The Lions have an unusual workweek with two Thursday games in a row. That means yesterday (Sunday) aligns with a typical Wednesday, and today (Monday) is like a Thursday. An NP (no practice) today could be viewed as a typical NP on a Thursday which means leaning out.
My main concerns coming out of last game were Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, and Malcom Rodriguez, and all showed up on today’s report except Rodriguez who was put on IR with a torn ACL. Here is my postgame report with injury videos of those four players.
There was a surprise after the game when Mekhi Wingo was placed on IR with a suspected right knee injury. Dan Campbell stated he is out for the season. We don’t have a diagnosis yet, but here is the video where Wingo may have been hurt:
Mekhi Wingo R knee injury video
-This is the suspicious play. Next play limping then left game, returned with knee brace.
-Can’t see much. R leg gets dragged a bit.
-Out for season, probable surgery pic.twitter.com/eDIqtEVCXt— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 30, 2024
DETROIT LIONS
Taylor Decker LT, knee (NP)
Dan Campbell stated on Sunday that he’s “day to day… it’ll come down to the wire whether he can go this week.” Video suggested a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain in the Colts game eight days ago. Last year, Decker missed two games with a similar-looking ankle sprain. He is officially listed with only a knee which suggests the knee is the more concerning issue.
Alim McNeill missed four games last year with an MCL that he played through during the game. I’m expecting Decker to be out for at least a second straight game. If he can return next week, that would be a good outcome.
DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP)
Reader landed hard on an outstretched left shoulder last game which was concerning for a subluxation. He stayed in the game but was clearly bothered. A subluxation could be a long-term issue so hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder sprain. There is no word on his diagnosis yet.
Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (NP)
Onwuzurike suffered a left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving. He’s likely out this week given the propensity of hamstrings to get aggravated.
Josh Paschal DE, knee (NP)
Paschal took an awkward step and hurt his right knee on Thanksgiving. While the diagnosis is unknown, early signs are that the injury isn’t serious. It’s looking like he’s going to be out this week though.
Carlton Davis CB, knee (LP)
Davis had a non-contact injury to his left knee area eight days ago and missed Thanksgiving. I’m suspecting a mild strain to a muscle/tendon in his posterior knee. The LP is a very good sign that the injury is minor and he could be ready for Thursday.
Dan Campbell on Saturday stated: “He’s day to day, questionable”
Emmanuel Moseley CB, hamstring (FP)
Now we have the answer to the mystery pregame issue that caused Moseley to miss Thanksgiving. Good news that the hamstring is very minor and the FP means he’s on track to play vs the Packers.
PLAYERS ON IR
Returning soon:
- Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect him at the end of the regular season.
- Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expect him towards the end of the regular season.
Uncertain return:
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – Eligible to return this week.
- Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
- Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.
Late playoffs at best:
- Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in Super Bowl.
- John Cominsky, MCL – Projected January return at earliest.
- Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL – Unlikely to be back.
Not expected to return:
- Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
- Marcus Davenport, left elbow
- Kyle Peko, left pec
- Mekhi Wingo, right knee
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Jaire Alexander CB, knee (LP)
This starting CB has missed 2 games with the PCL injury that has lingered for multiple weeks. While he could probably use more time off, he may be playing vs the Lions.
Romeo Doubs WR, concussion (LP)
Doubs missed last game with a concussion. It looks like he’s progressing well through the protocol and will play. He has been productive with 34 catches for 483 yards this year which is second on the team behind Jayden Reed.
Edgerrin Cooper LB, hamstring (NP)
This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last two games with the hamstring and it looks like he’ll miss another. He has 2.5 sacks and 31 solo tackles on the year.
Corey Ballentine CB, knee (NP)
Ballentine is mainly a special teams player.
Elgton Jenkins OG, knee (NP)
Jenkins is a starting OG and has played in every game this year.
Here is the full Packers report:
