Tag: Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Lions vs Bills: Final injury report medical analysis plus injured reserve player update

Lions vs Bills: Final injury report medical analysis plus injured reserve player update on when some of those Lions might return

Coming into the season, the Detroit Lions offense was expected to be the strength of this team. That is even more so now with the offense in excellent health coupled with a defense riddled with injury. This past week, Dan Campbell acknowledged that the offense would shoulder more responsibility and to expect the aggressive 4th-down decisions to continue.

With Taylor Decker’s return after missing two games, the Lions offensive starting unit is fully intact and most key reserves are healthy as well. The offense will need to put up points to stay ahead of a high-powered Bills offense which boasts the leading MVP candidate, Josh Allen, and will feature the return of two impact pass catchers in Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman.

The Lions defensive line trended sharply upward during the week with DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Alim McNeill all rapidly progressing to the point that they are definitively in. The linebacker unit took a surprise hit with Trevor Nowaske’s midweek concussion.

The Bills defense will have a banged-up secondary with a starting CB out and both starting safeties nursing injuries with questionable status.

DETROIT LIONS

Out – Trevor Nowaske LB, (UL NP NP)

This backup LB played 64% of snaps last game. Presumably he got a concussion in Wednesday’s practice which will force him to miss this game.

At LB, Jack Campbell played 100% of snaps last game and expect that to continue. Ezekiel Turner (34%), Kwon Alexander (34%), David Long (32%), Jamal Adams (16%), and Ben Niemann (2%) are candidates to fill the void.

In – Alim McNeill DT, concussion (FP FP FP)

See my initial injury report analysis for the full timeline of his concussion. There was also concern for a non-concussion head or jaw issue. Very good news that everything has resolved quickly.

In – Taylor Decker OT, knee (FP FP FP)

A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain on November 24 forced him to miss two games. With his return, the entire offensive starters are intact. Dan Skipper, who filled in admirably at LT, will return to his normal role as jumbo TE and 9th-string WR.

In – DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP LP FP)

Reader hurt his left shoulder on Thanksgiving in a manner that is concerning for a shoulder subluxation and missed one game. While a subluxation is still a possibility, his quick return gives hope that it was just a mild shoulder strain.

In – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (LP LP FP)

A left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Hamstrings can easily take multiple weeks so it’s good to see that this one was mild.

In – Josh Paschal DE, knee (LP FP FP)

A right knee injury on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Video did not suggest anything too concerning.

Injured reserve list update

Returning soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect his 21-day practice window to open early next week with a possible return to play in week 17 (49ers) or week 18 (Vikings).
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs. His 21-day practice window should open after next week’s Bears game.

Uncertain but hopeful to return soon:

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return next week vs the Bears. Keep an eye on if his 21-day practice window opens early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that implies he is at least three more weeks away.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Same situation as Rakestraw. Eligible to return next week vs the Bears. Hope for his 21-day practice window to open early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that implies he is at least three more weeks away.

Early playoffs at best:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least 3 weeks away. At this point, his earliest projected return would be in the playoffs. Dan Campbell on December 9 corroborated a multi-week timeline stating he’s “better… There’s a chance we could get him in a few weeks.” While there are no details about his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it isn’t anything overly serious.

Late playoffs at best:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl although Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that the NFC championship game is a possibility. Currently nine weeks from injury, the bone should be close to healed at this point. Hutchinson has significant expected atrophy in his legs so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Initial estimate projected a January return at best.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return:

  •  Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
  •  Marcus Davenport, left elbow
  •  Kyle Peko, left pec
  •  Mekhi Wingo, right knee

NFL IR PLAYOFF RULES

Lions can return as may IR players as they want in the playoffs as long as it doesn’t add up to more than 10 for the entire year (regular season + playoffs). So far, the Lions have returned three (Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu).

BUFFALO BILLS

Credit to @BangedUpBills for help with the analysis. The Bills had a walkthrough on Wednesday and a virtual meeting only on Thursday.

Out – Rasul Douglas CB, knee (NP NP NP)

This starting CB has not missed a game this year but will miss his first after hurting his left knee last game.

Questionable – Taylor Rapp S, neck/shoulder (NP NP LP)

Rapp hurt himself two weeks ago and was limited in the last game despite playing every snap. He may continue to try to play through but there are rumors that he will be out.

Questionable – Damar Hamlin S, back/ribs (FP NP LP)

This starting safety has played in every game this year logging close to 100% of snaps including 100% last game. Unless something significant happened during walkthroughs, he’ll likely play. He has 2 interceptions this year.

