Tag: Ty Johnson

Lions week 12 snap counts: Oruwariye steps up in Melvin’s absence

The Detroit Lions had 11 rookies active on game day, and for the most part, they all played significant or scheme-specific roles on Sunday.

When examining the Detroit Lions (3-7-1) snap counts from Week 12, a few key things stood out. Of the 46 players active for the Lions in Washington, 11 of them were rookies, including Isaac Nauta, Austin Bryant, Beau Benzschawel, and Michael Jackson, all making their NFL debuts.

That and more takeaways from this week’s snap counts below:

Jeff Driskel continues snap streak

Jeff Driskel — 75, 100-percent

Despite Driskel’s playing style leading to him getting hit with frequency, he still manages to stay on the field for every snap.

Lions use 7 of 8 active offensive linemen

LT Taylor Decker — 75, 100-percent
LG Joe Dahl — 74, 99-percent
C Graham Glasgow — 75, 100-percent
RG Kenny Wiggins — 68, 91-percent
RT Tyrell Crosby — 75, 100-percent
OG Oday Aboushi — 8, 11-percent
OT Tyrell Crosby — 5, 7-percent
OL Beau Benzschawel — 0, 0-percent

The Lions have nine offensive linemen on their active roster. With Frank Ragnow out due to a concussion, that left them with eight healthy — all of which were active on Sunday. Typically the Lions only deploy seven offensive linemen on game days and that held true again yesterday, with Benzschawel still waiting to see his first NFL snaps.

Scarbrough leads the backfield again

Bo Scarbrough — 38, 51-percent
Ty Johnson — 27, 36-percent
J.D. McKissic — 11, 15-percent

Scarbrough was once again one of the bright spots in the Lions offense and the Lions leaned on him for the second week in a row. Behind him, Johnson and McKissic flipped roles from last week, with the game plan calling for more of a ground presence.

WR snaps have been consistent

Kenny Golladay — 68, 91-percent
Marvin Jones Jr. — 67, 89-percent
Danny Amendola — 46, 61-percent
Marvin Hall — 10, 13-percent

This snap count distribution has been fairly close to what the Lions have deployed since Driskel took over at quarterback. The only difference being Hall’s snap counts declined a bit after he left the game early with a lower leg injury.

Hockenson see lowest snap counts of the season

T.J. Hockenson — 33, 44-percent
Jesse James — 32, 43-percent
Logan Thomas — 28, 37-percent
Isaac Nauta — 10, 13-percent

Most young quarterbacks rely on tight ends as safety valves, but that has not been the case with Driskel. That may not be the primary reason the tight ends snaps counts dropped this week, — Hockenson was added to the injury report late Saturday — but it was likely a factor.

Nauta, who was just promoted to the active roster on Saturday, saw several snaps out of the backfield filling in for injured fullback Nick Bawden.

Interior DL snaps

A’Shawn Robinson — 43, 72-percent
Damon Harrison — 38, 63-percent
John Atkins — 25, 42-percent
Mike Daniels — 9, 15-percent

These snaps counts are very similar to what we saw from this group last week, which begs the question — why isn’t Daniels seeing the field more?

EDGE players see a big bump in snaps

Romeo Okwara — 56, 93-percent
Devon Kennard — 55, 92-percent
Austin Bryant — 16, 27-percent

Last season, Okwara routinely had multiple games where he received over 90-percent of snaps, but his numbers declined with the addition of Trey Flowers. With Flowers missing this week with a concussion, Okwara was back over 90-percent once again.

Bryant began the game only seeing the field on third downs but saw his snaps increase in obvious passing situations.

Linebackers dip in snaps

Jarrad Davis — 51, 85-percent
Christian Jones — 30, 50-percent
Jahlani Tavai — 29, 48-percent
Miles Killebrew — 16, 27-percent

All three primarily off-the-ball linebackers saw a slight dip in snaps. This is only the fourth game this season where Davis saw less than 90-percent of snaps, Tavai saw his snaps drop after a month in the 60th percentile, while Jones saw his lowest snap counts of the season.

Like Bryant in the last section, Killebrew saw the field on third downs and obvious passing situations as the game wore on.

Oruwariye steps up in Melvin’s absence

Darius Slay — 60, 100-percent
Justin Coleman — 60, 100-percent
Amani Oruwariye — 45, 75-percent

Last week, Oruwariye took over for Mike Ford in the fourth cornerback spot, and this week with Rashaan Melvin unable to play due to injury, Oruwariye was once again promoted into a more prominent role.

