Tag: Levi Onwuzurike

Dan Campbell offers very positive Lions injury update ahead of Week 15

Dan Campbell offers very positive Lions injury update ahead of Week 15 on Decker, McNeill, Reader and more Detroit players

Coming off a mercifully timed extended rest following the Week 14 beatdown of the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions are getting a lot healthier heading into Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Buffalo Bills.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered some updates on the walking wounded ahead of Friday’s practice session. He started with defensive lineman Josh Paschal,

“So, looks like Paschal’s gotten through the week pretty good thus far.”

Campbell then continued, hitting on a few other players who have missed time with injuries lately. He noted “as well” in conjunction with Paschal for all the following, indicating they are getting through the week well:

DT DJ Reader
LT Taylor Decker
DT Levi Onwuzurike

In addition, Campbell revealed that DT Alim McNeill has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be available to play in Sunday’s big game.

Campbell capped off the injury update by noting,

“We’re trending the right way with all those guys.”

The official injury status report comes out later on Friday.

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Lions getting healthier at Thursday’s practice ahead of Week 15

Lions getting healthier at Thursday’s practice ahead of Week 15, with only one player sidelined fully and two others limited

Thursday’s practices in anticipation of the Sunday matchup between the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills were quite divergent for the two teams.

The Bills did not have practice due to weather conditions in western New York. Meanwhile, the Lions had a very healthy participation across both sides of the ball.

SAM LB Trevor Nowaske was the only Lions player who was completely out from practice on Thursday. Nowaske is dealing with a concussion, and the timeline with the NFL’s concussion protocol will prevent Nowaske from being available for Sunday’s game in Ford Field.

Two other Lions were listed as limited on the official report: defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Reader. Both DTs missed the Week 14 win over the Packers. Reader’s return at nose tackle would be a big boon against Buffalo. He’s dealing what a shoulder injury, while Onwuzurike is limited with a hamstring.

Everyone else was a full participant, a list that includes starting left tackle Taylor Decker for the second straight day. Decker has missed two weeks with a knee injury. That portends very well for Decker to return at left tackle against the Bills.

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Lions vs Packers: Final injury report medical analysis for the Week 14 matchup

Lions vs Packers: Final injury report medical analysis for the final injury report for both teams ahead of Week 14

The second (and not necessarily final) meeting of the Lions and Packers is an enormous game not just for 1st place in the division but also for the extremely valuable 1st seed bye in the NFC.

The NY Times playoff simulator estimates the Lions chances of the #1 seed at 84% with a win vs 40% with a loss. That’s a massive spread.

Defensive health is a problem for the Lions as they will be missing five defenders from last game: Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez (IR), and Mekhi Wingo (IR). In good news, they’ll be getting back Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley.

On offense, the Lions starters are intact except for Taylor Decker who will miss a second straight game. Dan Skipper figures to start at LT again.

The Packers will be missing a couple key players in Jaire Alexander and Romeo Doubs. On the bright side, Jordan Love will be healthier than the first meeting when he had a groin injury.

DETROIT LIONS

Out – Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP NP NP)

A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain from ten days ago will keep Decker out for a second straight game. He could be back for the next game which is eleven days away.

Out – DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP NP NP)

Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder which is concerning for a shoulder subluxation/dislocation. These can be played through with rehab but often require surgery down the line. There is no word on his diagnosis yet.

For reference, DeShon Elliott with the Lions in 2022 missed two games with a dislocated shoulder.

Brodric Martin, who only got two snaps in his first game back from IR on Thanksgiving, may see a big increase.

Out – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP NP NP)

Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He has not been placed on IR suggesting it is not severe.

Out – Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP NP NP)

Paschal hurt his right knee last game. The diagnosis is uncertain but reports are that it isn’t serious.

In – Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP FP FP)

Davis had a non-contact injury to his left knee area ten days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I’m suspecting a mild strain to a muscle/tendon in his posterior knee. With him back, the secondary is at full-strength.

