Tag: Marvin Jones

Week 14 Pivotal Play: Marvin Jones’ ruled incompletion opens door for Matthew Stafford’s injury

The officials incorrectly called a Marvin Jones catch incomplete and just six plays later, Matthew Stafford was injured and left the game.

The Detroit Lions came up short in Week 14, losing a one-score game (31-24) to the division champion and conference-leading Green Bay Packers.

The Packers took control of this game from the start of the second half with their first possession chewing up nearly nine minutes (8:49) worth of clock and ending with an Aaron Rodgers rushing touchdown. The Lions went three and out on the ensuing possession. Then the Packers drove the length of the field again, this time resulting in an Aaron Jones rushing touchdown and another 7:49 off the clock.

While the dominating third quarter likely won the Packers this game — they opened their lead to 28-14 — the pivotal play that may have cost the Lions a chance at a true comeback came on the ensuing drive.

The Lions opened the drive at their own 25-yards line. A couple of quick plays to D’Andre Swift got them a first down, then a catch by Marvin Jones moved the sticks again. Two Packers penalties — with another Swift run in the middle of them — moved the Lions to the Packers 40-yard line. And another Packer penalty made it first and five from the 35-yards line.

With it being first and five, the Lions decided to take a shot deep and Marvin Jones made a sensational catch — kind of.

The play was ruled incomplete, but on replay, it’s looked fairly clear Jones got both feet down. FOX analysts, as well as rules expert Dean Blandino, all agreed: Jones made the catch and the call should be overturned.

Let’s take a closer look at the play again:

Maybe a still picture will clarify things:

Unfortunately, the officials didn’t feel there was enough evidence to overturn the call and announced that the play stood as called: incomplete.

Now, this play didn’t cost the Lions the game. Heck, Jones didn’t even score. And eventually — two minutes and 13 seconds later — the Lions would drive down the field and Kerryon Johnson would punch it in the endzone making the game 28-21.

But that call kept the Lions on the field and in a spot where they needed to work harder to keep this game close.

Six plays after the Jones called incompletion, Matthew Stafford was left exposed on a six-yard scramble, took a nasty hit to his ribs, and was forced to leave the game a play later.

That ended up costing the Lions their chance at a comeback.

Of course, the Jones play didn’t directly cause Stafford’s injury, but it’s fair to wonder: If the correct call is made on the field, would the Lions have had to turn to their backup quarterback at all?

Stafford is a tough as they come, but if he is forced to miss any time — well, we all know what happened last year.

The Lions reported that Stafford received X-rays after the game, was not available for his usual post-game press conference, and provided no updates on his injury status. Stay tuned to Lions Wire as we will have updates on his situation as they unfold.

Lions Wire Fantasy Football Weekly: 2020 Week 14 preview

Go get those playoff fantasy football wins!

In the National Football League and in fantasy football the goal is to score at least one more point than your opponent. There is nothing better than a victory — no matter how you get it. The most exciting are those thrilling victories when you are down a good amount of points late in the game and then storm back to win it in the end.

The Detroit Lions and many fantasy owners felt that way this past week with thrilling late wins. We had games until Tuesday night and, with lots of good players in that Cowboys vs. Ravens game, so I’m sure many fantasy matchups were won at the buzzer. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat is real both in the NFL and in fantasy football.

Lions vs. Packers fantasy focus

This matchup appears to be a clear mismatch on paper. The Green Bay Packers have a great record, a quarterback hitting on all cylinders, and healthy skill players all over the field. The Detroit Lions don’t have a great record, they have injured skill players all over the field, and their defense continues to struggle mightily.

Fantasy football may be played on the computer, but the actual action still happens between the white lines on the football field. When the ball is kicked off, anything can happen. Most expect Aaron Rodgers (QB Packers) to light it up in this game, Aaron Jones (RB Packers) to run wild, and this to be an easy win for the Packers.

The Lions have Matthew Stafford coming off a big game though, Marvin Jones Jr. showed off his talents in one of his best games of the season last week, T.J. Hockenson is near the top of the NFC in plenty of statistical categories, and D’Andre Swift could possibly be returning to electrify at running back too.

Don’t be surprised if this an offensive bonanza in Detroit. Both teams will look to light up the scoreboard, and each defense will be on their heels all game. This game will be one of the top fantasy matchups of the week, so put in all your Packers and Lions this week.