Oruwariye flashed the skill level he showed off in training camp and secured his first career interception:

Safety use was clear and defined

Tavon Wilson — 60, 100-percent
Will Harris — 60, 100-percent
C.J. Moore — 7, 12-percent

With no Tracy Walker, the Lions leaned heavily on Wilson and Harris, only turning to Moore when they went into three safety sets.

Special teams

Miles Killebrew — 26
Dee Virgin — 26
Mike Ford — 23
Steve Longa — 21
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 21
Isaac Nauta — 21
C.J. Moore — 20
Ty Johnson — 17
Logan Thomas — 15
Jesse James — 11
Amani Oruwariye — 11
Will Harris — 10
Christian Jones — 9
J.D. McKissic — 6
Jarrad Davis — 5
Tavon  Wilson — 4
Justin Coleman — 4
Marvin Hall — 3
Danny Amendola — 3
Michael Jackson — 2

With no Jamal Agnew available, the Lions turned to Ty Johnson on kick returns and Marvin Hall on punt returns, but when Hall went down, the team needed veteran Danny Amendola to field the final three punts.

Michael Jackson saw his first-ever NFL snaps yesterday, getting two looks on special teams.

Rookie expectations: Extensive injury report provides opportunities

Setting the Detroit Lions rookie expectations for Week 12: Extensive injuries provide plenty of opportunities for rookies to step up.

With an extensive injury report heading into their game against Washington, the rookies of the Detroit Lions may see an increase in their snaps this week.

Here’s what to expect from the rookies in this week’s game:

Quarterback David Blough

Blough will serve as Jeff Driskel’s backup once again, but don’t expect much from the undrafted rookie. Barring any unforeseen injuries, his duties will be limited to the sidelines.

Running back Ty Johnson

Johnson has struggled as of late and was quickly passed on the depth chart by recently-signed Bo Scarborough. Johnson will still get some looks on third downs and provides some speed and ability in both the passing and running games, but he won’t get the nod as the starter.

Johnson could also play a role on special teams as a kick returner while Jamal Agnew sits out with an ankle injury.

Tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Isaac Nauta

T.J. Hockenson was just recently added to the injury report, listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. His injury may keep him out of this matchup, which means the team could be relying more on Logan Thomas, Jesse James, and Isaac Nauta.

Nauta, who was just promoted to the active roster, will serve two roles against Washington. Aside from being the fourth — or third — tight end on the depth chart, the rookie out of Georgia could get some first-team reps at fullback with Nick Bawden on injured reserve.

Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel

Benzschawel has yet to see the field this season, but he could find himself active today due to starting center Frank Ragnow being ruled out with a concussion. The undrafted rookie is versatile and provides some depth at center and both guard spots.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai

Tavai has been used all around the defense this season, lining up at all four linebacker positions on 58-percent of defensive snaps. While he hasn’t solidified a starting role, he has been a regular contributor for the Lions.

The rookie has two sacks and 36 tackles on the year and could have himself a big game due to Washington’s top two running backs dealing with injuries.

Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson

Both rookies have had quiet seasons, with Oruwariye taking a total of nine defensive snaps and Jackson being a weekly inactive.

With starting cornerback Rashaan Melvin listed as questionable and backup nickel corner Jamal Agnew ruled out, the two rookies could be active for this matchup and provide substantial depth at the position.

Darius Slay and Justin Coleman will still be starters, and Mike Ford will likely be the next man up, but either/both Oruwariye or/and Jackson could be active today.

Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore

While Tracy Walker sits out of this game with a knee injury, expect Harris to once again fill that role. The rookie has struggled in recent weeks, having six missed tackles and allowing a 112.4 passer rating against him.

Moore has been dealing with an injury in practice all week but will be ready to go against Washington. He will see the field as a third safety in specific defensive sub-packages while also being a core special teamer on punt and kick returns.

The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over Washington

The Honolulu Blueprint: Identifying several key strategies the Lions will need to do, in order to be victorious over Washington in Week 12.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are banged up as they prepare to travel to Washington (1-9) in Week 12, and they’ll need to follow this week’s Honolulu Blueprint if they want to come away with a victory.

Let’s take a look at the key components the Lions need to take advantage of in Week 12.

Driskel needs to keep it simple, play to strengths

Matthew Stafford (back) will miss yet another game and that means the Lions will call on Driskel once again to step in and step up.