Questionable – Dalton Kincaid TE, knee (FP FP FP)

Expect this starting TE to play after missing the last three games due to a PCL. He is a very good receiver with 34 receptions for 356 yards this year.

Questionable – Dawuane Smoot DE, wrist (FP FP FP)

Smoot missed the last four games on IR with wrist surgery but is eligible to return on Sunday. He typically plays about 50% of snaps.

Questionable – Baylon Spector LB, calf (FP FP FP)

After missing four games on IR, Spector is eligible to return on Sunday. He has started multiple games this year.

Questionable – Casey Toohill DE, ribs (LP LP LP)

Toohill is a backup DE who plays about 25% of snaps.

Questionable – Quintin Morris TE, shoulder/groin (FP FP FP)

Morris is a backup who has 2 receptions for 16 yards this year.

Questionable – Tylan Grable OT, groin (FP FP FP)

Grable has not played since September 23.

In – Keon Coleman WR, wrist (FP FP FP)

This 2nd-round rookie will return after missing the last four games. He has 22 catches for 417 yards which is second on the team behind Khalil Shakir (735 yards).

Here is the full report:

Hope index for each of the Detroit Lions injured reserve players

Hope index for each of the Detroit Lions injured reserve players and if/when they can return to action, including Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Barnes

Hope and optimism are filling the air this holiday season for Lions fans. There is more reason for hope than any season in decades with an NFL-leading 11-1 record. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, team health from this point forward will be a major factor in determining their fate.

Let’s check the outlook of the players on injured reserve (IR) using quotes about hope from some of my favorite movies.

“You must complete your mission. You must lay the seeds for the future. You’re here to influence history and worlds to come.”

– Mr. Robertson in Predestination

Aidan Hutchinson – left tibia/fibula fracture, October 13

This superstar DE was on the short list for defensive player of the year before his injury. The timeline for a tib/fib recovery is typically at least four months.

The Super Bowl is 17 weeks from the time of his injury. I expect him to return for the big game, albeit in limited fashion and with limited ability. He won’t have his usual quickness, strength, or stamina, but he may still be effective as a decoy and distraction to the opponent. The greatest value of his early return may be off-the-field as an inspirational, emotional boost to the team and the fanbase.

Next season, he should be back to his elite self as he cements his influence on Lions history.

“I do not believe it to be a matter of hope, it is simply a matter of time.”

– Morpheus in The Matrix

These players have short-term injuries that will allow them to return for the start of the playoffs or even before.

Alex Anzalone – left forearm fracture, November 17

This speedy starting LB has an estimated 6-8 week recovery for his forearm. The silver lining to the injury is that his legs are unaffected allowing him to return stronger and fresher than before. December 30 (Week 17) or January 5 (Week 18) are likely dates for his return.

Kalif Raymond – left foot, November 24

The Lions’ primary kick returner and valuable backup WR fortunately avoided a serious foot injury. He is expected to be back at the latest for the start of the playoffs, and is eligible to return with two games left in the regular season on December 30.

“I will see you again. But not yet. Not yet.”

– Juba in Gladiator

It’s unknown whether we will see these players yet again this season due to uncertain severity and prognosis. But they are signed with the Lions for future years, so if they don’t return this season, we should see them in the next.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin – neck, November 3

This special-teams captain and valuable backup LB has an unspecified neck injury. He is eligible to return December 5 (week 14) and is signed through the 2025 season.

Ennis Rakestraw – hamstring, November 22

This 2nd-round rookie has had two hamstring issues this season. The first one in September cost him two games. The second will cost at least four games with the earliest possible return date of December 22 (week 16). He is in the 1st year of his 4-year rookie contract.

“Hope Can Be A Dangerous Thing.”

– Red in The Shawshank Redemption

Ifeatu Melifonwu – ankle, August 17; finger, November 14

After ending last season in spectacular fashion, there was hope that Melifonwu could build on that this year. Unfortunately, multiple prolonged injuries this year made hope for his return a dangerous thing.

After an injury to his ankle area in preseason, there was an uncertain recovery causing a delayed placement on IR. I suspect Achilles tendonitis, given the uncertain recovery timeline.

After he started his practice window in November, he was placed on IR a second time with an unspecified finger injury. The recovery timeline of the finger is unknown, and it’s not even certain that the ankle/Achilles is ready-to-go.