Start
Tom Brady (QB Buccaneers)
David Montgomery (RB Bears)
Allen Robinson (WR Bears)
Mike Gesicki (TE Dolphins)

Sit
Kirk Cousins (QB Vikings)
Le’Veon Bell (RB Chiefs)
Jalen Reagor (WR Eagles)
Zach Ertz (TE Eagles)

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Justin Herbert, Chargers

Running Backs
Derrick Henry, Titans
Dalvin Cook, Vikings
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers

Wide Receivers
Davante Adams, Packers
Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
Adam Thielen, Vikings

Tight Ends
Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Darren Waller, Raiders
T.J. Hockenson, Lions

Team Defenses
Saints
Seahawks
Rams

Kickers
Younghoe Koo, Falcons
Graham Gano, Giants
Tyler Bass, Bills

Waiver wire options

Jalen Hurts (QB Eagles)
Andy Dalton (QB Cowboys)
Tony Pollard (RB Cowboys)
Ito Smith (RB Falcons)
Denzel Mims (WR Jets)
N’Keal Harry (WR Patriots)
Logan Thomas (TE Washington)
Dalton Schultz (TE Cowboys)

Intriguing games and players in Week 14

(Week 14 Bye Weeks: None) 

New England at LA Rams, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

  • NE: Cam Newton (QB), Damien Harris (RB)
  • LAR: Cooper Kupp (WR), Robert Woods (WR)

Kansas City at Miami, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

  • KC: Patrick Mahomes (QB), Mecole Hardman (WR)
  • MIA: Myles Gaskin (RB), Mike Gesicki (TE)

Minnesota at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

  • MIN: Dalvin Cook (RB), Justin Jefferson (WR)
  • TB: Mike Evans (WR), Ronald Jones (RB)

Indianapolis at Las Vegas, Sunday 4:05 PM, EST

  • IND: T.Y. Hilton (WR), Jonathan Taylor (RB)
  • LVR: Henry Ruggs (WR), Derek Carr (QB)

Green Bay at Detroit, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

  • GB: Aaron Rodgers (QB), Davante Adams (WR)
  • DET: T.J. Hockenson (TE), Matthew Stafford (QB)

Pittsburgh at Buffalo, Sunday 8:20 PM, EST

  • PIT: Diontae Johnson (WR), Chase Claypool (WR)
  • BUF: Devin Singletary (RB), Josh Allen (QB)

Baltimore at Cleveland, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

  • BAL: Lamar Jackson (QB), J.K. Dobbins (RB)
  • CLE: Nick Chubb (RB), Austin Hooper (TE)

Bottom Line

No bye weeks this week, so all your fantasy players will be ready to roll. It will be a great week to enjoy fantasy football as plenty of matchups and players are sure to shine.

Keep an eye on those talented players that haven’t produced in a while as a few of those will probably unexpectedly impress. Players coming off a big game last week could be locked down by opposing defenses this week.

The ups and downs of the NFL and fantasy football are real. That along with the absolute unpredictability are just a couple of reasons why it is always so fascinating. You never know what will happen on any given Sunday. The comeback victory might be the most fun, but just remember that all your favorite team or fantasy squad needs to do is score one more point than your opponent to be victorious. Never apologize for a win.

 

 

Marvin Jones speaks of ‘different feel’ and freedom to have fun under Darrell Bevell

Via Michael Silver, Jones offered some telling quotes about Bevell vs. Patricia

“Watch what happens now that the dictator is gone”.

Quite a statement from a Lions assistant coach, who related that tidbit to Michael Silver of the NFL Network. He wasn’t the only Lion to celebrate the departure of head coach Matt Patricia.

Silver laid out the details of a conversation he had with veteran Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones in a segment on the network.

“I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a while,” Silver quotes Jones as saying when he asked when the last time he had as much fun playing football as he did in Sunday’s win over Chicago.

“It’s a different feel, there’s no way around it.”

He noted how Jones talked up the “juice” on the sidelines, how “everyone was engaged the whole game”, two things that simply did not happen under Patricia’s authority in Detroit.

Jones credited interim coach Darrell Bevell for the sea change in attitude.

“Keep doing what you’re doing … do it with passion,” was Bevell’s message at halftime instead of the typical browbeating from Patricia. It worked; the Lions staged an improbable comeback and knocked off the Bears.

That Jones was willing to put his name on the quotes for Silver and not snipe at Patricia anonymously speaks volumes about how the locker room felt under the fired coach.

