The Detroit Lions (8-5) and Los Angeles Rams (10-3) were back on the practice field on Thursday and have updated their injury reports based on the latest participation levels.
Let’s take a look at the latest
injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.
No practice
- LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- S Kerby Joseph (knee) — Downgraded from limited practice
- S Brian Branch (Achilles)
Decker typically sits out at least one practice each week, as part of his injury management program. And while missing a second practice is not unusual, it’s been a while since it’s happened, and it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Joseph returned to practice last week, but only practiced one day, while sitting out the other two practices. The All-Pro safety was already on the practice field on Wednesday this week, so a rest day on Thursday could be part of the rehabilitation plan. While this absence does not necessarily indicate a setback, it’s also not encouraging for his chances of playing this weekend.
Branch’s continued appearance on the injury report is only because they have not placed him on injured reserve. This is merely a formality at this point, as he has already had successful surgery on his Achilles and is clearly done for the season.
Limited practice
- RB Sione Vaki (thumb)
- WR Kalif Raymond (ankle)
- TE Shane Zylstra (knee, still on IR) — Days remaining in injury evaluation clock: 10
- LG Christian Mahogany (fibula, still on IR) — Days remaining in injury evaluation clock: 19
- LG Kayode Awosika (foot)
- S Thomas Harper (concussion)
Vaki’s thumb injury continues to limit him in practices, but he’s been good to go in games. If the thumb injury is a sprain, it could linger a bit longer, but if it’s a break, he may be dealing with this for the remainder of the season.
Raymond returned to practice on Wednesday after missing the previous two games. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp insisted that once available, Raymond will return to his punt returner role, but also acknowledged Tom Kennedy has done enough to keep the kick return role. Raymond would also likely return to a WR3/4 role on offense, likely splitting time with rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
Zylstra has stacked another practice, and with the Lions releasing two tight ends in the last two days, the writing on the wall suggests Zylstra has a good chance of being removed from injured reserve and added back to the 53-man roster as early as this weekend.
Mahogany is just two days into his injury evaluation window and appears to be progressing well. While he has suggested he wants to try to return this week, the more likely scenario is that he would make his return for the Lions’ Week 16 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Week 17 game in Minnesota.
Awosika missed last week’s game due to a mid-week foot injury, but his stacking two practices is a good sign that he may be able to return to the starting left guard position. Things are still a bit up in the air—will Awosika or Mahogany be ready?—but the Lions could always turn back to veteran Trystan Colon, who has started each of the last two weeks.
Harper has now practiced for two days in a row and appears to be on the right track to be cleared from the League’s concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday. With Branch headed to injured reserve and Joseph looking like he could miss another week, the Lions would really benefit from having Harper available.
Full practice
- LB Alex Anzalone (illness) — upgraded from no practice
Anzalone didn’t practice on Wednesday due to an illness, but he was back at practice on Thursday, suggesting he’s on track to play on Sunday. Anzalone is a unique cog in the Lions’ defense, and with the Rams on the docket, Detroit will surely need his coverage skills.
Rams’ injury report
Coming soon.