Hope is fading that he can help the team at all this year. The earliest he can return is December 22 (week 16).

“My mama always told me that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do.”

– Forrest in Forrest Gump

These players have long-term injuries with recovery timelines of multiple months. It may take a minor miracle for them to return for the playoffs.

John Cominsky – MCL, July 30

The “Commish” had MCL surgery with an estimated 5-6 month recovery. If the estimate is accurate, he could be back in January. His return would aide both the DT and DE positions as he can effectively play both.

Derrick Barnes – right MCL & PCL, September 22

This hybrid LB/DE had surgery for an MCL and PCL injury. There is still a glimmer of hope he could return late in the playoffs. However, he will need to make fast progress in rehab as he was only just getting on an exercise bike in mid-November.

“Hope is a mistake. If you can’t fix what’s broken, you’ll go insane.”

– Max in Mad Max: Fury Road

For these players, hope for a return this season is a mistake. Their injuries will have been surgically fixed and require a long recovery.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right ACL, November 28

Rodrigo tore his ACL on Thanksgiving. The recovery timeline is around 11 months so hopefully he’ll be back around October next year. Expect him to start training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He is signed through the 2025 season on his rookie contract.

Marcus Davenport – left elbow, September 22

This free agent was signed to start at DE opposite Hutchinson but only appeared in two games before hurting his left elbow. Scattered reports suggest a triceps rupture and there does not appear to be any possibility he’ll be back this season.

Kyle Peko – left pec rupture, October 13

This valuable backup DT ruptured his pec requiring surgery. Given the importance of pec strength to his position, there is no hope for a return this season.

Mekhi Wingo – right knee, November 28

Dan Campbell stated that this 6th-round rookie DT would be out for the season with an unspecified knee injury that will probably require surgery.

“Welcome to the party, pal!”

– John McClane in Die Hard

Congrats to these players who have battled through long stints on IR to join the active roster party.

Brodric Martin – right knee hyperextension, August 24

This 2nd-year DT played for the first time this season on Thanksgiving with two defensive snaps. With injuries mounting along the defensive line, his workload may spike in the next game.

Emmanuel Moseley – pec rupture, August 5

This 28-year-old CB has recovered from pec surgery, not to mention ACL tears each of the past two years. On November 24, he returned to play 15 special teams snaps vs the Colts. Unexpectedly, he was inactive the next game vs the Bears due to a minor unspecified pregame issue.

And one final quote, for all Lions fans in the midst of this glorious season…

“The unknown future rolls toward us. I face it, for the first time, with a sense of hope.”

– Sarah Connor in Terminator 2

Ezekiel Turner earns Lions’ coaching trust in replacing key special teamer

Recently signed LB Ezekiel Turner earns Lions’ special teams coach Dave Fipp’s trust in replacing injured Jalen Reeves-Maybin

During the Detroit Lions’ 52-6 blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11, fans might have noticed No. 47 in Honolulu Blue racing all over the field on special teams. That was Ezekiel Turner, signed to the active roster after a stint on the Lions’ practice squad.

Turner had a very impressive game on coverage units in Ford Field. The lightweight LB (he’s listed at 214 pounds) technically made his Detroit debut against Houston, facing the team he began the 2024 campaign with in Week 10 as a practice squad elevation. He only played on special teams against the Texans, but Turner snuck in a few defensive reps against the Jaguars after being signed to Detroit’s 53-man roster.

The 28-year-old Turner spent his first six NFL seasons playing primarily special teams for the Arizona Cardinals. He was effectively the Arizona version of longtime Lions special teams stalwart and reserve LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

As special teams coordinator Dave Fipp explained, Turner was a very natural and obvious player to get into the lineup when Reeves-Maybin went down with an injury. The veteran Reeves-Maybin was placed on I.R. ahead of Week 10 with a neck injury.

“He really has a very similar game to Jalen Reeves-Maybin and they both play personal protector, they’ve actually both played in the same punt system,” Fipp told reporters. “Us and Arizona kind of use the same terminology, system, very similar in that regard.”

The similarities extend beyond just the vernacular, and that has helped Fipp integrate Turner quickly into Reeves-Maybin’s important shoes on special teams.