In – Emmanuel Moseley CB, hamstring (FP FP FP)

Moseley missed Thanksgiving due to a mild hamstring but is now ready to go. It will be interesting to see if he gets some snaps at CB for the first time this season.

IR STATUS UPDATE

Returning soon
• Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him around week 17-18.
• Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him by the start of the playoffs.

Uncertain return
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return this game but did not have his 21-day practice window opened this week. This implies his timeline is at least three more weeks. A neck injury on IR is concerning for a spinal issue.
• Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.

Late playoffs at best
• Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in Super Bowl.
• John Cominsky, MCL – Initial estimate projected a January return at earliest.
• Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return
• Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
• Marcus Davenport, left elbow
• Kyle Peko, left pec
• Mekhi Wingo, right knee

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Out – Jaire Alexander CB (LP LP NP)

This starting CB missed the last 2 games with a PCL injury that has lingered for multiple weeks. He also missed the first meeting with the Lions. Resting until it’s fully healed is smart.

Out – Romeo Doubs WR (LP LP LP)

Doubs will miss his second straight game with a concussion. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.

Out – Edgerrin Cooper LB, hamstring (NP NP NP)

This 2nd-round rookie missed the last two games with the hamstring. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.

Out – Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP NP NP)

Ballentine is mainly a special teams player.

In – Josh Jacobs RB, calf (LP LP LP)

Jacobs has 987 yards on the year which is 3rd most in the NFL, just ahead of Jahmyr Gibbs (973 yards).

In – Rasheed Walker OT, knee (LP LP FP)

This starting LT has played every game this year.

In – Josh Myers C, pec (LP LP FP)

Myers is the starting center and has played the last three games.

In – Elgton Jenkins OG, rest (NP LP LP)

Jenkins has started every game this year.

In – Isaiah McDuffie LB, ankle (LP LP FP)

McDuffie has started every game this year.

In – Colby Wooden DE, shoulder (LP LP LP)

Wooden is a part-time player along the defensive line with four solo tackles this year.

In – Kenny Clark NT, rest (LP LP FP)

In – John Fitzpatrick TE, back (LP FP FP)

Lions injury update: 3 defensive linemen still out from Tuesday’s practice

Lions injury update: 3 defensive linemen still out from Tuesday’s practice ahead of Week 14

The Detroit Lions remain pretty stable on the practice participation front ahead of Thursday night’s home matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Tuesday’s practice in Allen Park saw no new additions to the injury list, and even had one player upgrade from limited to full participant.

That upgrade was cornerback Carlton Davis, who missed the Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears. Head coach Dan Campbell offered this positive assessment of Davis’ chances to play before the practice,

“I felt like (Lions CB Carlton Davis III) CD looked pretty good yesterday, looked real good actually, so barring nothing else today in practice I feel pretty good there.

The news was not as optimistic for left tackle Taylor Decker, who remains out of practice with a knee injury suffered in Week 12.

“Yeah, I don’t feel as good about Decker for this week,” Campbell stated.

Three defensive linemen also all remain out from practice:

Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring)
Josh Paschal (knee)
DJ Reader (shoulder)

On Reader, Campbell had this to say before practice,

“Yeah, well he’s – I don’t see him practicing today either and he’s kind of a day-to-day deal here.”

Lions vs Packers: Monday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Packers: Monday injury report medical analysis for both teams ahead of Thursday’s game at Ford Field

The Lions have an unusual workweek with two Thursday games in a row. That means yesterday (Sunday) aligns with a typical Wednesday, and today (Monday) is like a Thursday. An NP (no practice) today could be viewed as a typical NP on a Thursday which means leaning out.

My main concerns coming out of last game were Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, and Malcom Rodriguez, and all showed up on today’s report except Rodriguez who was put on IR with a torn ACL. Here is my postgame report with injury videos of those four players.