Driskel has played well the last two weeks, producing through the air and on the ground. He’s thrown for 478 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception, while his 88 rushing yards, and a score, have been very problematic for defenses.

No one will be mistaking Driskel for Stafford anytime soon, but he won’t need to be in this game. Driskel’s priorities should be to keep active feet, limit turnovers, and take what the defense is giving him.

Keep Bo Scarbrough rolling

From practice squader to starter in the 24-hours leading up to last week’s game, Scarbrough made the most of his opportunity with the Lions. He scored on only this third NFL touch:

At the end of the day, Scarbrough’s numbers may have appeared average, finishing the game with 14 carries for 55 yards (3.9 yards per carry average) and the above touchdown, but when you look closer, there were some impressive stats — specifically, yards after contact:

Per Pro Football Focus, Scarbrough is averaging an impressive 4.07 yards after contact.

Bottom line: don’t get caught up in the total yards rushing, it’s how he’s producing those yards that matter. He brings a huge missing piece to the Lions backfield and one that they need to keep working if they hope to find success on the ground.

Get creative with pressure

Washington’s rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins hasn’t quite acclimated to NFL pressure. The first-round pick was announced the starter less than three weeks ago, and his two games as a starter, he has thrown 57 passes and been sacked 10 times.

The Lions will be without their top two defensive line pressure creators in Trey Flowers (concussion) and Da’Shawn Hand (ankle). Because of this, coaches will need to get creative in how they scheme up pressure.

One of the most impactful ways they have found success doing this is by disguising where the pressure is coming from and bringing linebackers from non-traditional spots. With injuries upfront — and Tracy Walker (knee) also out — expect the Lions to deploy a lot of linebacker sets, which should afford them the opportunity to utilize these pressure schemes.

Shut down Haskins top option in McLaurin

Haskins and fellow rookie Terry McLaurin (3rd round pick) were a formidable duo at Ohio State a year ago and their chemistry has carried over to the NFL. On the season, McLaurin has 566 yards receiving, more than double the next receiving target on the team.

There’s little doubt McLaurin is Washington’s top receiving option, and when it’s this obvious, it’s almost a foregone conclusion he’s going to draw Darius Slay. If Slay can take away Washington’s top option, it could force Haskins into uncomfortable situations and that means opportunities for turnovers.

On the year, 79 passes, Haskins has thrown five picks. At the same time, the Lions have gone five weeks without an interception. This could be a prime opportunity to end the drought.

Overcome the loss of Agnew on special teams

Lions kick and punt returner Jamal Agnew will miss this game with an ankle injury and that means an opportunity for someone else to step up.

Last week after Agnew went down, Marvin “all I do is catch 40-yard passes” Hall filled in returning punts — there were no kick returns after Agnew left the game but the expectation is Hall or rookie Ty Johnson will line up there this week.

The Lions shouldn’t have a problem replacing Agnew’s 4.34 speed — Hall and Johnson can also each run sub 4.4 — but can they replace his production? Last year in Atlanta, Hall returned 26 kickoffs for a 23.7-yard average, roughly 3 yards less than Agnew. Johnson has never returned a kick in the NFL but he took two to the house against Michigan and Ohio State.

The Lions have the potential to overcome the loss of Agnew — which is more than can be said in years past — but they need to show it on the field.

What to expect from the Lions’ rookies against the Cowboys

Setting expectations for the Detroit Lions’ rookies in their Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field.

The rookies of the Detroit Lions have a tough matchup ahead of them with the Dallas Cowboys coming to town in Week 11.

Despite many seeing increased roles in recent weeks, their levels of on-field success have varied.

Here’s what to expect from this year’s rookie class:

Quarterback David Blough

With starting quarterback Matthew Stafford sitting out once again, Blough will go into this game as Jeff Driskel’s backup. The undrafted rookie has yet to see the field this season, and that isn’t expected to change today.

Running back Ty Johnson

Johnson’s availability for this game was uncertain heading into this week, but the Lions sixth-round pick has cleared concussion protocol and is ready to play against Dallas. The rookie running back will be the team’s starter but will share his reps with J.D. McKissic and newly signed Bo Scarborough.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson’s rookie campaign has not been that of a player taken eighth overall, but his role on the offense is clearly defined.

A bulk of the rookie’s snaps have come from the slot while fellow tight ends Jesse James and Logan Thomas lined up from the traditional inline tight end spot.