“They are also very aggressive with the fakes and all that stuff, so he has experience doing all that for them,” Fipp stated. “Just the way he covers, the way he plays the game is very similar to Jalen Reeves-Maybin, so it was like just a natural slide in and fit. So, it was an easy decision for us. He’s super smart and intelligent. I’ve got a lot of confidence and faith and trust in him already, in a very short period of time. The special teams coach from Arizona (Jeff Rodgers) sent me a text message and said, ‘I don’t know if I trust another guy more than I trust him,’ and that’s a guy I respect quite a bit.”

With Alex Anzalone now out, Turner could get called upon for more defensive work in Week 12.

Lions sign LB Ezekiel Turner among final Week 11 roster moves

Lions sign LB Ezekiel Turner among final Week 11 roster moves

The Detroit Lions tweaked the 53-man roster ahead of the Week 11 matchup with the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. On Saturday, the Lions signed one player from the team’s practice squad and elevated another for Sunday’s game.

The Lions signed linebacker Ezekiel Turner from the practice squad. Detroit had a roster opening after placing LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin on I.R. ahead of Week 10. Like Reeves-Maybin, Turner is a special teams backer.

With starting TE Sam LaPorta out for Week 11, the Lions also elevated veteran James Mitchell from the practice squad to help flesh out the tight end depth chart. Mitchell has been on the practice squad all season.

Lions make transactions involving 7 players ahead of Week 10

Lions make transactions involving 7 players ahead of Week 10, including placing Jalen Reeves-Maybin on IR and signing 3 from practice squad

It was a very busy Saturday for the Lions ahead of their trip to Houston to play the Texans in Week 10. Detroit made roster moves involving seven players.

The Lions waived EDGE Isaiah Thomas at the first possible opportunity. Thomas was signed off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad after Week 6, meaning the Lions had to keep him on the active roster for at least three weeks. That time expired ahead of Week 10, and Thomas’ meager contributions (3 tackles, zero QB hurries) made him expendable.

Detroit also placed linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin on injured reserve. Reeves-Maybin suffered a neck injury suffered in the Week 9 win in Green Bay. He will miss at least the next four games, including Sunday.

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To fill those roster vacancies, the Lions signed three players from the practice squad to the active roster:

TE Shane Zylstra
EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
LB Abraham Beauplan

Zylstra was out of practice squad elevations, so his signing was expected after the team waived rookie WR Isaiah Williams during the week. Williams has since been claimed by the Cincinnati Bengals.

In this week’s practice squad elevations, offensive tackle Jamarco Jones and linebacker Ezekiel Turner were promoted to play against Houston. It is the first elevation for each player in 2024.

Lions vs Texans: Final injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Texans: Final injury report and medical analysis for the Week 10 matchup in Houston

I’m currently in Houston where it is warm (good) and very humid (bad). As a person who doesn’t like the feeling of having to take a shower every five minutes, I’m looking forward to watching the Lions in the air-conditioned comfort of the Texans indoor stadium. Technically, the roof is retractable so there is a chance it is opened to the night air, but it has only been open for one game since the 2021 season.

I’m also looking forward to seeing the fresh energy of multiple key Lions who got some non-injury-related time off – Brian Branch (ejection), Josh Paschal (shoulder mass excision), and Jameson Williams (suspension).

The Lions got a surprise downgrade this week with Taylor Decker who is out. The Lions haven’t played a backup OT yet this year (except for garbage time), so this could impact the game significantly. The rest of the Lions active starting roster on both sides of the ball is intact.

The Texans will be missing a star player on defense (Will Anderson), and likely their #1 WR on offense (Nico Collins). While Collins’ status is technically up-in-the-air, I have multiple reasons listed below why I suspect he won’t play.

The Texans #2 WR, Stefan Diggs is already out with an ACL. Thus, the Texans may be without their top three WR’s as there was a surprise downgrade during the week to #3 WR Tank Dell.

DETROIT LIONS

Taylor Decker OT (UL LP NP – Out) shoulder

Decker presumably hurt his shoulder in practice this week. Dan Campbell stated it’s probably not “something major” which is reassuring. Decker has a history of shoulder surgery in 2017 and it’s unknown if the current injury is related.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB (NP NP NP – Out) neck

The 3x NP is a bit concerning after being injured last game. It’s reassuring that he returned to the game late for the onside kick which suggests there were no signs of a spinal issue. Whether he is put on IR this weekend will tell us a lot.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP NP NP – Out) ankle

Rodriguez suffered a scary-looking left ankle sprain early in the Titans game and missed the last game. There was optimism he might be available this weekend but that won’t happen. With 3x NP this week, next game vs the Jaguars is also in doubt.