There was a surprise after the game when Mekhi Wingo was placed on IR with a suspected right knee injury. Dan Campbell stated he is out for the season. We don’t have a diagnosis yet, but here is the video where Wingo may have been hurt:

DETROIT LIONS

Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP)

Dan Campbell stated on Sunday that he’s “day to day… it’ll come down to the wire whether he can go this week.” Video suggested a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain in the Colts game eight days ago. Last year, Decker missed two games with a similar-looking ankle sprain. He is officially listed with only a knee which suggests the knee is the more concerning issue.

Alim McNeill missed four games last year with an MCL that he played through during the game. I’m expecting Decker to be out for at least a second straight game. If he can return next week, that would be a good outcome.

DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP)

Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder last game which was concerning for a subluxation. He stayed in the game but was clearly bothered. A subluxation could be a long-term issue so hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder sprain. There is no word on his diagnosis yet.

Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP)

Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He’s likely out this week given the propensity of hamstrings to get aggravated.

Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP)

Paschal took an awkward step and hurt his right knee on Thanksgiving. While the diagnosis is unknown, early signs are that the injury isn’t serious. It’s looking like he’s going to be out this week though.

Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP)

Davis had a non-contact injury to his left knee area eight days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I’m suspecting a mild strain to a muscle/tendon in his posterior knee. The LP is a very good sign that the injury is minor and he could be ready for Thursday.

Dan Campbell on Saturday stated: “He’s day to day, questionable”

Emmanuel Moseley CB, hamstring (FP)

Now we have the answer to the mystery pregame issue that caused Moseley to miss Thanksgiving. Good news that the hamstring is very minor and the FP means he’s on track to play vs the Packers.

PLAYERS ON IR

Returning soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him at the end of the regular season.
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him towards the end of the regular season.

Uncertain return:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – Eligible to return this week.
  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.

Late playoffs at best:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in Super Bowl.
  • John Cominsky, MCL – Projected January return at earliest.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return:

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

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jaire Alexander CB, knee (LP)

This starting CB has missed 2 games with the PCL injury that has lingered for multiple weeks. While he could probably use more time off, he may be playing vs the Lions.

Romeo Doubs WR, concussion (LP)

Doubs missed last game with a concussion. It looks like he’s progressing well through the protocol and will play. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.

Edgerrin Cooper LB, hamstring (NP)

This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last two games with the hamstring and it looks like he’ll miss another. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.

Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP)

Ballentine is mainly a special teams player.

Elgton Jenkins OG, knee (NP)

Jenkins is a starting OG and has played in every game this year.

Here is the full Packers report:

Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears

Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears which saw several players leave with injuries

The Lions gutted out a Thanksgiving victory but not before a myriad of players went down with injuries. There will be no mini-bye respite yet as the next game is in seven days on Thursday Night Football vs the Packers.

The main concerns coming out of the game are Malcolm Rodriguez, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and DJ Reader. Unfortunately, all those are along the front-7 which was already a significantly weakened unit coming into the game.

In Dan Campbell’s postgame press conference, he did provide some injury updates which I will include below.

These are the injuries I saw on initial watch along with suspected diagnoses:

Emmanuel Moseley

Moseley was a surprise inactive with Carlton Davis out, Terrion Arnold recovering (groin), and Kindle Vildor struggling last game. Moseley had played 15 special teams snaps last game without obvious issue. Dan Campbell stated that he had “pregame something that popped up”. It doesn’t sound too serious or long-term, but his status for next game is uncertain.

Terrion Arnold – groin

Despite a full week of “estimated” FP’s, Arnold did not start the 1st drive although he started all the drives after that. As to why, Dan Campbell stated: “We just wanted to make sure he was good.” Arnold looked sharp throughout the game.

Josh Paschal – right knee, 2q 12:50

Paschal appeared to take a hard step onto his right leg and did not return to the game. No deformity of the knee was seen on video which is good. He went to the locker room but returned to the sideline which is reassuring. A bone bruise is a possibility as well as cartilage damage. He’ll get an MRI soon to evaluate.

