedeke are out.

Calijah Kancey NP NP NP OUT – calf, DT

Kancey missed week one with this calf injury and will be out again on Sunday.

Last year, he had a calf strain in training camp that took four weeks to recover from. Then in his first game back in week one, he aggravated it and missed the next three games. With this kind of personal medical history, the Bucs are wise to be cautious.

Luke Goedeke LP NP NP OUT – concussion, OT

The Bucs starting RT might have had a re-emergence of concussion symptoms after Wednesday’s practice. This will be the second straight week that the Lions’ opponent is missing at least one OT.

Antoine Winfield Jr NP NP NP OUT – ankle, S

This impact starter got hurt last game and will be out this Sunday.

Zyon McCollum LP FP FP QUESTIONABLE – concussion, CB

This starting CB has passed through the concussion protocol and very likely will be available.

Josh Hayes NP NP NP OUT – ankle, CB

This backup CB left last game with an ankle injury and was later seen in a boot. That’s often a bad sign and turns out to be the case here.

Tykee Smith UL NP NP QUESTIONABLE – illness, DB

As if the Bucs secondary wasn’t hurting enough, this rookie DB who played 68% of snaps last game came down with an illness during the week.

Logan Hall LP FP FP QUESTIONABLE – foot, DE

Hall missed week one with this injury but two FP’s means he’s likely ready now.

KJ Britt LP FP FP IN – illness, LB

William Gholston LP FP FP IN – elbow, DT

Lavonte David UL UL LP IN – rest, OLB

Mike Evans UL UL LP IN – rest, WR

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Bryce Hall CB OUT

This backup CB fractured his ankle this past weekend and was placed on IR.

Penei Sewell among 3 Lions still sidelined from practice

Penei Sewell among 3 Lions still sidelined from practice on Thursday ahead of Week 2 matchup with the Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions injury report didn’t get any better from Wednesday to Thursday ahead of the team’s Week 2 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Four players remain out of action, including All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell.

Sewell is still sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered in the Week 1 win over the Rams. No. 58 has downplayed the severity, but it’s still missed time.

Also sitting out Thursday’s practice:

  • EDGE Marcus Davenport (groin)
  • S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle)

Davenport played quite well in his Lions debut, registering several hits on Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Melifownu has downgraded from being a limited participant in the final two practices last week to not participating. He’s been hurt since the team’s second preseason game in Kansas City.

On the positive front, starting safety Kerby Joseph upgraded from out to limited. Joseph is battling a hamstring. Alas, wideout Isaiah Williams downgraded to limited participant with a listed abdominal issue. Typically that change in status indicates an injury was suffered during practice, though the practices are not open to the media during the season to know for sure.

Wide receiver Jameson Williams was limited for the second straight day with an ankle.

[lawrence-related id=111584]

Lions-Buccaneers initial injury report medical analysis

Lions-Buccaneers initial injury report medical analysis, including info on Penei Sewell, Jameson Williams, Ifeatu Melifonwu and more

A minuscule Week 1 injury report has ballooned in Week 2. Overall, most of the injuries are likely mild, which is good news.

Penei Sewell NO PRACTICE ankle, OT

Obscured video suggests Sewell had a right high ankle injury. He didn’t miss any plays.

High ankle injuries can be tricky as they can cause instability. Even mild ones can result in missed time, like we saw last year with Taylor Decker and Jonah Jackson, who both finished games but then missed two and three games, respectively.

 

Jameson Williams LIMITED PRACTICE ankle, WR

Williams was down for a bit after a tweak to the left high ankle. Players can play through them but still end up missing future games.

I expected that he may get some precautionary rest this week. The LP vs an NP is an excellent sign that he will be available with minimal to no limitations vs the Bucs.

DJ Reader FULL PRACTICE quad, DT

Our most prized free agent signing is expected to make his debut almost exactly nine months from his quad tendon tear on December 16, 2023.

Expect Reader’s snaps to be limited as he has only been practicing for three weeks. Easing him into the season would be a prudent move to try to avoid any further injury.

