The Detroit Lions (2-1) will host the Cleveland Browns (1-2) in Week 4, and with the game on Sunday afternoon, both teams began their practice week on Wednesday. However, with the Lions just playing on “Monday
Night Football” less than 48 hours ago, Detroit opted to hold a walkthough for this initial practice. This means the participation levels for this opening practice are only estimations based on what the coaching staff projects each player to have been capable of producing, had this been a full practice.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at Wednesday’s injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from last week will be bolded.
Injured list updates
- TE Shane Zylstra (ankle), Reserve/IR — eligible to return in Week 7
- G Miles Frazier (undisclosed), Reserve/PUP — eligible to return in Week 5
- EDGE Marcus Davenport (pectoral), Reserve/IR — eligible to return in Week 7
- EDGE Josh Paschal (undisclosed), Reserve/NFI — eligible to return in Week 5
- DT Alim McNeill (ACL), Reserve/PUP — eligible to return in Week 5 — Promising update
- LB Malcolm Rodriguez (ACL), Reserve/PUP — eligible to return in Week 5
Davenport was placed on injured reserve on Monday, but because this transaction took place ahead of the Lions’ Week 3 game, he will be eligible to return in Week 7. While the Lions list Davenport as dealing with a chest injury, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Lions defensive end is dealing with a “pectoral strain,” which is not considered a long-term injury.
No practice
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- RB Sione Vaki (hamstring, groin) — New injury in Week 3
- EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) — New injury in Week 3
- S Daniel Thomas (forearm) — New injury in Week 3
Taylor Decker continues to rest his shoulder during the week, which seems like something we should get used to. He’s been dealing with the injury for two weeks now, but has not missed any time.
Vaki suffered a groin injury late in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens. He did not return, and coach Dan Campbell didn’t have a significant update on Tuesday.
“I don’t know. We’ll know more in a day or two here,” coach Campbell said. “He got his groin a little bit. I don’t know how bad it is really.”
The biggest news on the injury report is the addition of breakout defender Al-Quadin Muhammad. After a 2.5-sack performance, it wasn’t clear that Muhammad was dealing with an injury Monday night, but it was apparently enough to hold him “out” of Wednesday’s injury report. Thursday should provide more clarity as the Lions return to the practice field.
Daniel Thomas reportedly suffered a broken hand in Week 1 but played through it in the following two weeks as a prime special teamer. It’s unclear if this forearm injury is related.
Limited practice
- LB Derrick Barnes (knee) — New injury in Week 3
Barnes had a fantastic game against the Ravens and nearly played every snap (47 of 57). With a limited designation, there are no major causes for concern yet, but it’s something to monitor throughout the week.
Full Practice
- CB D.J. Reed (cramping) — New injury in Week 3
Reed has been dealing with a knee injury, but cramping is relatively new (he was dealing with this in the Bears game, though). An estimated full practice means there’s nothing to worry about here.
No longer on injury report
- LB Jack Campbell (ankle)
- LB Trevor Nowaske (elbow)
- S Kerby Joseph (knee)
Campbell, despite a multiweek ankle injury—and a nasty face laceration during Monday night’s game—appears to be a full go this week. And Nowaske and Joseph, who played despite questionable designations on Monday, are also on pace to be fine this week.
Browns’ initial injury report
Coming soon, but for now:
