The New England Patriots (5-4) departed for Germany Wednesday night, while the Detroit Lions (6-2) had one more practice in Allen Park, Michigan, before catching their flight Thursday night. After a walkthrough on Wednesday, the Lions took the field for the first time this week, giving a clearer sense of where the team stands heading into Week 10.
Note: Any changes from the most recent injury report will be bolded.
Ruled OUT
- C Cade Mays (low ankle sprain)
- CB D.J. Reed (hip)
- S Kerby Joseph (knee, PUP) — Days remaining in injury evaluation clock: 5
Mays and Reed have been ruled out of this game, which shouldn’t surprise anyone given
comments from Lions coach Dan Campbell earlier in the week. Look for the Lions to turn to Juice Scruggs to start at center and a corner rotation led by Rock Ya-Sin opposite Roger McCreary.
The Lions continue to get Joseph as much work as possible; even though he’s ruled out of this Sunday’s game, he got in a Full Practice on Thursday. Joseph is nearing the end of his injury evaluation window, and a decision on the future of his season will come early next week.
None of these three players will travel to Germany with the team.
No practice
- RB Sione Vaki (ankle)
Vaki will travel with the team to Germany, which is encouraging, considering he hasn’t practiced this week. We’ll have to see his participation levels on Friday before we can get a clearer picture of his status for the game, but making the trip is a sign that the team believes there’s a chance he can play.
Limited practice
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (rib)
St. Brown is nursing a rib injury, but all indications are that he’ll be a go on Sunday. On any given week, it’s challenging to slow him down so his body can recover, but with the importance of this game to him and his family, he’s surely doing everything he can to be ready.
Full practice
- QB Jared Goff (chest) — upgraded from an estimated limited practice on Wednesday
- RB Jacob Saylors (neck/hamstring)
- EDGE DJ Wonnum (concussion)
- S Brian Branch (hip) — upgraded from an estimated limited practice on Wednesday
Goff and Branch were estimated to be limited on Wednesday, but when they took the field on Thursday, both practiced fully. They are both on track to play in this game.
Saylors has dealt with this injury for over two weeks, even missing last game, but the strategy seems to be working as he’s stacked full practices and looks on track to return to the field.
Wonnum is still working through the NFL’s concussion protocols, but Campbell noted that getting through Wednesday’s practice would be a huge step. With that hurdle looking like it has been cleared, there’s a real chance he’ll be available to play on Sunday.
Patriots’ injury report
Full report coming soon, but the Patriots have already ruled out three players, including starting CB Carlton Davis III (knee), RB2 TreVeyon Henderson (illness), and starting rotational LG Ben Brown (knee).