Kerby Joseph NO PRACTICE hamstring, S

Joseph was in until the final defensive play so hopefully this means it’s nothing serious.

Marcus Davenport NO PRACTICE groin, DE

Davenport was in on the penultimate defensive play vs the Rams. No signs of injury, so severity is uncertain. After only playing four games last year, he needs to prove he can stay healthy.

Carlton Davis FULL PRACTICE chest, CB

Landing on his elbow could have caused the wind to get knocked out of him or a slightly more serious rib cartilage or abdominal injury. The fact that he was listed with a chest means it was a bit more than just wind. The FP suggests he is good and it was probably just a mild bruise.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NO PRACTICE ankle, S

With a possible ankle sprain suffered in the 2nd preseason game, Melifonwu is still not practicing — not a good sign for this weekend.

Loren Strickland FULL PRACTICE thumb, S

This undrafted rookie looks to be ready for this weekend. He may end up making his debut, depending on the health of Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph.

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Terrion Arnold

Against the Rams, Arnold laid down briefly for unknown reasons as nothing showed up on video. He appeared to be reaching for the left hip and upper leg area but this was inconclusive.

Brian Branch

Branch stayed down for an extra second this past Sunday after what appeared to be a hard hit to the side of the head which was worrisome for a concussion. There were no external signs of a concussion on the limited video.

Being unlisted is a reassuring sign that he avoided a concussion although it doesn’t rule out an undiagnosed concussion. Without external signs, a doctor can not diagnose a concussion unless the patient self-reports symptoms. Either way, he should be available on Sunday.

Alex Anzalone

Anzalone was sandwiched awkwardly while making a tackle on Sunday night. The video was benign and it’s good to see nothing came of it.

Dan Campbell Wednesday Press Conference Notes

No injuries were discussed at all. James Houston‘s preseason bone bruise injury was not brought up as a factor when Campbell discussed his inactivation in week one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Calijah Kancey NO PRACTICE calf, DT

Kancey missed week one with this calf injury.

Last year, he had a calf strain in training camp that took four weeks to recover from. Then in his first game back on week one, he aggravated it and missed the next three games.

With this kind of directly relevant personal history, I expect the Bucs to play it very safe and not even consider playing him this weekend.

Antoine Winfield Jr NO PRACTICE ankle, S

This important starter will miss the game on Sunday due to an ankle injury.

Zyon McCollom LIMITED PRACTICE concussion, CB

An LP means that he will likely pass through the concussion protocol and be ready for Sunday.

Josh Hayes NO PRACTICE ankle, DB

Hayes left last game with an ankle injury and was later seen in a boot which is not a good sign for availability this weekend.

KJ Britt LIMITED PRACTICE illness, LB

William Gholston LIMITED PRACTICE elbow, DT

Luke Goedeke LIMITED PRACTICE concussion, OT

Logan Hall LIMITED PRACTICE foot, DE

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Bryce Hall CB fractured his ankle this past weekend and was placed on IR.

FANTASY IMPACT

The Bucs have major secondary issues as four defensive backs were injured in their last game. At least two will not play (Hall, Winfield) and likely three (Hayes). Also likely out is Calijah Kancey, a good pass rushing DT.

This could open the door for Williams to have another big game or for St. Brown to make his typical impact. Kalif Raymond and Sam LaPorta likely will benefit also.

Last year in the playoff game vs the Bucs, St. Brown had 8 receptions for 77 yards, LaPorta had nine for 65, and Williams two for 35. Raymond did not play due to a right knee injury.

If the Bucs decide to drop more players back to protect the secondary, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could capitalize in the running game. Last year in the playoffs, Gibbs had a big day with nine rushes for 74 yards and four receptions for 40 yards while Montgomery had ten rushes for 33 yards and three receptions for 14 yards.

Regardless of who gets the yards, the offense is primed to bounce back after gaining only 293 yards in regulation against the Rams.

Lions inactives vs. Rams: James Houston among the healthy scratches

Lions inactives vs. Rams: James Houston among the healthy scratches

The Detroit Lions announced the inactive players for the Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. There were no real surprises in who wound up being declared inactive in the opener.

Defensive tackle DJ Reader was questionable for the game, but he was ruled out earlier on Sunday. Reader is continuing to get ready after missing all offseason as he recovers from quad surgery from an injury suffered last December when Reader was with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Rookie safety Loren Strickland had already been ruled out in Friday’s final injury report. Strickland has a thumb injury. Fellow safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was listed as doubtful in that injury report with an ankle issue, and he too is inactive. Melifonwu injured the ankle in the Lions second preseason game and only returned as a limited participant in practices late this week.

The healthy scratches:

EDGE James Houston

OT Colby Sorsdal

OT Giovanni Manu

LB Trevor Nowaske

Lions vs. Rams: Final injury report analysis with fantasy impact

Lions vs. Rams: Final injury report analysis with fantasy impact

The Lions final injury report is in as the team embarks on a journey that will hopefully end with a Mardi Gras-level celebration in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.

Health will be a key determinant of how this season goes and for game one, the Lions are in great shape. Comparatively, the Rams have a few more concerns which may have shifted the betting line during the week.

DETROIT LIONS (-4.5, opened -3)

Excellent report overall. The only anticipated starter that is limited or out is DJ Reader.

QUESTIONABLE

DJ Reader  Limited practice, QUAD – DT

Medical history: Quad tendon tear December 16, 2023

In his Friday presser, Campbell said that Reader looks good and stated if he plays, it will be on a limited snap count. I don’t expect him to play but if he does, don’t expect much impact with only two weeks of practice coming off a major injury.

DOUBTFUL

Ifeatu Melifonwu Limited practice, ANKLE – Safety

Medical history: Likely mild ankle sprain August 17

Doubtful designation basically means OUT. With three healthy safeties (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Brandon Joseph) including both starters, Melifonwu’s absence shouldn’t have a significant effect.

OUT
Loren Strickland No practice, THUMB – Safety

This undrafted rookie from Ball State was one of the surprises of the 53-man roster. Strickland will not play and with multiple healthy safeties ahead of him on the depth chart, he may not have been active anyway.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
The secondary and offensive line are dealing with multiple issues causing juggling of the line-ups. Can the Lions take advantage?

Jonah Jackson Full practice, SHOULDER – OG/C

This former Lion had a bruised scapula earlier in camp. Reportedly he is moving to center for this game due to shuffling of the offensive line following OT Alaric Jackson’s suspension.

Puka Nacua Full practice, KNEE – WR

Nacua had right knee bursitis earlier in camp but I don’t expect any limitations for the game.

Cobie Durant Full practice, HAMSTRING – CB

This backup CB plays in place of Darious Williams who is OUT.

Tre’Davious White No practice, REST – CB

QUESTIONABLE Rob Havenstein  Limited practice, ANKLE – OT

This starting OT may be hampered even if he plays which could be a problem with the other starting OT Alaric Jackson already out due to suspension.

I.R.
Darious Williams HAMSTRING – CB

The Rams starting CB was placed on IR and is out for at least four weeks.

TRADE – LB Earnest Jones

This starting LB was traded a week ago and weakens the middle of the field.

FANTASY FOOTBALL EFFECT

-Expect no limitations for Jahmyr Gibbs. Earlier this week, he reported feeling “98-100%”. Last year after missing two games with a similar mild hamstring strain, he returned with 11 rushes for 68 yards and nine receptions for 58 yards vs the Ravens.

In the playoff game vs the Rams, Gibbs had eight rushes for 25 yards and four receptions for 43 yards.

-The trade of Earnest Jones last week may help Gibbs and David Montgomery’s production.

-The Rams are weakened at the OT position with Alaric Jackson out with suspension and Rob Havenstein limited by a hamstring. Jonah Jackson is likely moving to center which is not his normal position.