Levi Onwuzurike – left hamstring, 2q 00:09

The video looked concerning for a knee sprain but it was officially listed as a hamstring. He did not return to the game. He’s likely out for at least next game. Severity will determine how long he is out.

Mekhi Wingo – mild right knee sprain, 3q

Wingo had a slight limp during the 1st drive of the 2nd half. There was no obvious injury on video. He showed up with a right knee brace on the 2nd drive of the half and was still playing at the 12:00 mark of the 4th quarter. Hoping that this is just a mild knee sprain.

DJ Reader – left shoulder, 4q 11:18

The mechanism here is concerning for a shoulder subluxation. Hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder strain. Good news is that he did return to the game although there were points where you could see that the shoulder was still bothering him.

Dan Skipper – right back or ribs, 4q 9:14

Skipper took a direct blow to the right torso/flank area. That is the same area as the rib injury he suffered in week 3, and I’m suspecting an aggravation of that injury. He was able to finish out the game and I don’t have any concerns going forward.

Khalil Dorsey – right low ankle sprain, 4q 8:24

His right ankle inverted slightly causing him to come up limping. I’m suspecting a mild low ankle sprain. He was able to stay in the game and should be fine.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right knee, 4q 6:39

Dan Campbell stated: “Rodrigo is the [injury] that could be the worst.”

The video was not clear but there is a concern for a non-contact ACL. Hopefully, it’s just a mild knee sprain.

Kindle Vildor – left arm contusion, 4q 3:14

Vildor had his left arm banged in friendly fire. He left the game briefly but returned and should be fine.

Za’Darius Smith – cramps, 4q 3:06 & 1:08

Smith needed assistance a couple times at the end of the game. I’m suspecting simple cramps as he was given an electrolyte drink on the sideline immediately after the initial episode. He was able to finish out the game.

Brian Branch – left ankle, 4q 1:04

There was no video of the injury here, but after the play, he was grabbing at his left ankle. He stayed in the game and looked to be fine.

Lions snap count notes: Dan Campbell rode his starters heavily vs. Texans

Lions snap count notes: Dan Campbell rode his starters heavily in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans

Injuries across the Detroit Lions roster forced head coach Dan Campbell to ask a lot of his healthy regular starters, and also more than expected from several reserves. It wasn’t always pretty of confidence-inducing, but the Lions delivered in a thrilling 26-23 comeback win.

The snap counts from Detroit’s Week 10 trip to Houston reveal just how strapped for healthy bodies the Lions were in a few spots. It starts on the defense.

Nine defensive starters played at least 58 of the 68 snaps in the game. That includes five iron men:

Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch
Linebackers Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell
Cornerback Terrion Arnold

Cornerback Carlton Davis missed three plays after leaving briefly with a minor injury.

Linemen Josh Paschal, Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike all played an absurd amount of snaps for big men thanks to the myriad injuries around them. Paschal was on the field for 61 snaps, with McNeill at 59 and Onwuzurike at 58. That’s over 85 percent for each.

In the third LB vs. third CB snap rate–the Lions almost always have one or the other, but not both, on the field–SAM Trevor Nowaske played more than nickel/slot Amik Robertson, 33 to 29.

The Lions only used No. 4 CB Kindle Vildor on three plays–the ones Davis sat out. No other corners played beyond special teams. Joseph and Branch were the only safeties who played. Reserve Brandon Joseph only played on special teams, while rookie Loren Strickland was inactive in Week 10.

On offense, the starting line and QB Jared Goff all played all 65 snaps. Veteran Dan Skipper got the nod at left tackle with Taylor Decker inactive due to a shoulder injury.

Jamarco Jones made his Lions debut with one official snap as an extra tackle (Skipper’s normal role), though he had two other plays that were negated due to penalties. No other linemen played outside of special teams.

