After holding a walkthrough on Wednesday, the Detroit Lions (5-2) returned to the practice field on Thursday as they prepare to take on the Miami Dolphins (1-6). While Wednesday’s report was just estimates from the coaching staff, Thursday’s practice mirrored the same level of participation for most players, with a couple of upgrades.
With that in mind, here’s Thursday’s injury report and what we know.
Note: Any changes from the most recent injury report will be bolded.
Estimated no practice
- C Cade Mays (ankle) — Preparing for Juice Scruggs to start
- EDGE DJ Wonnum (concussion)
- LB Jack Campbell (neck)
- CB D.J. Reed (hip)
Earlier in the week, coach Dan
Campbell suggested Mays might miss Wednesday and Thursday’s practices, so this isn’t a surprise, but it’s still unclear whether he can return on Friday. Campbell said the team is preparing to start Scruggs this week, but nothing is finalized.
Wonnum is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and while he still has a chance to pass the protocols this week, his lack of return to practice suggests he is a bit further back than hoped.
No updates on Campbell since Wednesday.
Reed said he was in a good spot in his post-game media availability last Sunday, so his absence from practice could mean his injury was worse than he realized or that the team is giving the veteran extra time to be ready. We’ll find out more on Friday.
Estimated limited practice
- RB Jacob Saylors (neck)
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (rib)
- S Kerby Joseph (knee, PUP) — Days remaining in injury evaluation clock: 12
Saylors popped up on last week’s injury report with a neck injury and was also forced from the game because of it, but getting in practice reps is a good sign he’s headed in the right direction.
St. Brown got a little banged up in Week 7, but it’s rare to see him scale back even a little, so it’s not surprising that he was back on the practice field this week, and expectations are that he is on track to play against the Dolphins.
Joseph is expanding his practice exposure this week, but the team is not going to rush him back, and Campbell has already said they don’t plan to activate him this week. He still has 12 days left in his injury evaluation window, which could put him in play for the Lions-Patriots game in Germany, or potentially the following week when they host the Bucs.
Estimated full practice
- LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (toe)
- CB Rock Ya-Sin (cramps)
- S Brian Branch (concussion)
Ogbongbemiga did not appear to suffer an injury in Week 7, but he showed up on this week’s injury report with a toe injury. Not much is known about this injury, but getting in a full practice is a good sign he may be able to play on Sunday. If not, the Lions did add two linebackers to the active roster this week and another to the practice squad, in case the team needs more depth.
Ya-Sin was added to the injury report with “cramps,” suggesting he required fluids, but there shouldn’t be too much to worry about long term as long as he manages his hydration.
Branch is making steady progress through the NFL’s concussion protocols and was on the practice field on Thursday, suggesting he is positioning himself to play on Sunday. He still has steps to clear, including clearance from an independent doctor, but things look on track for now.
Dolphins’ injury report
Coming soon.