All these factors may result in a quick-pass game plan by the Rams with more passes to RB’s (Kyren Williams, Blake Corum) and TE’s (Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen), and fewer downfield shots to WR’s (Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua).

-The juggled Rams offensive line paired with the deafening crowd noise may allow the Lions defense to pick up more sacks and turnovers.

-Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, and Sam LaPorta may take advantage of an injured Rams secondary which has starter Darious Williams out and backup Cobie Durant recovering from a hamstring.

Last year vs the Rams, St. Brown caught seven passes for 110 yards and Williams had two for 19 yards. LaPorta had three catches for 14 yards but had just suffered a scary knee hyperextension the week before. Raymond missed the game due to a suspected right knee PCL sprain.

Lions injury report: Melifonwu returns to practice, still limited

Lions injury report: Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu returns to practice on a limited basis while UDFA safety Loren Strickland remains out

An already abbreviated Detroit Lions injury list looked a bit better on Thursday. One of two players who was limited in Wednesday’s practice was back out and participating in the portion of practice open to the media.

Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu was back for the open part, an indication he is trending in the right direction to play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. Melifonwu has been dealing with an ankle injury since the second preseason game. He was still officially designated as limited, however.

Defensive tackle DJ Reader was spotted working off to the side with trainers in the open portion of practice. Reader was activated off the PUP list last week and remains on limited participant status.

Rookie safety Loren Strickland remains sidelined with a thumb injury. He also missed practice on Wednesday.

Lions injury report: 2 defenders limited, one out from 1st Week 1 practice

Lions injury report: 2 defenders limited, one out from 1st Week 1 practice

The Detroit Lions released their first injury status report of the 2024 season ahead of Sunday’s opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Ford Field.

It’s a light list of injured Lions. Only one player, rookie safety Loren Strickland, missed the practice session. Strickland is dealing with a thumb injury.

Two other defenders were limited in the session, which was an estimated participation as the Lions didn’t actually practice. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu remains limited with an ankle, an injury that he suffered in the second preseason game. Defensive tackle DJ Reader was also deemed as a limited participants as he works back in from quadriceps tendon surgery.

The Lions have two more practice reports this week.

Dan Campbell updates the injury status of Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu

Dan Campbell updates the injury status of Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who could miss Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams

The Detroit Lions enter the 2024 regular season in really good shape on the injury front. Several key players who were idled at times during the summer, from RB Jahmyr Gibbs and TE Sam LaPorta to CB Terrion Arnold and DT DJ Reader, are at full speed and ready to roll into Detroit’s Week 1 matchup with the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

There is only one player on the 53-man roster who isn’t expected to be fully ready for Week 1. That would be reserve safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated that Melifonwu’s injury, suffered in the second preseason game, could keep Melifonwu out a little longer.

“Yeah, Iffy will be the only one right now who’s still not sure, still not sure on him. We’re going to try to get him moving around a little bit today and tomorrow and see where he’s at,” Campbell stated on Labor Day.

The oft-injured Melifonwu has missed 17 of a possible 51 regular season games in his first three seasons, dealing with a variety of injuries. The team has not officially stated the latest injury, but there have been indications Melifonwu is dealing with a heel/ankle injury suffered in Detroit’s second preseason game.

“Yeah, it’s really something that’s just been lingering, even before that. It’s slow moving, that’s all. It’s slow healing and take it as it comes,” Campbell added about the injury.

Melifonwu is expected to play in defensive sub-packages, with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph being the primary two safeties who will play in Aaron Glenn’s man-coverage defense.

Potential worries about the 2024 Detroit Lions: The safety spot

1st up in the series of potential Lions pitfalls: The Lions safeties could be among the best in the league, but there are legit questions about the new-look crew

In one week, the Detroit Lions kick off their 2024 season. It’s one of the most anticipated seasons in Detroit history, with perhaps the highest expectations ever for the team.

And rightly so.