The ever-popular running back splits saw Jahmyr Gibbs getting 60 percent of the workload to David Montgomery’s 40 percent. The Lions had one or the other in on every snap, but never played more than one. Gibbs and Montgomery were the only RBs who played on offense, with Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki very busy on special teams.

Jameson Williams returned from his two-game suspension and quickly resumed his WR2 role. He played 48 of the 65 offensive snaps, followed by Tim Patrick (32), Kalif Raymond (16) and Allen Robinson (4). Third TE Shane Zylstra got 19 snaps, behind Sam LaPorta (39) and Brock Wright (37), showing the Lions’ need for auxiliary blocking with Decker sidelined.

Options for the Lions to replace injured EDGE Marcus Davenport

Exploring the different options the Detroit Lions have to replace injured EDGE Marcus Davenport

The Detroit Lions are once again in scramble mode to find a reliable starter at the EDGE position opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The solution for the first three games, veteran Marcus Davenport, suffered what is reported to be a potential season-ending elbow injury in the Lions Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. At minimum, it appears Davenport will miss at least a few games.

Davenport played effectively when he was on the field, but his lengthy injury history was always a factor. The one-time Saints first-rounder had already missed Detroit’s Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers, and his proven frailty unfortunately reared its head in just his second week of action for the Lions.

Replacement options

The Lions already have some reinforcements on the roster. None offer the high-end pass rush skills Davenport brought, but the coaching staff already has familiarity with how to use each.

Levi Onwuzurike

Onwuzurike has already seen quite a bit of time as the “heavy” end. Well over half (74 of 125 per PFF) of his 2024 reps have come aligned as an end, meaning heads-up with the tackle or outside that set. Onwuzurike picked up a half-sack in both Week 1 and Week 2, and he is the most capable internal option to keep up the “crush the can” style Davenport brought that head coach Dan Campbell wants.

At over 290 pounds, Onwuzurike sets a powerful edge against the run on his way to the quarterback, though he doesn’t have much speed. No. 91 is also a key member of the internal DL rotation and has proven more adept at creating pressures from that inside alignment. He’s an incredible injury success story, fighting back from a likely career-ending back fusion surgery and working his way into the rotation.

Josh Paschal

Paschal is another heavier/power style of edge, though he hasn’t had the NFL success of Davenport or even Onwuzurike to this point. The 2022 second-round pick is adapting to a more power-oriented approach, something the Lions encouraged for the 280-ish-pounder after he struggled to find an identity in his first two years.

One of the reasons the Lions brought Davenport in was Paschal’s own lengthy injury history. He’s also been ineffective when he’s played in 2024; No. 93 has generated one QB pressure in 35 pass-rush snaps in three games, the same number of penalties he’s committed. Paschal was one of the Lions’ lowest-graded players in both Week 1 and Week 3 by PFF, and those grades pass the eye test.

James Houston

Houston brings a very different style element to playing EDGE. He’s a speed rusher, one who found tremendous success at the end of his rookie campaign in 2022.

Despite the prolific outburst, Houston has barely played since. He lost his role in 2023 before suffering a serious ankle injury. It was dicey that Houston would make the Lions roster in 2024 after he struggled in camp. He’s been a healthy scratch in two of the first three weeks and only saw action on three snaps when Davenport was out for Week 2.

Houston’s lack of size really stands out on the Lions roster. At just 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, he’s at least three inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter than the other options currently on the 53-man roster (including Davenport). He’s more of a fit to potentially step into Derrick Barnes’ role at SAM should Barnes be sidelined with his injury suffered in Arizona, except the team already pulled the plug on trying to get Houston in that more LB-oriented role.

Mekhi Wingo

Wingo hasn’t played a lot yet as a sixth-round rookie. The 6-foot-1, 290-pounder from LSU is a positional tweener at his size. Detroit has used him on the edge in preseason and also in the first three weeks, and his increased role in Arizona suggests he might be poised for a bigger shot here.