Lions Week 13 Studs and Duds: Darrell Bevell’s offense leads the way

Reviewing the Studs and Duds from the Detroit Lions Week 13 victory over the Chicago Bears.

The Detroit Lions, under the guidance of interim head coach Darrell Bevell, came back after trailing the Chicago Bears by 13 points in the fourth quarter to pull off a Week 13 win in the Windy City.

There were plenty of struggles on defense, but overall there were a lot of things for Lions fans to be optimistic about.

Stud: Darrell Bevell’s offense

There was a different kind of energy on the field — one that Lions fans haven’t seen in a long time.

Stafford walked out of the tunnel with a smile on his face, presumably knowing he’d have his best game of the season under interim head coach Darrell Bevell.

The offense looked much more comfortable under Bevell. Stafford was able to let loose and make some deep plays. The Lions used just about every weapon at their disposal to move the ball, and move it quickly.

The up-tempo feel to the offense was a breath of fresh air watching this team come back from a double-digit deficit.

Bevell may not be the head coach after this season, but at least he got the bad taste of Matt Patricia out of everyone’s mouths.

Dud: The defense

It’s clear that the Lions will have a lot of rebuilding to do on defense. The unit was so bad against Chicago that it was difficult to pinpoint individual players for the “duds” list.

Penalties were everywhere, with Romeo Okwara and Darryl Roberts assisting Chicago’s offense due to their errors in the first half. Everson Griffen had a neutral zone infraction turned a third-and-six to a convertible 3rd-and-one.

In coverage, everyone struggled. There were holes everywhere, allowing Mitchell Trubisky to look like a Pro Bowler while carving up the defense with passes to Allen Robinson.

And then there’s the run defense that allowed three touchdowns in the first half. The Lions’ front-seven simply could not do anything to contain David Montgomery or Cordarrele Patterson in the run game, allowing over 100 yards in the first half by the duo on their 18 carries.

Tackling proved to be an issue throughout the matchup as well. On one of David Montgomery’s touchdowns, two Lions defenders missed tackles on the young running back before Duron Harmon was able to get his hands on him. Unfortunately, Harmon wasn’t able to bring Montgomery down before he crossed into the end zone.

At the end of the game, the defense bent, and nearly broke, as they tried to prevent Trubisky from coming back in the final seconds. Allowing first down after first down and a horse collar penalty from Jayron Kearse, the defense was able to make a fourth-down stop to ice the game for Detroit.

The defense just didn’t play well, and MLive’s Kyle Meinke summed up their struggles best:

Stud: Matthew Stafford

Bevell’s playcalling has allowed Stafford to do what he does best — throw it deep. The quarterback was making tight-window throws and heaving some accurate deep passes, including one really impressive one to rookie Quintez Cephus — his first career touchdown.

His communication was on point with the young receiver, signaling for him to continue running his deep post and make the touchdown grab.

Stafford hasn’t looked this comfortable in the pocket in a long time, and it showed with the throws he made. He did have one brutal interception on a screen pass in the second half, but overall he balled out.

The quarterback played strong throughout the game and delivered a victory with a 402-yard and three-touchdown game.

Dud: Jonah Jackson

The rookie offensive lineman was bailed out three times in the first half, but that doesn’t excuse his blunders.

Jackson allowed a sack on Stafford by Khalil Mack that would have forced a punt if not for a penalty by Bears slot cornerback Buster Skrine that gave Detroit a first down. Later in the first half, Jackson had a holding penalty that was offset by a Chicago defensive penalty.

To finish off the first half, Jackson also committed a false start penalty. Luckily, Stafford was able to get a first down on the following play.

Stud: Adrian Peterson

The future Hall-of-Famer looked better than he has for most of the season and his late-game performance helped propel the Lions to victory.

His final stat line was 16 carries for 57 yards. He scored Detroit’s first and last touchdowns of the game. His goal line score at the end of the fourth quarter is what sealed the game for Detroit.

Dud: Marvin Jones

This may be an unpopular decision given that Jones finished with eight receptions for 118 yards and a score, but he had some glaring issues in this game. Despite making some solid first down receptions, Jones looked slow on several deep balls from Stafford and then later failed to hang on to a Hail Mary that could have gotten the Lions a walkoff touchdown for the first half. in the second half, he got his hand on another ball that he was unable to bring in.