Za’Darius Smith DE (NP NP FP – Questionable) personal

Smith got two days off to acclimate to his trade from the Browns. He hasn’t had a bye yet and the Lions did, so the Lions may give him a game off at some point. That game might be this Sunday.

Josh Paschal DE (FP FP FP – In) illness

Paschal is ready to go after missing two games for a benign shoulder mass excision.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (FP FP FP – Out) pec

Moseley’s tore his pec in August and has been out all year. His 21-day practice window opened November 6 which keeps him tracking along the 16-week timeline of CJ Gardner-Johnson’s pec tear of last year. Expect Moseley to be available around Thanksgiving.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S (FP FP FP – Out) ankle

Melifonwu has been out since the middle of preseason with a suspected Achilles issue. His 21-day practice window opened on November 6 which is a good sign that he’ll be available later this month.

Sione Vaki RB (FP FP FP – In) knee

Vaki hurt his knee late in the Titans game and missed the last game. Good news that it was minor.

Mekhi Wingo DT (FP FP FP – In) ankle

Wingo hurt his ankle presumably in practice last week and missed the last game. He is a valuable backup at the DT position.

Brodric Martin DT (FP FP FP – Out) knee

Martin is in his 2nd week of his 21-day practice window. Expect him to be moved to the active roster around November 20.

NOTABLES

Jameson Williams returns from his two game suspension.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Nico Collins WR (NP NP LP – Questionable) hamstring

The Texans top WR logically will be out for multiple reasons:
1)Hamstrings benefit from gradual ramp-up to prevent aggravation and a single LP is as steep a ramp as you can have.
2)He’s already missed four weeks to this injury so if he was going to try to play this Sunday, he would have started practicing on Wednesday. It’s not like those two extra rest days is making a significant difference in recovery for a game this weekend.

Tank Dell WR (UL UL LP – Questionable) back

If Dell can’t go, that would mean the Texans might be without their top 3 receivers on the year.

Will Anderson DE (NP NP NP – Out) ankle

On video, this star pass-rusher appeared to suffer a left high ankle sprain last game. Even mild high ankles can take a while to recover from, especially at the DE position (see Micah Parsons). Anderson leads the team with 7.5 sacks on the year so this is a big loss.

Derek Barnett DE (NP LP FP – In) calf/shoulder

Barnett is a part-timer at DE and has 2 sacks on the year. He likely will have a larger role with Anderson out.

NOTABLES

Stefan Diggs, the Texans 2nd-leading WR, is out for the year with a right ACL.

Mario Edwards, starting DT, is serving a suspension and is out for this game.

Kenyon Green, starting LG, is out for the year and was replaced by Kendrick Green last game.

Here is the full Texans report:

Lions vs Texans: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Texans: Wednesday injury report medical analysis on the players listed by both teams

The wet Lambeau field probably aided the Lions to a healthy game by slowing everybody down and allowing feet to slip out of dangerous situations like with Jahmyr Gibbs. There were some minor concerns coming out of the game, but the only one that landed on the Wednesday report is Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

Lots of other positive news this week as the Lions welcomed in multiple players including Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Za’Darius Smith.

The Texans had two very important players not practice on Wednesday in Nico Collins and Will Anderson.

DETROIT LIONS

Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB (NP) neck

What appeared to be a shoulder injury on video is actually listed here as a neck. Most likely, this is just a soft tissue strain. The more serious concern would be a spinal or nerve issue. It’s reassuring that he was allowed to return to the game late for the onside kick which suggests there were no signs of a spinal problem.

Malcolm Rodriguez LB (NP) ankle

Rodriguez suffered a left ankle sprain early in the Titans game and missed the last game. While the sprain is reportedly minor, the NP makes it unlikely we’ll see him this weekend.

Josh Paschal DE (FP) illness

Clarity on the “illness” was given by Paschal today as he described it as a non-cancerous mass in his shoulder that was excised. Great news that it is not related to his melanoma from 2018. Paschal missed two games but is ready to go this Sunday. No long-term concerns here.

Emmanuel Moseley CB (FP) pec

Moseley’s tore his pec in August and has been out all year. His 21-day practice window opened Wednesday which keeps him tracking along the 16-week timeline of CJ Gardner-Johnson’s pec tear of last year. Expect Moseley to be available around Thanksgiving.

Ifeatu Melifonwu S (FP) ankle

Melifonwu has been out since the middle of preseason with a suspected Achilles issue. His 21-day practice window opened today which is a good sign that he’ll be available later this month.