Hockenson has made 25 catches on 44 targets this season with just two drops. Interestingly enough, 17 of those 25 receptions went for first downs. If he could keep up that kind of success in short-yardage situations, the offense will have a much easier time moving the sticks against Dallas’ strong pass defense.

Offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel

The undrafted rookie has yet to play in a regular-season game, and with a healthy interior offensive line, don’t expect anything different from him.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai

Tavai has been showing some improvement throughout the season, seeing his snap counts rise steadily. While his increased workload has led to a decrease in Jarrad Davis’ reps at MIKE, it has actually caused Davis to thrive in a new role.

Tavai has done well as a pass-rusher and against the run, but there’s still work to be done in pass-defense. Expect him to get a fair share of snaps from the inside linebacker role while Davis and Devon Kennard hold the outside spots.

Cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye and Michael Jackson Sr.

Both rookies have had fairly quiet seasons, with Oruwariye being active for two games and Jackson yet to suit up for one.

Detroit’s cornerback group is looking to be at full health for the first time in weeks, meaning that these two could see themselves as healthy scratches on the inactive list this week.

Safeties Will Harris and C.J. Moore

For the second week in a row, Harris has taken every single defensive snap for the Lions. Despite a clear-cut starting role, the third-round pick has struggled to cover opposing receivers.

Harris has allowed an average 113.7 passer rating against him along with one touchdown. Expect this rookie to have a rough matchup against Dallas’ talented trio of wide receivers.

In a much more limited role on defense, Moore has yet to allow a reception against him. His usage on defense will go back down this week if Tracy Walker returns to the field, but expect the undrafted rookie to rotate in on defense while playing a bulk of Detroit’s special teams snaps.

Ty Johnson cleared from concussion protocol and will play vs. Cowboys

Ty Johnson will play vs. the Cowboys but FB Nick Bawden is now questionable

The Detroit Lions got some good news on Saturday on the injury front. Running back Ty Johnson has officially cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and removed from any injury designation.

Johnson is expected to start for the Lions against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. He left the Week 10 loss to Chicago after just five carries with a concussion.

The news isn’t so rosy for fullback Nick Bawden. He has been added to the injury report and is questionable for Sunday’s matchup in Ford Field. Bawden has a foot injury.

[lawrence-related id=33277]

Lions Week 11 injury designations: Matthew Stafford, Da’Shawn Hand, Rick Wagner ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions have declared their injury designations for Week 11, ruling out Matthew Stafford, Da’Shawn Hand, and Rick Wagner.

The Detroit Lions (3-5-1) have declared their inactives list ahead of a Week 11 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Ford Field. Coach Matt Patricia indicated Matthew Stafford would not play this weekend and that has now been confirmed.

Stafford wasn’t the only Lions’ player ruled out for this game and several more players were listed as questionable to play. So let’s take a closer look at each player’s situation and set their expectations for Sunday.

Ruled OUT

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)

Stafford being ruled out isn’t overly surprising as he has been unable to practice this week, but Patricia indicated that he is progressing through the medical plan and working hard to get healthy. Jeff Driskel will start under center this week — and maybe the foreseeable future.

Wagner has also been unable to practice all week, unable to pass through the league’s concussion protocol. Tyrell Crosby will start at right tackle while Wagner deals with his concussion.

Hand has is now on week two of not practicing and he will miss his second game in a row since returning from his training camp elbow injury.

Questionable

RB Ty Johnson (concussion)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DE Romeo Okwara (groin)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Johnson was a full participant on Friday meaning he only needs to pass an independent medical exam to fulfill the league’s requirements for returning to the field after a concussion. He has a real chance to play on Sunday.

Harrison is listed as questionable, per usual, but this has not limited him in previous weeks — expectations are that he starts against the Cowboys.

Okwara has now put together back-to-back limited practices suggesting he will be a game-time decision on Sunday.

Walker returned to the practice field for the first time in three weeks, which is a very positive sign, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he will play this weekend. He could also be a game-time decision.

Martin was limited all week, but with no other punter on the roster, it’s very likely he plays — like last week.

Not listed with an injury designation

WR Danny Amendola (hand)
LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion)
NT John Atkins (wrist)
DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
CB Darius Slay (neck)
S Will Harris (quad)

By not being listed on the injury report, it appears Killebrew has passed the NFL’s concussion protocol. He’s good to play on Sunday.

Slay, Harris, and Atkins were a bit banged up this week but all appear to have mended minor injuries. While Amendola, Robinson, and Daniels have been dealing with injuries for a few weeks now, but being listed with no designation is a great sign for their longterm status.

All players listed in this section had a full practice on Friday.

Matthew Stafford still out Thursday, Ty Johnson and Romeo Okwara return to practice

Detroit Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was still not able to practice on Thursday while running back Ty Johnson and edge rusher Romeo Okwara returned to the field.

The Detroit Lions were back on the practice field on Thursday preparing for a Week 11 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Ford Field, and once again they were without Matthew Stafford.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Lions though as running back Ty Johnson and edge rusher Romeo Okwara were able to return to the field for limited practices.

Let’s take a closer look at what we know.

Thursday’s changes to the participation report

RB Ty Johnson (concussion) — upgraded to limited
DE Romeo Okwara (groin) — upgraded to limited
LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion) — upgraded to full
NT John Atkins (wrist) — upgraded to full
CB Darius Slay (neck) — downgraded to limited practice
S Will Harris (quad) — downgraded to limited practice
DT Damon Harrison (groin) — veteran rest day

Johnson getting back on the field is a step in the right direction for him clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol, but he’s not out of the woods yet. Johnson is in the later stages of the process, but doctors’ examinations and time may still be needed.

Okwara has been unable to practice for the last seven days, but a return to the field today suggests he has a chance to play this weekend. Tomorrow’s participation level will get us closer to knowing his game status but he may be headed to a game-time decision.

Like Johnson, Killebrew appears to be moving through the league’s concussion protocol. From an outside perspective, it appears as he only needs to pass an independent medical exam to be cleared for game day.

Atkins’ injury appears to only be minor as he has missed very little time because of it. He’s on track to play.

Slay was not on the injury report for one day, then suffered a neck injury that limited him today. He continues his season of injury and his status will be worth monitoring tomorrow.

Harris was also a full participant on Wednesday, then a quad injury limited him today. Mid-week injuries tend to be problematic, so this is another situation worth paying attention to tomorrow.

Harrison practiced in full yesterday and is getting his weekly rest day today, as is typical since injuring his groin. Expect him to be a limited or full participant on Friday and carry a questionable designation into the game.

Not Practicing Thursday

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)

Stafford missing another practice is not ideal but it’s also not surprising. At this time, there is no timetable for his return to game action.

Wagner not taking the field today suggests his status for this weekend’s game is very much in doubt, as passing the league concussion protocol will be difficult. If he is unable to play, Tyrell Crosby will continue to start at right tackle.

Hand and Walker continuing to miss practices indicate they may be long shots to play this Sunday. There’s still time, but these look like they are the type of long-term injuries that the Lions like to take their time with.

Limited

P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Martin is limited once again, but with no other punter on the roster, he appears on track to play.

Full participants

DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
WR Danny Amendola (hand)

Good news for all three participants here, as consistency here, equals progress.

Lions Week 11 injury report: Stafford, 5 others unable to practice on Wednesday

The Detroit Lions open Week 11 with six players unable to practice on Wednesday, including five starters including Matthew Stafford.

The Detroit Lions (3-5-1) are preparing to host the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) in Week 11 and they opened the week with several key players injured. Six Lions’ players were unable to practice on Wednesday, including five starters.

Let’s take a closer look at which Lions’ players are injured, their current participation level, and what their early expectations for the week are.

Not Practicing Wednesday

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
RB Ty Johnson (concussion)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
DE Romeo Okwara (groin)

When coach Matt Patricia opened his morning press conference, he declared everyone on this list out — everyone except Stafford.

Any hopes that Stafford would return to today’s practice was quickly squashed when he showed up at practice with no pads or helmet. The timeline for Stafford return is very much up in the air and could linger.

Johnson and Wagner suffered concussions in last week’s game and are currently in the league’s protocol. Either would need to return to the field tomorrow if they want a chance to play this weekend.

Walker and Hand missed all of last week — practices and the game — and their continued absence is not a great sign for their status for the weekend.

Okwara was injured mid-week, listed as questionable heading into the game and was ruled out after pre-game warmups. He now opens the week unable to practice indicating there could be a regression in his healing process.

Limited

LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion)
NT John Atkins (wrist)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

After suffering a concussion last Thursday in practice, Killebrew was able to return to the field today, suggesting he has passed the first few stages of the league’s protocol. Brain injuries are often difficult to project and he still has hurdles to climb, but pending medical monitoring throughout the week, he could return to the field this weekend.