The defending NFC North champions were within a half of making the first Super Bowl in franchise history. Nearly all the key pieces from that 12-5 team return. GM Brad Holmes and his crew prominently addressed the two biggest weaknesses that held back the 2023 Lions, namely the pass coverage and pass rush, in an offseason that local and national pundits widely lauded.

These Lions figure to be among the NFL’s best in 2024. They’re top contenders to win it all, led by a head coach in Dan Campbell, who has proven quickly to be among the best in the game. Like every other contending team, these Lions do have some vulnerabilities.

They extend beyond the vague existential dread of losing All-Pro players to injury; no team can claim immunity from the injury bug, not even the deepest in the NFL–which these Lions might be at many positions (RB, LB, TE).

What are some issues that could derail the highly promising Lions season?

They’re not fun to think about, but there are some concerns about Detroit heading into the 2024 campaign. First up in the series: the safeties.

It’s a group with a lot of potential, headlined by second-year standout Brian Branch, who is moving from slot corner to full-time safety. Last year’s starting postseason tandem, Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu, are both back too. Yet there are questions about the moving parts in Aaron Glenn’s revamped secondary and more man-coverage-oriented scheme. 

Safeties

Moving Branch to a full-time safety role is a very smart move. It keeps Detroit’s top defensive playmaker and budding star on the field all the time, something that he couldn’t do while playing the slot as a rookie. Branch is poised to thrive in an expanded role, one he played at Alabama and did so exceptionally enough to earn high first-round draft grades. 

As for the rest of the safety room, there are questions.

Kerby Joseph has been sporadically outstanding in a cover safety role in his first two seasons. He will make plays. He will also give up plays, between his tendency to overestimate his own closing speed and his unreliable tackling. Joseph has battled some injuries, notably a hip issue that required surgery.

Joseph has worked on those weaknesses, but it’s different at meaningful game speed against receivers he doesn’t see in practice in offenses he doesn’t frequently practice against. He’s going to be playing more single-high safety in 2024, based on the offseason looks we got at Aaron Glenn’s secondary. It should suit No. 31 well. Should…

Iffy

Ifeatu Melifonwu got bumped from his starting role by Branch despite a torrid finish to the 2023 season. “Iffy” really clicked as a box safety late in the year, effectively blitzing and stuffing runs. His short-area coverage and ball skills also shone. From Week 14 to Week 18, Melifonwu had the fourth-best overall PFF grade of all safeties. 

That big spike in Melifonwu’s play coincided with him finally being healthy and put in an appropriate role for the first time in his three-year career. Prior to that, the oft-injured safety had just 20 tackles and two passes defended, no sacks or TFLs in Detroit’s previous 24 games. He bounced between outside CB and a dual safety role that weren’t great fits, aside from being a fixture on the weekly injury reports.

Melifonwu is once again injured, and his status to start the season is unknown. He had struggled throughout training camp in covering anything or anyone that wasn’t in front of him in the more man-heavy scheme. Melifonwu could be the best third safety in the league. Health and role will matter a lot, however.

Deeper depth

The depth behind the top three is completely unproven. An undrafted rookie from the 2023 practice squad, Brandon Joseph is a coverage specialist. The preseason was a very fitting performance nutshell for No. 40’s game; Joseph pulled down an interception and thwarted some pass attempts with savvy positioning and quick reactions in coverage. He destroyed a swing pass by doing so. He also ran past several tackle attempts, notably diving at Cordarrelle Patterson’s long-since-gone feet in the Steelers game–one of three missed tackles by Joseph in that game.

This year’s undrafted rookie, Loren Strickland, is a freight train of a hitter but a major work in progress in coverage in jumping from Ball State to the NFL. Strickland showed quick progress in training camp, moving from the bottom of the depth chart to push veteran CJ Moore off the roster.

GM Brad Holmes eschewed chasing after available, affordable veteran safeties like Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs and Xavier McKinney, trusting his own existing safety room. It’s a gamble that upgrading the cornerbacks and pass rush in front of them will make life easier and give Branch, Joseph and Melifonwu more of a chance to shine. 

All could be fine on the safety front. Could be.