One of the first things we do when we walk onto the practice field area at the Detroit Lions training facility is to look for which players are absent from the session. On Wednesday, I noticed someone in an unfamiliar number running at the end of one of the two practice fields.
It took me a quick minute to realize that the player working out in the No. 4 Lions jersey was cornerback Emmanuel Moseley. It was the first time since the veteran signed with Detroit early this offseason that we’ve seen Moseley in his actual jersey.
Moseley remains on the Lions’ PUP list and didn’t practice. Under the watchful eyes of trainers and team special assistant Chris Spielman, Moseley did the most extensive running and movement drills we’ve seen to this point.
The cornerback did not have his left knee in a heavy brace or tight neoprene wrap as he went through the series of runs and steps. Considering he had been wearing the wrap even while wearing street clothes in recent practices, that has to be considered progress. He’s recovering from a second knee procedure since tearing his left ACL last October while playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
There still isn’t a timetable for a return. Even off the record, one of the trainers refused to comment or speculate about Moseley. Beyond coach Dan Campbell’s recent “it’s going to be a while” comment, we have not seen or heard anything prior to Wednesday that gives an indication of Moseley’s level of progress.
