The Lions gutted out a Thanksgiving victory but not before a myriad of players went down with injuries. There will be no mini-bye respite yet as the next game is in seven days on Thursday Night Football vs the Packers.
The main concerns coming out of the game are Malcolm Rodriguez, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and DJ Reader. Unfortunately, all those are along the front-7 which was already a significantly weakened unit coming into the game.
In Dan Campbell’s postgame press conference, he did provide some injury updates which I will include below.
These are the injuries I saw on initial watch along with suspected diagnoses:
Emmanuel Moseley
Moseley was a surprise inactive with Carlton Davis out, Terrion Arnold recovering (groin), and Kindle Vildor struggling last game. Moseley had played 15 special teams snaps last game without obvious issue. Dan Campbell stated that he had “pregame something that popped up”. It doesn’t sound too serious or long-term, but his status for next game is uncertain.
Terrion Arnold – groin
Despite a full week of “estimated” FP’s, Arnold did not start the 1st drive although he started all the drives after that. As to why, Dan Campbell stated: “We just wanted to make sure he was good.” Arnold looked sharp throughout the game.
Josh Paschal – right knee, 2q 12:50
Paschal appeared to take a hard step onto his right leg and did not return to the game. No deformity of the knee was seen on video which is good. He went to the locker room but returned to the sideline which is reassuring. A bone bruise is a possibility as well as cartilage damage. He’ll get an MRI soon to evaluate.
Josh Paschal knee injury video
-Not much on vid. Looks like take hard step onto right leg towards the end. Hope just mild bone bruise. pic.twitter.com/mSe6MufpRE— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 28, 2024
Levi Onwuzurike – left hamstring, 2q 00:09
The video looked concerning for a knee sprain but it was officially listed as a hamstring. He did not return to the game. He’s likely out for at least next game. Severity will determine how long he is out.
Levi Onwuzurike L knee injury video
-Slight varus strain of knee. Could be lateral ligaments strain or patella tendon strain pic.twitter.com/fCMSoWN2mM— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 28, 2024
Mekhi Wingo – mild right knee sprain, 3q
Wingo had a slight limp during the 1st drive of the 2nd half. There was no obvious injury on video. He showed up with a right knee brace on the 2nd drive of the half and was still playing at the 12:00 mark of the 4th quarter. Hoping that this is just a mild knee sprain.
DJ Reader – left shoulder, 4q 11:18
The mechanism here is concerning for a shoulder subluxation. Hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder strain. Good news is that he did return to the game although there were points where you could see that the shoulder was still bothering him.
DJ Reader L shoulder injury video
-Possible shoulder subluxation pic.twitter.com/7YFCgUNCcB— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 28, 2024
Dan Skipper – right back or ribs, 4q 9:14
Skipper took a direct blow to the right torso/flank area. That is the same area as the rib injury he suffered in week 3, and I’m suspecting an aggravation of that injury. He was able to finish out the game and I don’t have any concerns going forward.
Khalil Dorsey – right low ankle sprain, 4q 8:24
His right ankle inverted slightly causing him to come up limping. I’m suspecting a mild low ankle sprain. He was able to stay in the game and should be fine.
Malcolm Rodriguez – right knee, 4q 6:39
Dan Campbell stated: “Rodrigo is the [injury] that could be the worst.”
The video was not clear but there is a concern for a non-contact ACL. Hopefully, it’s just a mild knee sprain.
Malcolm Rodriguez R knee injury video
-No good replay. R knee might buckle a bit. Main concern is ACL. pic.twitter.com/vwPLZIjLIQ— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 28, 2024
Kindle Vildor – left arm contusion, 4q 3:14
Vildor had his left arm banged in friendly fire. He left the game briefly but returned and should be fine.
Za’Darius Smith – cramps, 4q 3:06 & 1:08
Smith needed assistance a couple times at the end of the game. I’m suspecting simple cramps as he was given an electrolyte drink on the sideline immediately after the initial episode. He was able to finish out the game.
Brian Branch – left ankle, 4q 1:04
There was no video of the injury here, but after the play, he was grabbing at his left ankle. He stayed in the game and looked to be fine.