Jones did help the Lions catch up late in the fourth quarter, but his struggles outweigh his successes in this one. If he was able to hang on to those balls and get separation from the defenders on those plays, the Lions would have been up by a few scores against Chicago.

Stud: Matt Nelson

Tyrell Crosby’s backup has not gotten enough credit throughout this season. When asked to fill in, the former collegiate defensive lineman held his own as Detroit’s right tackle while Crosby was sidelined with an ankle injury.

He didn’t have the best game, but he really put in his best effort against a scary Chicago front-seven.

Stud: Jamie Collins

Collins was a lone bright spot on the Lions defense. The veteran linebacker had two tackles-for-loss on run defense despite the unit struggling as a whole.

Stud: T.J. Hockenson

Despite gaining any yards after the catch on his seven receptions, the former first-round pick came through as one of Stafford’s top targets. The young tight end made some crucial and athletic catches on deep throws and finished the game with 84 yards.

Stud: Romeo Okwara

Okwara came out of the gates early, blocking the PAT after Chicago’s first touchdown. Though he was quiet for almost the whole game, he made his presence known late in the fourth quarter, forcing a fumble on Trubisky and giving the Lions the ball at the seven-yard line with less than two minutes to go in the game.

Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman declares for the draft

Bateman compares stylistically to the Marvin Jones the Lions signed in his prime

A player who should be in serious consideration for the Detroit Lions when they pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has officially ended his collegiate career. Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman announced he will forego the remainder of the 2020 schedule to prepare for his NFL future.

Bateman is a 6-1, 205-pound outside receiver who offers a similar skill set to what Marvin Jones did when the veteran wideout joined the Lions and before the knee injuries ruined his ability to separate. Bateman is fluid as a route runner, with fast feet and excellent body control. He’s more physical than his size would portend and is very good after the catch.

Bateman will generally project between No. 25 and 40 overall. The Lions figure to have a pick near the end of that range with their second-rounder, and Bateman absolutely needs to be in the conversation for that selection.

Lions Wire Fantasy Football Weekly: 2020 Week 12 preview

Lions Wire Fantasy Football Weekly: 2020 Week 12 preview

We all have a great deal to be thankful for in 2020. During this crazy year that we have all experienced, we should be thankful for family, health, and all the other blessings in our life.

We should also be thankful for the NFL moving forward with the season allowing us to enjoy a fantasy football season as it was only a few months ago that we didn’t know if we would see football at all in 2020.

Lions vs Texans fantasy focus

Thanksgiving is a very special day in the city of Detroit, but this year will feel much different than any other Thanksgiving kickoff. There won’t be a big gathering in Downtown Detroit for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, no fans will be in the stands, and families won’t gather around their tailgates just outside the stadium for turkey just before heading into the stadium.

Football will still be played at 12:30 PM on Thanksgiving Day though as always and it is still one of the best traditions in all of sports. The Detroit Lions are coming off an embarrassing loss where they were shutout by the Carolina Panthers last week. Now with Deshaun Watson (QB Texans) coming in on Thanksgiving, they will have to turn things around quickly.

The Lions have had some tough injuries to some of their top fantasy players: Kenny Golladay (Hip), D’Andre Swift (Concussion), T.J. Hockenson (Toe), and Matthew Stafford (Thumb). Some of them have played through these injuries even if their play has been hampered and others have been out. Getting Golladay and Swift back would be big for the Turkey Day extravaganza.

The Houston Texans are coming off a big win over the New England Patriots and a tremendous game by their superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson. Expect Watson and his speedy wide receivers to give the Lions issues during this early holiday game on Thursday. Will Fuller (WR Texans), Duke Johnson (RB Texans), and Brandin Cooks (WR Texans) are all good fantasy plays this week.

There is a saying, “The Lions always play good on Thanksgiving”, but recent history doesn’t necessarily prove that to be true. It has been another tough season for the Lions and their coach is firmly on the hot seat. The Lions will need Stafford, Jones Jr., Hockenson, and others to help lead them to a victory and make everyone thankful to be a Lions fan this Thanksgiving.