He’s a crafty fighter, but Wingo’s lack of length and also quickness beyond his first step appear to be limiting factors. Having said that, the rookie has been more effective at rushing the passer than Paschal already. If he can hold up against the run and not lose containment on his rushes, Wingo could very well take over a much meatier role. That’s a lot to ask of a sixth-round rookie, however.

Practice squad

The Lions have two practice squad players who saw a lot of action over the summer at EDGE. Mitchell Agude and Isaac Ukwu both challenged to make the roster over Houston with their ability to impact and disrupt off the edge.

Agude is the more likely call-up — especially if Barnes is out — as he is cross-trained at SAM. He’s slightly undersized (6-3/252) for what the Lions want at EDGE but plays with stoutness as a primarily power-to-speed style of pass rusher.

Ukwu, an undrafted rookie from Ole Miss, is more like Houston stylistically. He’s the only other real speed-rush option, and he’s got bend and juice around the outside. Ukwu was very hit-and-miss in camp and preseason, but his “hit” is certainly intriguing.

Detroit also has Chris Smith on the practice squad. Smith is an interior-only defender, but bringing him back up to the active roster would facilitate the Lions playing Onwuzurike more exclusively outside.

Yet the most likely option from the practice squad should be veteran Pat O’Connor. The 30-year-old has years of experience with the Buccaneers in a reserve role, and he brings almost exactly the same size and length as Davenport (6-4/272). O’Connor knows how to play the run, and he showed this summer he could crush the can when aligned wide.

External options

The free agent pool at EDGE is pretty shallow. There are some faded vets with better name recognition than 2024 ability, guys like Yannick Ngakoue and Shaq Lawson.

As for trades…

It can’t be ruled out, but it seems extremely unlikely Lions GM Brad Holmes would make a move of any significance here. Unless it makes sense financially and within the culture of the Lions, it’s just not a viable path. Read as: the Lions aren’t going to pay for a disgruntled player like Haason Reddick of the Jets. He’s the only noteworthy player that is potentially available via trade right now, and speculating about others (Maxx Crosby comes to mind) is irresponsible clickbait. Now if the Raiders make any indication that Crosby might be available — and they have not done that — then the Lions should at least call.

Lions vs Cardinals postgame medical report

Lions vs Cardinals postgame medical report and prognosis on Brian Branch, Alim McNeill and more who were hurt during Detroit’s win

I was fortunate enough to see this victory in person along with thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of boisterous Lions fans who deserve a game ball for another impressive road showing. With the temperatures outside nearing 100 degrees, the excellent Cardinals stadium air conditioning deserves my other game ball.

With a good view of the Lions sideline, here are my observations from that vantage point. I haven’t had a chance to watch the game tape, so video review will come later in the week.

Sam LaPorta

The injury video looked like a right low ankle sprain caused by an inversion mechanism. He was carted to the locker room which was concerning but returned after halftime.

On the sideline, he looked springy and quick while doing movement drills. The ankle did not appear to be much of a concern as the training staff didn’t spend much time with him. His ankle was not taped on the outside of the shoe but could have had a light tape job under his sock.

LaPorta was able to return to the game throughout the 2nd half. While he will be sore and likely need extra rest this week, I don’t expect anything long-term.

Terrion Arnold

Arnold had dislocated his left index finger last week so it was nice to see there was no heavy splint on his fingers. He was catching passes well during warmups so I’m anticipating he should be able to intercept the ball without too much difficulty going forward.

During the game, he may have injured his right knee. On the sidelines, he was hobbling and grimacing while gingerly doing drills. The training staff spent a lot of time with him testing out his movement ability. His right knee was wrapped temporarily.

With how much discomfort he was displaying, I wasn’t expecting a return, but return he did and played pretty well too. Hopefully, this means the injury is something benign like a simple knee contusion.