Za’Darius Smith DE (NP) personal

Just acquired this week from the Browns, Smith may get a personal bye week since the Browns hadn’t had a bye yet and the Lions did. There is nothing to be concerned about here even if he misses the game.

Sione Vaki RB (FP) knee

Vaki hurt his knee late in the Titans game and missed the last game. Video did not show the injury. The FP means he is recovered and is good to go.

Mekhi Wingo DT (FP) ankle

Wingo hurt his ankle presumably in practice last week and missed the last game. The FP confirms the injury is minor and he’ll be ready for Sunday.

Brodric Martin DT (FP) knee

Martin is starting the 2nd week of his 21-day practice window recovering from a right knee hyperextension in August. Expect Martin to be out for the Texans game.

NOTABLES

Jameson Williams returns from his two game suspension.

Jahmyr Gibbs was rolled up on during a tackle last game which put him at risk for a left high ankle sprain and right knee hyperextension. Great news that he is completely absent from the report.

Carlton Davis may have had a right arm stinger last game. Good news that he avoided any shoulder or pec injury.

Penei Sewell appeared to suffer a mild right low ankle sprain vs the Packers which was not significant enough to land him on the report. No concerns for Sunday.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Nico Collins WR (NP) hamstring

The Texans #1 WR was put on IR after straining his hamstring in week five. Since hamstrings can easily get aggravated, a gradual return-to-play is advisable. Thus, the NP on Wednesday very likely keeps him out vs the Lions.

Will Anderson DE (NP) ankle

On video, this star pass-rusher appeared to suffer a left high ankle sprain last game. High ankles can have a longer-than-anticipated recovery time (see Micah Parsons), so there is a good chance he’ll be out on Sunday.

Kenyon Green OG (NP) shoulder

This starting LG hurt his shoulder last game and is reportedly out for the year. Kendrick Green replaced him last game.

NOTABLES

Stefan Diggs, WR, is out for the year with a right ACL.

Mario Edwards, starting DT, is serving a suspension and is out for this game.

Here is the rest of the Texans report:

The Lions name their team captains for 2024

The Lions name their team captains for 2024, including Aidan Hutchinson as a first-time captain

The Detroit Lions officially named six players as team captains for the 2024 season. For a strong contender with most of the primary players returning from a year ago, it was pretty easy to predict who would get selected to be captains for the coming year.

As selected by the players and coaches, the Lions captains for 2024:

  • QB Jared Goff
  • WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
  • RT Penei Sewell
  • EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
  • LB Alex Anzalone
  • LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (special teams)

All but Hutchinson were team captains in 2023. No. 97 joins the captaincy circle, taking the place of now-departed veteran Charles Harris.

The Lions social media team had some fun with the announcement of the captains, as they are wont to do…

https://twitter.com/Lions/status/1830690119956701378

Jalen Reeves-Maybin elected as NFLPA president

Detroit Lions LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin elected as the new NFLPA president

Fresh off his new contract with the Lions, Jalen Reeves-Maybin has added another role to his game. The veteran linebacker has been elected as the new president of the NFLPA by the union’s board of representatives.

Reeves-Maybin has been active in the NFLPA for several years, serving on the Executive Committee in 2022 and 2023. He had been with the Lions since 2017 before departing for the Houston Texans for a season, returning to Detroit in 2023.

He earned second-team All-Pro honors as a special teams ace as well as playing some off-ball linebacker.

Congrats to Reeves-Maybin on the election!

Detroit Lions unrestricted free agents now that the 2023 season is completed

With the 2024 offseason looming, here is the master list of the Detroit Lions unrestricted free agents

The Detroit Lions had an impressive season, coming within one game of a Super Bowl berth despite their loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Looking ahead, the future seems promising for the Lions.

GM Brad Holmes and Coach Dan Campbell are likely already diligently evaluating the roster, identifying areas for improvement to overcome the challenges. From a personal perspective, they should have the trust of the fanbase to execute the necessary moves. As they enter the offseason, the Lions possess $58.6 million in cap space, ranking sixth in the NFL according to Over the Cap. This substantial amount will likely be essential to bolster the roster, especially with only 38 players currently under contract for the upcoming season.

Certain players demonstrated their value this season, earning a return to the roster, while others failed to meet expectations. The decisions on who to retain and who to release will be intriguing. Here’s the comprehensive list of the Lions’ unrestricted free agents.

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