The Detroit Lions (6-2) head to Germany in Week 10 to take on the New England Patriots (5-4), but before they travel overseas, they’ll hold two practices in Allen Park: a walkthrough on Wednesday and a standard practice on Thursday.
A walkthrough practice means that all participation levels are estimates from the coaching staff based on how the player would have participated in a traditional practice. So, with that in mind, let’s look at Wednesday’s injury report and get you up to date on what we
know.
Note: Any changes from the most recent injury report will be bolded.
Injured list updates
- RB Isiah Pacheco (MCL/Back, IR) — expected to be out until December
- OL Giovanni Manu (undisclosed, NFI) — eligible to begin practicing at any time
- OL Ben Bartch (foot, IR) — eligible to begin practicing at any time
- LB Devin White (forearm, IR) — eligible to begin practicing at any time
- LB Jack Campbell (neck, IR) — determined to play football again
- S Kerby Joseph (knee, PUP) — injury evaluation clock started
- S Thomas Harper (ankle, IR) — eligible to begin practicing at any time
Campbell was officially added to the Lions injured reserve list last Saturday, and while he continues to improve, his overall health and status with the team remain undetermined. That said, Campbell is reportedly determined to play football again and wants the team to “make sure the house is taken care of until I can get back.”
Estimated no practice
- RB Sione Vaki (ankle) — downgraded to no practice
- C Cade Mays (low ankle sprain)
- CB D.J. Reed (hip)
Vaki popped up on Week 9’s injury report late in the week, and while he was given a questionable designation for the game, he was available and contributed in RB2 and starting special teams roles. The Lions may take things slowly with him this week, but unless he had a set back, he still has a chance to play in Germany.
Mays and Reed were both injured in Week 8, missed Week 9, and appear to be longshots to suit up in Week 10, according to Lions coach Dan Campbell.
“I don’t see Cade and Reed practicing today,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Wednesday. “I don’t see them practicing today. They have got a way outside shot of playing. Way, way, way outside shot.”
Juice Scruggs has been starting at center while Mays recovers, and the Lions have rotated corners to split snaps while Reed is sidelined. Last week, Rock Ya-Sin got the start and played the majority of the rotation, but Khalil Dorsey, Ennis Rakestraw, and recently promoted Nick Whiteside saw some situational work as well.
Estimated limited practice
- QB Jared Goff (chest) — New Injury
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (rib)
- S Brian Branch (hip) — New Injury
- S Kerby Joseph (knee, PUP) — Days remaining in injury evaluation clock: 6
Goff took a few more shots against the Dolphins that he normally does, so this could be a light day for him to recover, as there have been no indicators that they’re worried about him missing this game. We’ll still have to wait until Thursday to get a better idea, but there’s no need to panic just yet.
St. Brown was injured in Week 8 and had limited practice time ahead of Week 9, but he didn’t appear limited in the game. With this week’s game in his mother’s home country, and all the charity work he’s done in Germany over the last two years, you can be sure he’s playing.
Branch just cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol only to show up on this week’s injury report with a new ailment. It’s not clear when he suffered this hip injury, as he played the entire game last Sunday, but like Goff, we’ll have to doubel check his status on Thursday before we can feel totally comfortable.
Joseph continues to make positive strides as he acclimates back to football, and the Lions are happy with his progress, but Campbell has already told the media that Joseph won’t play in Germany. The Lions don’t have to decide on his PUP status until next Tuesday.
Estimated full practice
- RB Jacob Saylors (neck/hamstring) — Upgraded after limited practice last week
- EDGE DJ Wonnum (concussion) — Upgraded after no practice last week
Saylors injured his neck in Week 7, couldn’t play the entire game in Week 8, and fully missed Week 9, even though he was a limited participant, and now he’d added a hamstring injury to his list of ailments. Getting more work this week is positive, and desppite the full practice, the Lions will probably take it slow with him.
Wonnum suffered a concussion in Week 8 that kept him from playing in Week 9, but he’s made progress since then and is close to completing the NFL’s concussion protocols, according to Campbell:
“Wonnum, he’s cleared his first obstacle; second obstacle here. So, he’s going to be able to practice today. As long as he gets through practice, he should be good to go. So, that’s encouraging.”
No longer on the injury report
- LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (toe)
- CB Rock Ya-Sin (cramps)
The players listed in this section no longer require a spot on the injury report.
Patriots’ initial injury report
Coming soon.