Start/Sit

Start
Derek Carr (QB Raiders)
Gus Edwards (RB Ravens)
Terry McLaurin (WR Washington)
Evan Engram (TE Giants)

Sit
Ryan Tannehill (QB Titans)
Kerryon Johnson (RB Lions)
Mike Evans (WR Buccaneers)
Dallas Goedert (TE Eagles)

Top 3 projected players by position

Quarterbacks
Josh Allen, Bills
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Deshaun Watson, Texans

Running Backs
Dalvin Cook, Vikings
Derrick Henry, Titans
James Robinson, Jaguars

Wide Receivers
Davante Adams, Packers
Keenan Allen, Chargers
Tyreek Hill, Chiefs

Tight Ends
Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Darren Waller, Raiders
Hunter Henry, Chargers

Team Defenses
Dolphins
Browns
Washington

Kickers
Younghoe Koo, Falcons
Rodrigo Blankenship, Colts
Ryan Succop, Buccaneers

Waiver wire options

Taysom Hill (QB Saints)
Sam Darnold (QB Jets)
Gus Edwards (RB Ravens)
Duke Johnson (RB Texans)
Michael Pittman Jr (WR Colts)
Curtis Samuel (WR Panthers)
Jordan Akins (TE Texans)
Dalton Schultz (TE Cowboys)

Intriguing games and players in Week 12

(Week 12 Bye Weeks: None) 

Houston at Detroit, Thursday 12:30 PM, EST

  • HOU: Will Fuller (WR), Duke Johnson (RB)
  • DET: Marvin Jones, Jr (WR), T.J. Hockenson (TE)

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, Thursday 8:20 PM, EST

  • BAL:  Lamar Jackson (QB), Marquise Brown (WR)
  • PIT: James Conner (RB), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR)

Las Vegas at Atlanta, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

  • LVR: Henry Ruggs (WR), Bryan Edwards (WR)
  • ATL: Matt Ryan (QB), Calvin Ridley (WR)

Arizona at New England, Sunday 1:00 PM, EST

  • AZ: Kyler Murray (QB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR)
  • NE: Cam Newton (QB), Damien Harris (RB)

Kansas City at Tampa Bay, Sunday 4:25 PM, EST

  • KC: DeMarcus Robinson (WR), Mecole Hardman (WR)
  • TB: Tom Brady (QB), Antonio Brown (WR)

Seattle at Philadelphia, Monday 8:15 PM, EST

  • SEA: D.K. Metcalf (WR), Tyler Lockett (WR)
  • PHI: Carson Wentz (QB), Miles Sanders (RB)

Bottom Line

Again, find reasons to be thankful during this crazy year that we have all lived through. We are very fortunate despite these very unique circumstances and we will all pull through this.

When it comes to fantasy football you should be thankful if your top draft picks have played like stars this year, if you have avoided major injuries throughout the season, and if you have a playoff spot secured.

Count your blessings if you have players like Dalvin Cook (RB Vikings), Patrick Mahomes (QB Chiefs), DeAndre Hopkins (WR Cardinals) or Derrick Henry (RB Titans).

Be grateful if you had the foresight to select players such as Stefan Diggs (WR Bills), Terry McLaurin (WR Washington), DJ Moore (WR Panthers), James Robinson (RB Jaguars), or Ronald Jones (RB Buccaneers).

Most of all though we should just be thankful we got football and fantasy football this year when the world is upside down. In all seriousness though, be thankful for all the great things we have even as we currently work our way through all of the struggles we are enduring in our country. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Lions pivotal play of the game: Marvin Jones takes away his own touchdown

The Detroit Lions got shutout against the Carolina Panthers and with an inexcusable penalty, Marvin Jones took away his own touchdown.

The Detroit Lions put on one of the most shameful football games you will ever witness, getting shutout for the first time since 2009 — dropping 20-0 to the Carolina Panthers — putting that last nail in the coffin of any hope for the future.

The Lions repeatedly kept shooting themselves in the foot, making the same mistakes game in and game out. The missed tackles, dropped passes, inexcusable penalties, and blown coverages dug the Lions in a deep grave.

The offense was mute from start to finish. Just 185 total offensive yards, (fewest since 2010), converted only 3 of 14 third downs, sacked five times, and embarrassed in time of procession 36:48 to 23:12.

With the offense pulling a vanishing act, the defense was asked to shoulder the onslaught, and unfortunately, they weren’t much better. Surely they were gassed defending 70 plays, but they were playing against a quarterback making his first start and a makeshift offensive line. That is unacceptable.

The Lions were manhandled from start to finish. They were unable to get anything going and could not stop anyone. Then they got desperate. They even tried some razzle-dazzle to generate, well, anything, but they were left with nothing but sorrow.

Let’s set up the play.

