Hope and optimism are filling the air this holiday season for Lions fans. There is more reason for hope than any season in decades with an NFL-leading 11-1 record. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, team health from this point forward will be a major factor in determining their fate.
Let’s check the outlook of the players on injured reserve (IR) using quotes about hope from some of my favorite movies.
“You must complete your mission. You must lay the seeds for the future. You’re here to influence history and worlds to come.”
– Mr. Robertson in Predestination
Aidan Hutchinson – left tibia/fibula fracture, October 13
This superstar DE was on the short list for defensive player of the year before his injury. The timeline for a tib/fib recovery is typically at least four months.
The Super Bowl is 17 weeks from the time of his injury. I expect him to return for the big game, albeit in limited fashion and with limited ability. He won’t have his usual quickness, strength, or stamina, but he may still be effective as a decoy and distraction to the opponent. The greatest value of his early return may be off-the-field as an inspirational, emotional boost to the team and the fanbase.
Next season, he should be back to his elite self as he cements his influence on Lions history.
“I do not believe it to be a matter of hope, it is simply a matter of time.”
– Morpheus in The Matrix
These players have short-term injuries that will allow them to return for the start of the playoffs or even before.
Alex Anzalone – left forearm fracture, November 17
This speedy starting LB has an estimated 6-8 week recovery for his forearm. The silver lining to the injury is that his legs are unaffected allowing him to return stronger and fresher than before. December 30 (Week 17) or January 5 (Week 18) are likely dates for his return.
Kalif Raymond – left foot, November 24
The Lions’ primary kick returner and valuable backup WR fortunately avoided a serious foot injury. He is expected to be back at the latest for the start of the playoffs, and is eligible to return with two games left in the regular season on December 30.
“I will see you again. But not yet. Not yet.”
– Juba in Gladiator
It’s unknown whether we will see these players yet again this season due to uncertain severity and prognosis. But they are signed with the Lions for future years, so if they don’t return this season, we should see them in the next.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin – neck, November 3
This special-teams captain and valuable backup LB has an unspecified neck injury. He is eligible to return December 5 (week 14) and is signed through the 2025 season.
Ennis Rakestraw – hamstring, November 22
This 2nd-round rookie has had two hamstring issues this season. The first one in September cost him two games. The second will cost at least four games with the earliest possible return date of December 22 (week 16). He is in the 1st year of his 4-year rookie contract.
“Hope Can Be A Dangerous Thing.”
– Red in The Shawshank Redemption
Ifeatu Melifonwu – ankle, August 17; finger, November 14
After ending last season in spectacular fashion, there was hope that Melifonwu could build on that this year. Unfortunately, multiple prolonged injuries this year made hope for his return a dangerous thing.
After an injury to his ankle area in preseason, there was an uncertain recovery causing a delayed placement on IR. I suspect Achilles tendonitis, given the uncertain recovery timeline.
After he started his practice window in November, he was placed on IR a second time with an unspecified finger injury. The recovery timeline of the finger is unknown, and it’s not even certain that the ankle/Achilles is ready-to-go.
Hope is fading that he can help the team at all this year. The earliest he can return is December 22 (week 16).
“My mama always told me that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do.”
– Forrest in Forrest Gump
These players have long-term injuries with recovery timelines of multiple months. It may take a minor miracle for them to return for the playoffs.
John Cominsky – MCL, July 30
The “Commish” had MCL surgery with an estimated 5-6 month recovery. If the estimate is accurate, he could be back in January. His return would aide both the DT and DE positions as he can effectively play both.
Derrick Barnes – right MCL & PCL, September 22
This hybrid LB/DE had surgery for an MCL and PCL injury. There is still a glimmer of hope he could return late in the playoffs. However, he will need to make fast progress in rehab as he was only just getting on an exercise bike in mid-November.
“Hope is a mistake. If you can’t fix what’s broken, you’ll go insane.”
– Max in Mad Max: Fury Road
For these players, hope for a return this season is a mistake. Their injuries will have been surgically fixed and require a long recovery.
Malcolm Rodriguez – right ACL, November 28
Rodrigo tore his ACL on Thanksgiving. The recovery timeline is around 11 months so hopefully he’ll be back around October next year. Expect him to start training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He is signed through the 2025 season on his rookie contract.
Marcus Davenport – left elbow, September 22
This free agent was signed to start at DE opposite Hutchinson but only appeared in two games before hurting his left elbow. Scattered reports suggest a triceps rupture and there does not appear to be any possibility he’ll be back this season.
Kyle Peko – left pec rupture, October 13
This valuable backup DT ruptured his pec requiring surgery. Given the importance of pec strength to his position, there is no hope for a return this season.
“Welcome to the party, pal!”
– John McClane in Die Hard
Congrats to these players who have battled through long stints on IR to join the active roster party.
Brodric Martin – right knee hyperextension, August 24
This 2nd-year DT played for the first time this season on Thanksgiving with two defensive snaps. With injuries mounting along the defensive line, his workload may spike in the next game.
Emmanuel Moseley – pec rupture, August 5
This 28-year-old CB has recovered from pec surgery, not to mention ACL tears each of the past two years. On November 24, he returned to play 15 special teams snaps vs the Colts. Unexpectedly, he was inactive the next game vs the Bears due to a minor unspecified pregame issue.
And one final quote, for all Lions fans in the midst of this glorious season…