Brian Branch

A big helmet-to-helmet hit obviously concussed both players. The injured Cardinal stumbled off while Branch was still down on the ground. It wasn’t clear if he had loss of consciousness. I didn’t observe any fencing which is good. He walked slowly to the locker room without any assistance.

Dan Skipper

Skipper got hurt early in the game. On the sideline, he was showing discomfort to his right back and side. He kept pointing to that area and doing torso side-stretches and rotations to test it out.

He was able to return to play but every time he was on the sideline, a wrap, presumably with heat, was placed to keep it loose. Laboring quite a bit on the sidelines, he was clearly doing his best to tough it out. I’m suspecting a muscle or rib strain of his right side which will be sore, but I don’t expect it to be long-term.

Penei Sewell

Players are often battling through injuries that don’t show up on the injury report. Sewell had injured his ankle two weeks ago but was unlisted this past week.

On the sideline, he occasionally had a wrap on his right ankle which I’m suspecting is for that injury from two weeks ago. This is something to keep in mind in case he occasionally has plays that don’t reflect his 1st-team All-Pro standard.

Derrick Barnes

On limited video, there was a possible right knee hyperextension. Recall last year in the conference championship game, he also had a right knee hyperextension.

A hyperextension can cause a bone bruise as well as knee ligament damage. We will see what the MRI results show. I don’t have any observations on the sideline and he did not return to the game.

Alim McNeill

McNeill left the game permanently with a shoulder injury. The only thing I saw was him walking very slowly as the last guy to the locker room at halftime.

Levi Onwuzurike

On the field, medical was evaluating his right knee. He was able to return for the rest of the game and seemed to be fine.

Alex Anzalone

Sitting this game out with a concussion, he was still totally mentally engaged on the sideline helping out with defensive calls and pumping up the fans. All good signs that he will be ready to go for next Monday night.

Lions snap count notes: Big rep debuts for Tim Patrick and DJ Reader

Lions snap count notes vs. Buccaneers in Week 2: Big rep debuts for Tim Patrick and DJ Reader

The day after a game is always a good time to check back in on who played and for how long for the Detroit Lions. Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers snap counts are now out.

Before even getting to the player participation, the stark discrepancy in the number of offensive snaps jumps off the sheet. Detroit ran 85 offensive plays, while Tampa Bay ran just 48. The Lions ran 37 more plays than the Bucs.

That crazy split puts a cap on some of the Detroit defensive participation; there just weren’t nearly as many opportunities as in a normal game. Three players, all in the secondary, played every defensive snap:

Kerby Joseph
Brian Branch
Carlton Davis

Slot CB Amk Robertson played 18 snaps, including four filling in for starting outside CB Terrion Arnold when Arnold dealt with a finger injury.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone played all 40 available snaps before departing with a concussion. That left Derrick Barnes playing the most reps at LB, with 45. Jack Campbell played 35, followed by Malcolm Rodriguez with 19. Jalen Reeves-Maybin did sneak onto the field for two.

James Houston played three snaps in his return to the lineup at EDGE. With Marcus Davenport out, Levi Onwuzurike took over most of his snaps. Onwuzurike was on the field for 36 of the 48 snaps. Aidan Hutchinson played his customary 90 percent of snaps, playing 43. DJ Reader saw action on 25 in his Lions debut.

On offense, the entire starting offensive line and QB Jared Goff were iron men and never left the field.

At RB, Jahmyr Gibbs out-repped David Montgomery 53 to 30. Sione Vaki played four reps, while Craig Reynolds played three out of 85 snaps.

Tim Patrick wound up getting more snaps at wide receiver than Kalif Raymond. Patrick, called up from the practice squad, played 33 to Raymond’s 31. Tom Kennedy played five, though Kennedy was Detroit’s primary kick returner in this game.

The Lions had three reserve offensive linemen who played one snap apiece: Dan Skipper, Kayode Awosika and Michael Niese. Those came on the fake punt attempt, which counts as an offensive rep.