Stafford hands the ball off to Kerryon Johnson, who laterals it back to Stafford to try for the deep shot. The blocking was beautiful, allowing the right amount of time to find Marvin Jones in the endzone. 51-yards downfield, Jones snatched the ball from the defender in the endzone and finally put points on the board — or so they thought.

The play was called back because Jones lined up illegally over the tight end negating what would’ve been a 51-yard touchdown, and basically sucking the life from the Lions for the rest of the game.

This game was very difficult to watch.

The performances were lackluster at best and brought into question the direction of this organization. Something needs to change, especially after this poor excuse for production and getting shutout by a team with issues of their own.

The Lions are given no favors with a short week — due to their Thanksgiving matchup against the Houston Texans —  but it is hard to imagine they will be able to overcome any of the issues plaguing this team in such a short turn around.

Detroit Lions Week 11 injury designations: D’Andre Swift, Kenny Golladay ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions (4-5) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Carolina Panthers (3-7).

The Detroit Lions (4-5) have declared their injury designations ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Carolina Panthers (3-7) and they will be without offensive starters D’Andre Swift (running back), Kenny Golladay (wide receiver), and Danny Amendola (slot receiver).

Here’s a look at the Lions’ full injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

Injured reserve

Ruled OUT

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
D’Andre Swift Concussion Not listed No Practice No Practice OUT
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice No Practice No Practice OUT
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice No Practice No Practice OUT

Coach Matt Patricia gave no clear answers surrounding Swift’s mid-week injury at his Friday press conference, but based on the league’s concussion rules, it was pretty clear Swift was not going to be able to clear the protocols required to play this week. Running backs coach Kyle Caskey said that Adrian Peterson will get the start on Sunday, and Kerryon Johnson will fill the Swift role “as much as possible”. Jonathan Williams should see his first action of the season as a third option.

Golladay got some practice time in on Wednesday, and even tested himself on Thursday, but the Lions are taking it slow with him, likely hoping to get him back for Thanksgiving. Losing Golladay makes things challenging for the wide receiver group, but also losing Amendola makes things even harder.

With Marvin Jones the only starting wide receiver available, Marvin Hall, Quinte Cephus, and Jamal Agnew will all see their snaps increase regardless of who technically starts. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Mohamad Sanu elevated from the practice squad to give the group depth.

Questionable

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb No Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Da’Shawn Hand Groin Not Listed Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Austin Bryant Thigh No Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice Questionable
Will Harris Groin Not Listed Not Listed Limited Practice Questionable

Stafford missed practice on Wednesday, got in two limited practices on Thursday and Friday, was able to escape without any setbacks, and despite being listed as questionable, is expected to start on Sunday.

Vaitai missed last week after re-injuring his foot the week prior, and while a week of limited practices is encouraging, the fact he did not get in a full practice leaves the doubt door open.

Davis, like Vaitai, is coming off a missed game, and while limited is good, there are still some concerns.

Hand, Bryant, and Harris all suffered mid-week injuries so they are likely headed to a Saturday evaluation before the team travels. If they’re not downgraded then, expect them to be available on Sunday.

No Injury Designation

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Marvin Jones Knee No Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation
Jamal Agnew Ribs Full Practice Full Practice Full Practice No Designation
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation
Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice Full Practice Full Practice No Designation
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice Limited Practice No Designation
Jayron Kearse Ankle Not Listed Limited Practice Full Practice No Designation

Marvin Jones, Hockenson, and Kearse were all upgraded to full practices on Friday and do not carry an injury designation into this game.

Detroit Lions Thursday Week 11 injury report: D’Andre Swift misses practice with concussion

Examining the Detroit Lions Thursday injury report as they prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.

The Detroit Lions (4-5) are headed to Charlotte, North Carolina in Week 11 to take on a Carolina Panthers (3-7) team that is expected to be without their best player in Christian McCaffrey and potentially their quarterback Teddy Bridgewater — who is unlikely to play due to an MCL injury.

Unfortunately, the Lions are also dealing with injuries to some of their top offensive players including quarterback Matthew Stafford, RB D’Andre Swift, and WR Kenny Golladay.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ full injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

Injured reserve

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
D’Andre Swift Concussion Not listed No Practice
Kenny Golladay Hip Limited Practice No Practice
Danny Amendola Hip No Practice No Practice

Based on the league’s rules surrounding returning from a concussion, it’s highly unlikely Swift will be able to clear the protocols ahead of Sunday. Swift would need to be symptom-free, then pass a workout regimen, participate in a non-contact practice, then a contact practice, and with only one practice remaining, it looks like he will be miss Sunday’s game. The Lions will likely turn to Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson, while Jonathan Williams should see his first action of the year.