Atkins’ wrist is a new addition to the injury report, but limited participation is a positive sign. Additionally, last Sunday Atkins saw 35-percent of defensive snaps, well above his typical allotment, further pointing the arrow in a positive direction.

Martin is abdomen is still bothering him but it didn’t prevent him from playing last weekend. With no other punter signed to the roster this week, he appears on track to play against the Cowboys.

Full participants

DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
WR Danny Amendola (hand)

With Daniels, Robinson and Harrison all injured, every rostered defensive tackle is dealing with some level of injury. The fact that all three are full participants is excellent news, although it wouldn’t be surprising to see Harrison get a rest day on Thursday, as has been the recent routine.

Amendola didn’t seem hampered by the hand injury last game and expectations are he will be good to go again this weekend in a matchup where he could be a major factor.

No longer listed on the injury report

CB Darius Slay (hamstring)
RG Graham Glasgow (back)
LG Joe Dahl (ankle)

All three started last week and played over 90-percent of snaps. This is a great sign for their future availability.

Injured Reserve

DT Kevin Strong (rib)
EDGE Austin Bryant (pectoral)

Strong was placed on IR on Tuesday, ending a very promising rookie season. Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Strong made his mark in training camp, earning a spot on the 53-man roster and seeing the field between 20 and 45-percent of weekly defensive snaps. Expectations are he will take the remaining time this season to heal up and return healthy for next years offseason.

Bryant is now two weeks into his 21-day practice window and the Lions will have to make a decision on his status sometime within the next week. A decision could be made at any time, depending on his health and ability to get up to speed on defense.

Dallas Cowboys injury report

The Cowboys may lose their starting left guard Connor Williams to injury.

Lions add another 3 players to an already extensive injury report

After a Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions added another three players to an already extensive injury report.

In Week 10, the Detroit Lions (3-5-1) were on the wrong end of another one-score game, this time falling to the Chicago Bears, but the scoreboard wasn’t the only place the team lost — as the Lions added another three players to an already extensive injury report.

As the Lions head into Week 11, and a matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, the team needs to get healthy in several key areas.

Here’s what we know about all the team’s current injuries:

The Franchise

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)

Stafford’s start streak ended at 136 games due to a fractured bone in his back. Reports have been mixed, suggesting he could recover and return to game action as soon as this week or miss multiple games — ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported a source told him Stafford could be sidelined as few as one and as many as “3 weeks”.

When coach Matt Patricia was asked if Stafford’s fracture could be season-ending, he responded, “For us right now, I’m not getting into the specifics of what it is exactly. It’s day by day, week by week. We’ll see how it goes
from that aspect of it and see how everything just progresses, I guess.”

Not a lot of clarity there.

This fractured bone in his back injury is separate from the injury that required him to have back surgery last offseason and is also not related to his current hip injury that he has been suffering through for over a month now.

With the Lions’ playoff hopes all but shattered, and Stafford dealing with multiple injuries for a significant length of time now, it’s fair to wonder if the team would be better served shutting Stafford down for the season and allowing him to fully heal — Our own Scott Warheit believes they should do just that.

Injured during the game

RB Ty Johnson (concussion)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DT Kevin Strong (rib)
DT Mike Daniels (foot before the game, leg during the game)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle before, thumb during)
CB Darius Slay (hamstring before, toe during)

Johnson and Wagner were ruled out of Sunday’s game and will be in concussion protocol to start the week. The NFL has a five-step recovery protocol that players must pass before they can return to participation. This is an extensive process and typically takes at least a week’s worth of practices to complete if not more.

Strong injured his ribs and exited the game in the second half. He was listed as questionable but I did not see him return to the field on Sunday.

Daniels, Robinson and Slay were all dealing with an injury heading into this game and then suffered new injuries that forced them to leave the field for brief periods of time. Robinson and Slay returned to game action, while Daniels replied to reporters after the game that he was “fine”.

Ruled out before the game

DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion)
DE Romeo Okwara (groin)

No updates on these players until the team reports to practice on Wednesday.

Injured heading into the game

RG Graham Glasgow (back)
LG Joe Dahl (ankle)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

All four players in this section were able to play their full complement of snaps on Sunday and expectations are that they will be participants at practice, even if it in a limited fashion.