Golladay being downgraded to no practice is a bit concerning but the pool media reporter suggested he looked ready to practice during the allotted media time — meaning there is a chance this could just be a rest and recovery day, but it could also mean he needs more time to heal.

Amendola missing two practices is not a good sign, as he rarely takes rest periods. The Lions do have options who can operate out of the slot — Marvin Hall, Jamal Agnew, and Quintez Cephus — but they are all different players than Amendola.

Limited practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Matthew Stafford Thumb No Practice Limited Practice
Marvin Jones Knee No Practice Limited Practice
T.J. Hockenson Toe Limited Practice Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice Limited Practice
Da’Shawn Hand Groin Not Listed Limited Practice
Austin Bryant Thigh No Practice Limited Practice
Jarrad Davis Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
Christian Jones Knee Limited Practice Limited Practice
Jayron Kearse Ankle Not Listed Limited Practice

The Stafford rollercoaster continues. Injured Sunday, but didn’t miss a snap. Negative X-rays on Monday, then Tuesday reports suggest “a partially torn ligament“. He missed practice on Wednesday, then got in some limited work on Thursday. Despite the ups and downs, the overriding theme has been that most expect him to play.

Marvin Jones and Bryant also saw upgrades in participation from Wednesday to Thursday, while Hand and Kearse were both added to the injury report, shifting from full to limited practices. We won’t know until tomorrow when their injuries occurred and how it will impact their status for the weekend.

[lawrence-related id=54269]

Hockenson, Vaitai, Davis, and Christian Jones getting in back-to-back limited practices is an encouraging sign for their chances to play on Sunday.

Full Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Jamal Agnew Ribs Full Practice Full Practice
Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice Full Practice

Williams now joins Agnew on the full participation list and both appear in good shape to play. Agnew could be key as he is Amendola’s direct backup and could see himself injected into the starting lineup.

Panthers Report

Picture via the team website

Marvin Jones Jr. opens up about the passing of his son Marlo via Players’ Tribune article

Marvin Jones Jr. wrote a letter to his children via The Players’ Tribune, opening up for the first time about the passing of his son Marlo.

“It’s tough to talk about even all these months later, but after your little brother Marlo passed away in December
. Daddy was ready to call it quits. Not just football, either. I’m talking just get away from 
 everything. Leave the country. Move to Spain. Hunker down. Just us and Mommy. That sort of thing. Never talk to anyone ever again, never have to face anyone or discuss anything, just shield us all from the entire outside world. You know what I mean? We were all just struggling so much.”

Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones shared these thoughts as part of a letter to his children via The Players’ Tribune this morning.

Jones would go on to share how he and his wife, Mya, tried to help their children understand this “unimaginable tragedy” while struggling with their own feelings/emotions behind closed doors.

But Jones would eventually start opening those doors.

“Matthew and Kelly Stafford. Danny Amendola. Kenny Golladay. Coach (Matt) Patricia. Coach (Ron) Prince. Other members of the organization. All showing us love. Giving us support. Letting us know that they were there for us. I mean, you guys … it was so moving what they did for our family.”

Those were important moments for Jones, and they changed him.

“And as tough as those first few days were, I always want you guys to remember how our family and friends came together to lift us up and help us all get through the most difficult experience of our lives.”

Jones would go on to remind his children that at their core, people are inherently good.

“The other big point to remember — and this is maybe the most important thing of all in terms of your lives going forward — is that the good people in this world outnumber the bad by a wide margin. Those who are kindhearted and eager to lend a hand 
 those folks are everywhere.”

Moving forward became the theme over the second half of his letter.

He would discuss how Mya is setting up a foundation “that will help other families who have gone through what we all experienced over the past year — a place for sharing stories, and where families can lend support to one another.”

And he wrapped up his heartfelt piece with even more positive news: “And last, but certainly not least, I just want to say that Mommy and me are so excited for you guys to meet the newest member of our family… And now, when your baby sister arrives in February, you guys can know that she is here because of Marlo, and because of what he meant to you guys. What he still means to all of us.”

Make some time in your day to read the entire letter from Marvin Jones Jr. — and bring some tissues.